Brands
Shoppers Stop returns to profit in December quarter despite labour hit
MUMBAI: Retail, it turns out, still knows how to dress up for the occasion. Shoppers Stop reported a return to profit in the December 2025 quarter, navigating festive demand, inventory resets and a one-time labour code impact in what proved to be a mixed but resilient performance.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2025, standalone revenue from operations stood at Rs 1,320.85 crore, taking total income to Rs 1,344.74 crore. After expenses of Rs 1,312.33 crore, the retailer posted a profit before tax of Rs 14.92 crore, supported by seasonal demand and tighter cost control. Net profit for the quarter came in at Rs 12.61 crore, compared to a loss in the preceding quarter.
However, the numbers were not without their wrinkles. An exceptional charge of Rs 17.49 crore was booked following the implementation of the New Labour Codes in November 2025, resulting in a one-time increase in employee benefit provisions. Despite this, Shoppers Stop managed to stay in the black for the quarter.
On a nine-month basis, standalone revenue rose to Rs 3,590.35 crore, though the company reported a loss of Rs 27.96 crore after accounting for the exceptional labour-related impact. Earnings per share for the December quarter stood at Rs 1.14 on both a basic and diluted basis.
At the consolidated level, the story was similar. December quarter revenue reached Rs 1,415.82 crore, with profit after tax at Rs 16.12 crore. For the nine months ended December 31, 2025, consolidated revenue totalled Rs 3,833.53 crore, while losses narrowed compared to the previous year.
Management flagged festive demand, inventory discipline and operational efficiency as key drivers, even as margins were weighed down by promotions and regulatory changes. The retailer also reiterated that it continues to contest the retrospective levy on service tax related to renting of immovable property, amounting to Rs 20.11 crore at the consolidated level, which remains unpaid pending a Supreme Court decision.
Taken together, the December quarter suggests that while Shoppers Stop is still adjusting to structural and regulatory shifts, it has managed to stitch together a profitable festive season proof that in retail, timing and tailoring still matter.
Brands
Hyundai Venue crosses 1 lakh bookings, adds HX8 Diesel AT variant
New top-spec automatic diesel trim brings ventilated seats, OTA updates and paddle shifters.
MUMBAI: Hyundai Venue just hit the jackpot and upgraded the prize because when you cross 1 lakh bookings, you don’t just celebrate, you throw in paddle shifters and ventilated seats for the ride. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) announced that the all-new Hyundai Venue has achieved 1 lakh bookings, cementing its strong position in the compact SUV segment. To mark the milestone and further enhance customer choice, the company introduced the new HX8 Diesel Automatic (AT) variant.
The HX8 Diesel AT is powered by the proven U2 1.5L CRDi diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It adds a host of premium comfort, safety and convenience features, including:
- Ventilated front seats
- Dual-tone leatherette seats with VENUE branding
- Electric 4-way driver seat adjust
- Controller Over-the-Air (OTA) updates
- Hyundai Bluelink connected car technology
- Electric parking brake with auto hold
- Rear disc brakes
- Ambient lighting on crash pad and central console
- Drive mode select (Eco, Normal, Sport)
- Traction control modes (Sand, Mud, Snow)
- Paddle shifters
HMIL, managing director & CEO Tarun Garg said, “We are delighted that the new Hyundai Venue has crossed 1 lakh bookings, reaffirming the strong trust Indian customers place in our brand. The introduction of the new HX8 Diesel Automatic variant further strengthens the Venue lineup, offering customers the perfect blend of diesel efficiency, torque-rich performance and effortless convenience.”
Backed by Hyundai’s extensive sales and service network, the Venue continues to appeal to buyers seeking a feature-rich, comfortable and future-ready compact SUV. The new variant reinforces HMIL’s focus on delivering advanced technology, safety, comfort and value while adapting to evolving customer preferences.
In a segment where bookings are the real horsepower, Hyundai isn’t just counting milestones, it’s handing drivers an automatic upgrade that makes every journey feel like the victory lap.
