New Delhi: “Retail success isn’t just about what you sell—it’s about where you sell,” says Nilesh Ved, owner of Apparel Group and chairman of AppCorp Holding. Speaking at The Economic Times Great India Retail Summit 2025 last month, Ved emphasized the critical role of prime real estate and robust backend operations in scaling retail businesses, as his company expands aggressively across India and the Gulf region.
With a presence in 14 countries and 2,300 stores worldwide, Apparel Group is making significant strides in India, currently operating 14 brands and around 280-290 stores. “If the right opportunities come along, we can add 500 more stores in India,” Ved stated. The group is also set to bring Carrefour to India, marking its entry into the grocery segment.
Speaking on the retail’s biggest challenge, Ved highlighted that securing prime real estate remains a major challenge, particularly in India. “Good locations are hard to come by. In the Gulf, we take what we get and make it work, but in India, securing the right space is critical for growth.”
In Saudi Arabia, Apparel Group already operates 700 stores and plans to add 300 more this year. In Dubai, the scale is even larger—Dubai Mall alone attracts over 111 million visitors annually. “Give me a ground-floor spot there, and we can make things happen,” he quipped.
Consumer Behavior: India vs. Dubai
Unlike Dubai, where malls see a mix of 4.2 million residents and 18 million tourists, Indian consumers are more predictable. “Consumer preferences vary by city, which helps us tailor offerings more effectively,” Ved noted. He cited a stark contrast in per-square-foot sales for Skechers, which performs better in Dubai Mall than in India’s Time Square.
Omnichannel play and quick commerce
Apparel Group is doubling down on omnichannel strategies, with a mix of online, offline, and marketplace presence. “Quick commerce has changed consumer expectations in India. While it’s great for essentials, it may not work for fashion. We plan to use it selectively for a limited range of SKUs.”
Ved also spoke about Apparel Group’s joint venture with Nykaa in Dubai. “We’ve opened two stores, and six more are in the pipeline, along with a dedicated app for the Gulf region. Beauty is a space we’re keen on, and Nykaa’s expertise makes this partnership ideal,” he said.
Talking about building customer loyalty through data he said, Loyalty is no longer about cards but data-driven insights. “Our app helps us track shopping patterns across our 12 million customers, allowing us to personalize experiences and drive repeat engagement.”
As Indian retail transforms in a hyper-connected world, Ved underscores the importance of real estate, omnichannel reach, and consumer data in staying ahead. “It’s not just about retail—it’s about knowing where the consumer is and how to be there first.”
