Brands
Bhawna Rao opens flagship store, redefining luxury with bespoke couture
MUMBAI: Bhawna Rao has unveiled its flagship store in Chattarpur, offering a refined shopping experience for those who appreciate elegance with a personal touch. More than just a retail space, the boutique blends intricate craftsmanship with modern luxury in an intimate, immersive setting.
Inspired by Baroque architecture, the store’s interiors feature grand French columns, graceful archways, and a soft, ethereal ambience. Delicate music and soothing fragrances enhance the experience, making each visit as indulgent as the couture on display.
What sets this boutique apart is its bespoke approach. Exclusive fittings, one-on-one consultations, and couture designed to celebrate individuality transform shopping into a personalised journey. Customers are invited to explore a collection that balances opulence with comfort, showcasing fine fabrics that feel as luxurious as they look.
Film star Nushrratt Bharuccha arrived in a dazzling Rao creation, embodying contemporary regal charm.
Speaking about this new milestone, Rao shared, “I wanted to create a space where women could enjoy a curated, luxurious experience that is both personal and comfortable. Every detail, from the ambience to the service, is designed to make each visit feel truly special. Our designs are crafted for extraordinary occasions, and this boutique reflects that same sense of celebration.”
Since its inception in 2016, Rao has become synonymous with refined craftsmanship and contemporary couture. This flagship store marks a new phase for the brand, with aspirations to extend its presence across India and beyond.
Brands
Domino’s Q1 profit falls 6.6 per cent, announces $1 billion buyback
Sales rise 3.4 per cent as pizza giant balances growth and shareholder returns
NEW YORK: Domino’s reported a mixed start to 2026, with first-quarter net income slipping even as global sales and store expansion held steady. The company also announced a fresh $1 billion share buyback, underlining its continued focus on shareholder returns.
Global retail sales rose 3.4 per cent on a constant-currency basis to $4.74 billion. The US remained a key growth engine, with same-store sales inching up 0.9 per cent, supported by a 1.5 per cent rise at company-owned outlets.
International markets, however, painted a more uneven picture. While Domino’s added 161 net new stores overseas during the quarter, international same-store sales declined 0.4 per cent. Overall revenues still climbed 3.5 per cent to $1.15 billion, driven by higher supply chain revenues and a 2.6 per cent increase in food basket pricing for franchisees.
On the profitability front, net income fell 6.6 per cent to $139.8 million, compared to $149.7 million a year earlier. Diluted earnings per share dropped to $4.13 from $4.33. The decline was largely attributed to a $30 million unfavourable swing in unrealised gains linked to its investment in DPC Dash Ltd.
Despite this, operational performance showed resilience. Income from operations rose 9.6 per cent to $230.4 million, supported in part by a $7.8 million pre-tax gain from the sale of a corporate aircraft.
Domino’s footprint continued to expand, with the company ending the quarter at 22,322 stores across more than 90 markets. In the US, digital orders remained dominant, accounting for over 85 per cent of retail sales in 2025.
The company also maintained its dividend payout, declaring $1.99 per share, payable on 30 June 2026. After repurchasing $75.1 million worth of stock during the quarter, the new authorisation lifts the total available for buybacks to $1.29 billion.
Domino’s chief executive officer Russell Weiner said the company’s scale and store-level economics position it well to capture further market share in 2026, even as competition intensifies.
As Domino’s leans into expansion and capital returns, the latest results show a business managing short-term pressures while keeping its long-term growth strategy firmly in play.
