Brands
Q1 FY26: Reliance Retail charges ahead with Rs 84,171 crore revenue blitz as profit surges 28 per cent
MUMBAI: Reliance Retail has delivered a commanding first quarter performance, posting revenues of Rs 84,171 crore—an 11.3 per cent year-on-year surge—whilst profits catapulted 28.3 per cent to Rs 3,271 crore as the retail behemoth continued its relentless expansion across India’s consumer landscape.
The company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation climbed 12.7 per cent to Rs 6,381 crore, with margins expanding 20 basis points to an industry-leading 8.7 per cent—cementing its position as India’s most profitable large-scale retailer.
Reliance Retail’s physical footprint swelled with 388 new store openings during the quarter, taking the total count to 19,592 stores spanning 77.6 million square feet. The registered customer base hit 358 million, reinforcing the company’s claim as one of India’s most preferred retailers.
The star performer was JioMart, which the company described as “India’s fastest scaling digital grocery platform.” The hyperlocal delivery service registered explosive growth with daily orders surging 175 per cent year-on-year and 68 per cent quarter-on-quarter, now serving 4,290 pin codes through 2,200-plus stores across 1,000-plus cities.
JioMart’s rapid-fire expansion included launching AJio Rush, a four-hour delivery service now live in six cities with 130,000-plus options. The initiative is delivering superior unit economics driven by higher average bill values and lower returns, according to the company.
Fashion and lifestyle delivered robust growth, with emerging formats Gap, Azorte and Yousta registering 59 per cent year-on-year growth across 170 stores. Ajio’s new customer revenue share reached 18 per cent, up 150 basis points year-on-year, whilst average bill values jumped 17 per cent. The platform expanded its catalogue to 2.6 million options—44 per cent growth year-on-year.
Consumer electronics faced headwinds from early monsoon onset impacting air conditioner sales, though average bill values surged 26 per cent with conversions up 200 basis points. The company bolstered its own-brand strategy by acquiring Kelvinator brand intellectual property for India.
Grocery maintained its market leadership with broad-based growth across categories. Home and personal care grew 15 per cent year-on-year, as did fruits and vegetables, whilst packaged foods expanded 13 per cent. The Metro format delivered standout performance with home and personal care categories growing 25 per cent year-on-year.
The quarter also saw strategic brand expansions including Shein crossing two million app downloads with 20,000 live options, whilst AJio Luxe grew its portfolio to 875 brands. Premium brands continued segment leadership with Hamleys expanding geographically and launching its Green Club sustainability programme.
“Reliance Retail delivered resilient performance during this quarter driven by our relentless focus on operational excellence, geographical expansion and sharper product portfolio,” said executive director Isha M. Ambani “Our continued investments in cutting-edge technologies and differentiated product offerings have enabled us to serve our customers better and scale with agility.”
The results underscore Reliance Retail’s dominance in India’s Rs 70 trillion retail market, with the company now processing 389 million transactions quarterly—a 16.5 per cent year-on-year increase—as it continues reshaping India’s retail landscape through aggressive digitisation and expansion.
Brands
Davidoff appoints Ahaan Panday as first Brand Ambassador for India
Actor to front new chapter as brand launches Cool Elixir fragrance.
MUMBAI: Davidoff has just found its perfect new splash in India and he comes with star power and a cool, confident vibe. The iconic Swiss fragrance house has announced actor Ahaan Panday as its first-ever Brand Ambassador for India, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s journey in one of its most dynamic markets. Ahaan Panday, known for his fresh energy and strong connect with younger audiences, embodies the modern Davidoff man self-assured yet carefree, ambitious yet grounded. His appointment aligns perfectly with the brand’s “gentleman adventurer” philosophy of adventure, refinement, and living life with intensity.
Sharing his excitement, Ahaan said: “Davidoff is one of those brands I’ve always associated with memories growing up. Cool Water was probably the first perfume I ever tried. To now be named Davidoff’s first Brand Ambassador for India feels incredibly special. I’ve always seen Davidoff as a symbol of confidence and staying true to who you are.”
The collaboration coincides with the launch of Davidoff’s latest global fragrance, Cool Elixir: The New Oud Treasure. This bold composition reinterprets freshness with depth and intensity, featuring a noble oud accord layered with lavandin absolute and rose oxide.
For decades, Davidoff has enjoyed cult status in urban India. With Ahaan Panday now leading the charge, the brand is set to strengthen its cultural presence and connect with a new generation of fragrance enthusiasts through a more contemporary and relatable voice.
In the competitive world of luxury fragrances, Davidoff has made a splash by choosing a young, authentic Indian talent to carry its legacy forward. Expect the scent of success — because when Ahaan Panday teams up with Davidoff, the fragrance game in India is about to get even cooler.
