Brands
Ingka Centres’ newest destination, Lykli puts India in front and centre of the retail revolution
Mumbai: India’s retail landscape is experiencing a remarkable transformation as the country witnesses a skyrocketing rise of the shopping mall culture. Anticipated to surge at an annual growth rate of 29 per cent, the retail sales within the shopping malls of the top eight cities are poised to reach an impressive $39 billion by 2027. As consumers crave immersive shopping experiences and a diverse range of offerings under one roof, Ingka Centres’ newest meeting place Lykli is set to emerge as a key destination for entertainment, social connections and retail therapy in the lucrative Indian market.
“Shopping malls have long been perceived as simply places to shop. Ingka Centres´ immersive experiences challenge this outdated concept and transform shopping malls into a destination for many people to recharge, play, build emotional connections and nurture community. Lykli will capture that promise in its own unique way directly speaking to the people of Gurugram,” says Ingka Centres global marketing manager Anna Larsen.
The name Lykli comes from ‘lycklig’, a Swedish word for ‘happy’ and it was chosen by its future customers in India! With customer satisfaction being the company’s top priority, Ingka Centres invited people to share their feelings around several potential names, and they were instinctively drawn to happiness, vibrancy and liveliness embodied by ´Lykli`.
The first assets to bear the bright and lively new brand will be Lykli Gurugram meeting place in New Delhi, scheduled to open in late 2025. The meeting place will be anchored by IKEA and has been designed to meet local needs with a playful blend of dining and entertainment complemented by a diverse retail selection of both global and local brands. It will also provide high-class office facilities as well as spaces for community events. Earlier this year, Ingka Centres confirmed that PVR Limited became the first tenant of Lykli Gurugram that will operate a nine-screen movie multiplex as a part of a leisure offer in a new meeting place, with many more tenants bringing unique and exciting experiences!
Ingka Centres already won the hearts of both industry and its loyal customers with its dedication to people and planet, and with Lykli they want to further strengthen that promise. The new meeting place is thoughtfully designed to foster a sense of community and prioritise well-being of over two million busy individuals in Gurugram. With a strong focus on health and well-being, it offers spaces that encourage relaxation and support mental and physical wellness. By addressing these specific areas, the meeting place aims to build a supportive community that caters to the holistic needs of its local population.
Reflecting the local community’s need for more than shopping, but also catering to the awoken conscious consumer, the new meeting place will set the golden standard for the next generation of sustainable mixed-use destinations. Throughout the development of the meeting place in India, Ingka Centres maximises renewable energy usage, prioritises water recycling, and implements effective waste management and recycling initiatives. With its passion for building communities and protecting the planet, Lykli is set to bring a delightful blend of freshness and playfulness into the lives of the people of Gurugram!
Brands
Samsung India elevates Aditya Babbar to lead mobile business
Exec takes charge of MX sales and marketing after Raju Pullan’s exit
NEW DELHI: Samsung India has elevated Aditya Babbar to lead its mobile phone business, following the exit of Raju Antony Pullan.
Babbar, who previously served as vice president within the mobile division, has been appointed head of sales and marketing for the MX (mobile experience) business, effective May 1. In his new role, he will oversee the company’s sales and marketing operations for smartphones and related categories in India, reporting to the executive vice president of the MX business.
A long-time Samsung executive, Babbar brings over a decade of experience within the organisation, having held multiple leadership roles across product, marketing and category management. Most recently, he led product marketing and e-commerce for the mobile division, following earlier stints as head of product and marketing and senior director roles.
His career within Samsung Electronics and its India operations has also included responsibilities for flagship devices, tablets and wearables, giving him a broad view of the company’s premium and mass-market portfolio.
Babbar succeeds Pullan, who stepped down from the role, marking a leadership transition at a time when India remains a key battleground for global smartphone makers.
The appointment signals continuity within Samsung’s leadership bench, with an internal candidate stepping up to steer one of its most critical business units in a highly competitive market.
