Brands
Reliance Retail acquires Himalayan beauty brand Pahadi Local
Deal brings nature-led skincare brand into Reliance’s expanding beauty portfolio
MUMBAI: Reliance Retail Limited has acquired the beauty and wellness brand Pahadi Local, along with its business, from Pahadi Goodness Private Limited, further expanding its presence in India’s fast-growing natural skincare market.
The acquisition brings a Himalayan-inspired brand into Reliance Retail’s beauty portfolio, aligning with the company’s strategy of nurturing purpose-driven Indian brands with strong storytelling and loyal consumer communities.
Founded in 2018, Pahadi Local has built a reputation for skincare and wellness products rooted in traditional Himalayan ingredients and clean formulations. The brand draws on time-honoured extraction methods and locally sourced botanicals, offering products designed to support skin health while emphasising sustainability and transparency.
Commenting on the development, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited executive director Isha Ambani, said the brand’s ethos and authenticity make it a natural fit for the group’s growing beauty ecosystem.
“At Reliance Retail, we are focused on curating brands that combine authenticity with innovation and meaningful consumer relevance. Pahadi Local’s roots in Himalayan wellness traditions and its commitment to responsible sourcing make it a compelling addition to our beauty ecosystem,” she said.
Ambani added that Reliance plans to expand the brand through its omni-channel network and experiential retail platforms while preserving the purity and identity that define Pahadi Local.
A key highlight of the brand’s portfolio is Gutti Ka Tel, or apricot kernel oil, a traditional Himalayan ingredient that has gained popularity among skincare enthusiasts. The brand has also earned recognition for working closely with women-led self-help groups in Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, supporting local livelihoods and community initiatives in healthcare, education and environmental conservation.
Following the acquisition, the founding team of Pahadi Local will continue to guide the brand’s creative direction and product development, ensuring continuity in its philosophy and consumer promise.
Reliance Retail plans to scale the brand by expanding its presence across physical retail formats, strengthening its digital commerce footprint and accelerating product innovation.
Reliance Retail Limited operates under Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, the holding company for retail businesses within the Reliance Industries group. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, the company runs an integrated omni-channel network of 19,979 stores and digital platforms serving more than 378 million registered customers.
With the addition of Pahadi Local, Reliance Retail continues to sharpen its focus on high-potential Indian brands across beauty, wellness, fashion and lifestyle, particularly those rooted in authenticity, sustainability and strong community connections.
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
