Edition #15: Q-Com & E-Com Set for Record Festive Season, US Tariffs Hit Indian Exports & Tata Capital IPO Looms

 👋 Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here to get Retail Detail every Friday.

📰 India Retail Pulse

E-commerce & Q-Comm poised for a record festive season India's e-commerce sector is projected to cross ₹1.2 lakh crore in GMV during the festive season, with quick commerce (q-comm) alone contributing ₹14,014 crore. This marks a 27% jump from last year, driven by strong consumer sentiment. 🔗 Read More

Indian FMCG sector shows signs of revival Analysts are optimistic about a potential revival in the FMCG sector, citing factors like GST rate cuts on staples and moderated food inflation. The real test, however, is whether this momentum can be sustained. 🔗 Read More

Delhi government unveils draft Startup Policy The Delhi government has announced a new policy with a ₹200 crore venture capital fund to support early-stage ventures and foster a stronger startup ecosystem in the capital. 🔗 Read More

Tata Capital among top IPOs on the radar August saw a flurry of IPOs with mixed performances, but the market is now buzzing with anticipation for upcoming listings from big names like Tata Capital, Zepto, and PhonePe. 🔗 Read More

Reliance Retail and Jio IPO updates awaited at RIL AGM Investors are keenly watching the RIL AGM for updates on the potential IPO timelines for Reliance Retail and Jio, alongside the company's new energy and AI strategies. 🔗 Read More

PVR INOX reports Q1FY26 profit recovery The multiplex operator's stock rallied after its quarterly results showed a significant recovery in profitability and a sharp reduction in net loss, signaling renewed investor confidence. 🔗 Read More

Amazon India launches 12 new fulfillment centers Ahead of the festive season, Amazon has expanded its operations network by launching new fulfillment and sort centers, adding over 8.6 million cubic feet of storage capacity. 🔗 Read More

Noida markets get a revamp with focus on aesthetics and walkability Three key commercial markets in Noida, including Brahmaputra Market, are undergoing a facelift with new granite flooring, decorative lights, and improved pedestrian spaces to enhance the shopping experience. 🔗 Read More

🌍 World Retail Headlines at a Glance

Deloitte identifies 6 key trends for retail in 2025 From AI agents and live shopping to supply chain resilience and new revenue streams, Deloitte's report highlights the strategic shifts global retailers will need to make to thrive. 🔗 Read More

Walmart reveals new tools and fee breaks for marketplace sellers Walmart has announced new AI tools and fee reductions for its Marketplace sellers, aimed at helping them work smarter, cut costs, and grow faster. 🔗 Read More

Honda announces new plan for global head office relocation Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced a plan to relocate its global head office to the Yaesu area in Tokyo and reconstruct the Honda Aoyama Building. 🔗 Read More

Lowe’s $8.8B acquisition strengthens pro business The home improvement giant acquires Foundation Building Materials to expand contractor offerings. 🔗 Read More

Bed Bath & Beyond rebrands to Beyond The retailer relaunches with a simplified name to mark a new chapter. 🔗 Read More

EU pushes to secure lower US car tariffs from Aug 1 Brussels negotiates to ease trade tensions and reduce auto export costs. 🔗 Read More

Fox launches streaming service to woo Gen Z Fox hopes to capture younger viewers with a digital-first entertainment platform. 🔗 Read More

🔥 Top Funding & Quarterly Results

TransBnk secures $25M in Series B The banking infrastructure platform raised fresh capital in a round led by Bessemer, signaling continued investor interest in the fintech space. 🔗 Read More

VC funding in Indian startups slips 22% According to Tracxn data, venture capital funding in Indian startups has shrunk to $3.8 billion this year, a 22% drop from the same period last year, as investors become more cautious. 🔗 Read More

👔 Key Retail Appointments

L'Oréal India names new CFO The beauty and cosmetics giant strengthens its leadership team with a new appointment to its finance division. 🔗 Read More

Hindustan Unilever names Niranjan Gupta as new CFO HUL has announced that Niranjan Gupta will succeed Ritesh Tiwari as the Chief Financial Officer, effective from November 1st, 2025. 🔗 Read More

Levi’s taps Victoria’s Secret exec to lead supply chain Apparel giant strengthens operations leadership. 🔗 Read More

Uniqlo appoints Cate Blanchett as Global Brand Ambassador The award-winning actress joins as the retailer’s global face. 🔗 Read More

Nothing appoints Himanshu Tandon as VP of Business The consumer tech brand Nothing has appointed Himanshu Tandon as Vice President of Business, signaling a move to strengthen its leadership and expansion in the Indian market. 🔗 Read More

🤖 Deep Dive: India's Export Woes — What the New US Tariffs Mean for Business

What Is Happening

The US government has imposed steep tariffs of up to 50% on a wide range of Indian exports, including textiles, gems & jewellery, and carpets. The move, effective since August 27, is a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two countries.

Why It Matters

IIndia's exports to the US are a critical source of revenue and employment. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) estimates that the tariffs could affect $60.2 billion worth of Indian goods and lead to a significant decline in export volumes, particularly in labor-intensive sectors.

Some Highlights:

• 50% Duty: Applies to 66% of India's exports to the US, including apparel, textiles, and gems.

• 25% Duty: Impacts a smaller portion of goods, like auto parts.

• Direct Impact: Experts warn of a possible 70% reduction in export volumes for the most-affected sectors.

The Government’s Response

The Indian Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has reassured exporters of "comprehensive support." The government is reportedly preparing a package of measures, including an Export Promotion Mission and a potential GST reduction, to help businesses mitigate the fallout. However, officials are mindful of not running afoul of global trade rules.

Impact on India’s Economy

Beyond the immediate impact on businesses, analysts suggest the tariffs could lead to a decline in India’s GDP growth by nearly 1 percentage point in the worst-case scenario. This poses a major challenge for the Indian government, which is looking to boost domestic demand to offset the external headwinds.

What’s Next

The situation remains fluid. While the government is working on a response, exporters face the immediate challenge of protecting livelihoods and finding new markets. The coming months will be crucial for the Indian export sector as it navigates this "strategic shock."

📚 Sources:

The Economic Times | The Economic Times | Times of India

Let me know 💬

Got a tip? Looking to work with us? Any feedback? Email me.