MAM
adidas launches its first flagship store in India
Mumbai: Sportswear brand adidas has unveiled its first flagship store in India at Connaught Place (CP), Delhi.
The brand’s first LEED-certified store in the country called ‘The Home of Possibilities’, is a blend of multiple digital touchpoints and sustainability zone, embodying the future of retail experience for consumers, adidas said in a statement. “The store’s concept is inspired by the brand’s ‘Own the Game’ philosophy which focuses on the three important aspects of experience, sustainability, and credibility,” it added.
With its 32 digital touchpoints powered by green energy, the outlet offers consumers an innovative technological experience. immersive screens, digital plinths and ceiling screens further add to the digital shopping experience. Upcycled carbon tiles are used in the flooring. In line with the brand’s long-term vision and commitment towards sustainability, there’s also a dedicated ‘sustainability zone’ featuring the best sustainable collection.
“‘The Home of Possibilities’ is the very best of our brand in an unrivalled way that brings a global shopping experience under one roof,” said adidas India senior director Sunil Gupta. “Our aim is to reimagine the phygital experience through innovation, creativity and design which further offers our consumers a unique shopping experience. We have also brought in local flavours and elements, through the artwork in the store, the zones featuring our national athletes, and quirky local prints in the customisation zone.”
Bringing forward the essence of India, the flagship store has a devoted section for personalisation and localisation. The Delhi Print Shop offers consumers a bespoke digital DIY experience where they can get their tees done in real-time, stated the brand.
Brands
Lotus Chocolate FY26 profit drops sharply, Q4 slips into loss
Revenue steady at Rs 579.55 crore, Q4 loss at Rs 4.47 crore
MUMBAI: Sweet on the top line, slightly bitter on the bottom Lotus Chocolate’s FY26 numbers tell a story that’s more dark cocoa than milk. The company managed to hold its revenue steady for the year, but profitability took a visible hit, capped by a loss-making fourth quarter. Lotus Chocolate Company Limited reported revenue from operations of Rs 579.55 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, marginally up from Rs 573.75 crore in FY25. Total income rose to Rs 615.61 crore, compared with Rs 574.56 crore in the previous year, supported by a sharp jump in other income to Rs 36.06 crore from just Rs 0.81 crore.
However, the gains at the top did little to cushion profitability. Net profit for FY26 fell dramatically to Rs 0.10 crore, down from Rs 17.23 crore in FY25, reflecting significant cost pressures across the business.
The March quarter proved particularly challenging. The company reported a net loss of Rs 4.47 crore in Q4 FY26, compared with a profit of Rs 0.14 crore in the previous quarter and Rs 1.42 crore in the same quarter last year. Total income for the quarter stood at Rs 138.01 crore, down from Rs 150.21 crore in Q3 FY26 and Rs 157.52 crore in Q4 FY25.
Expenses remained elevated throughout the year. Total expenses rose to Rs 614.44 crore in FY26 from Rs 551.50 crore in FY25, eating into margins. A key swing factor was the cost of materials consumed, which stood at Rs 304.44 crore, while changes in inventories also reflected volatility, with a negative impact of Rs 62.44 crore in the previous year reversing to a positive Rs 52.93 crore this year.
Employee benefit expenses nearly doubled to Rs 34.00 crore from Rs 17.98 crore, while finance costs surged to Rs 16.31 crore from Rs 7.11 crore, indicating higher borrowing and funding costs. Depreciation and amortisation expenses also increased to Rs 3.92 crore from Rs 1.81 crore, reflecting ongoing investments.
On the balance sheet front, total assets stood at Rs 275.96 crore as of March 31, 2026, slightly higher than Rs 270.34 crore a year earlier. Borrowings remained significant, with current borrowings at Rs 89.00 crore, highlighting continued reliance on external funding.
Cash flow dynamics showed improvement in operations, with net cash generated from operating activities at Rs 93.23 crore, compared with a negative Rs 129.60 crore in FY25. However, financing outflows remained high at Rs 74.90 crore, driven largely by repayment of borrowings and interest costs.
Despite stable revenue, the sharp drop in profitability underscores the pressure of rising input costs, higher finance expenses and operational adjustments. The contrast between steady sales and squeezed margins leaves Lotus Chocolate at a crossroads proving that in business, as in confectionery, the real test isn’t just in the sweetness of sales, but in the richness of returns.
