Indian Jhola sells for Rs 4000 at a US store. Netizens demand to know: 'Who's paying so much?'
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Business Standard
4 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Footfall Surge: Malls in NCR Redesign Strategies to Attract Footfall
NewsVoir Delhi NCR [India], July 26: Delhi-NCR's retail landscape is seeing a compelling revival. Footfall in malls has not only bounced back post-pandemic but is surpassing pre-COVID levels during weekends, holidays, and festive periods. This resurgence reflects a deeper shift in consumer behavior, where physical spaces are once again central to how people shop, socialize, and unwind. In response, mall operators and developers are reimagining these spaces to go beyond transactions. By blending entertainment, community engagement, and curated experiences, they are aligning with the expectations of experience-hungry, digitally aware consumers. India's retail sector is poised for historic expansion, with a record 16.6 million sq. ft. of Grade A mall space expected to be completed across the country's top seven cities by the end of 2026, as per Anarock's report. Leading this growth are Hyderabad and Delhi-NCR, which together will contribute nearly 65% of the new retail space, reaffirming their position as the country's most promising consumption hubs. The research reflects a broader trend of rising consumer demand, fuelled by increasing incomes, urbanisation, and the entry of global retail brands into the Indian market. The report also notes that leasing activity remains robust, with over 12.6 Mn sq. ft. projected to be leased across 2025 and 2026. A key driver of this momentum is the entry of more than 60 international brands across fashion, electronics, lifestyle, and food & beverage sectors in the past four years. As a result, mall developers are increasingly focusing on quality and location, with a clear shift toward Grade A developments. Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Malls - Gurugram and Vasant Kunj, says, "In the NCR region, malls have become central to redefining how modern India experiences retail. Consumers are seeking deeper, more curated interactions, placing value on ambiance, events, personalisation, and lifestyle integration. In Gurugram, rising disposable incomes, strong metro connectivity, and significant infrastructure upgrades have made the city a magnet for top-tier Indian and global brands, rivalling even Delhi. At Ambience Malls, we've responded to this shift by creating immersive, multi-sensory environments, combining gourmet food, wellness zones, art installations, and entertainment arenas. We've also integrated sustainable design elements and eco-conscious decor to align with evolving consumer values. Our malls are designed to be places where people not only shop but build lasting emotional connections and experiences they return to." As malls evolve into holistic lifestyle destinations, developers are rethinking how space is planned and experienced. Fashion, F & B, entertainment, and essential services are being blended more intelligently to guide consumer flow and maximise engagement. There's a clear move toward premiumisation of the tenant mix, with high-end brands and gourmet experiences gaining ground, but without distancing the broader, value-conscious audience. Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group, says, "Gurugram's commercial growth has been a catalyst for the city's thriving retail ecosystem, driving strong momentum in leasing activity. We're seeing a clear shift in consumer expectations--people now gravitate toward spaces that offer more than just shopping. Interestingly, Gurugram's next big retail story is emerging from high-potential yet untapped micro-markets, and we see a significant opportunity in locations like Old Gurgaon, where curated, experience-led retail formats will strike the right balance between convenience and discovery." Ishwin Singh Hora, Director, Reach Group, says, "High Street formats are gaining traction due to their well-designed, open-format spaces that offer visibility, adaptability, and a deeper connection with the community. Unlike traditional mall environments, high streets allow brands to craft more personalised and immersive narratives, while benefiting from easy accessibility and a vibrant street-level presence. Thus, with strong interest from both national and international brands, we see high street retail as the next frontier in urban shopping experiences, especially in dynamic cities like Gurugram." Prakash Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Ocus Group, says, "Retail leasing in NCR is growing momentarily, particularly with the renewed focus on organised high-street formats and evolving investment preferences. We're seeing global and domestic brands increasingly drawn to strategically located, well-planned high streets. Emerging corridors like Sohna Road and sectors along it like Sector 68 are gaining traction for their connectivity and development potential. Thus, we see the market clearly shifting toward projects that go beyond conventional retail." Thus, the resurgence in mall footfall across NCR signals more than just a return to pre-pandemic normalcy--it marks a redefinition of what retail spaces mean to communities. While the numbers are encouraging, the real challenge lies in sustaining engagement over time.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Where Wellness Meets The Ocean: The Future Of Healing Holidays
Last Updated: Wellness tourism has witnessed a spike. Amidst this, destinations such as Thailand that offer opportunities for holistic wellness and slow travel are emerging as a top choice. The world of travel is evolving, moving beyond mere sightseeing toward a more meaningful pursuit of well-being. In the post-pandemic world, holidays have become more than just a break; they're a conscious journey toward rejuvenation, mental reset and balance, and inner connection. This shift has sparked a growing demand for wellness-led escapes, where travellers seek curated experiences that restore the mind, invigorate the body, and uplift the soul. The Indian travel industry, mirroring global trends, is at the forefront of this wellness revolution. Discerning Indian travellers are increasingly seeking luxurious, immersive wellness experiences, a shift underscored by recent global data. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness tourism market is poised to nearly double, from $651 billion in 2022 to an estimated $1.4 trillion by 2027. In Asia, this transformation is even more pronounced. A 2025 report reveals that 90% of travellers across the Asia Pacific now consider wellness offerings a key factor in their travel decisions, up from 80% the year before. As wellness travel evolves, nature-led therapies are taking centre stage, with the ocean emerging as a particularly potent source of healing. More than a scenic backdrop, the ocean delivers tangible health benefits. The practice of thalassotherapy, which uses seawater and marine ingredients, is gaining traction for its revitalising effects. Rich in essential minerals, seawater is believed to improve circulation, soothe inflammation, and elevate serotonin levels. Thailand's Koh Samui Leads the Way Among Asia's leading wellness destinations, Thailand continues to shine. Its ancient healing traditions, pristine coastlines, and immersive hospitality have made it a sanctuary for seekers of holistic transformation. Between 2022 and 2023, Thailand's wellness tourism spending more than doubled, signalling one of the fastest-growing segments in the region. Explaining this trend, Jasjit Singh Assi, General Manager at Four Seasons Resort, Koh Samui, notes, 'At the heart of this resurgence is Koh Samui, an island where lush tropical landscapes meet tranquil beaches, and where the art of well-being is woven into every experience. Long regarded as a haven for detox and rejuvenation, the island has become a global epicentre for oceanfront wellness." 'Among its standout destinations is Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, a luxurious retreat that captures the essence of healing by the sea. Nestled within a secluded cove along the Gulf of Thailand, the resort offers a deeply immersive journey shaped by nature, tradition, and thoughtful care," adds Assi. At Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, wellness is rooted in the ancient Thai philosophy of the four elements, brought to life through personalised rituals like sound healing, Reiki, and Nam Vibration, where water-filled singing bowls awaken chakras. Guests can also engage in open-air Muay Thai training overlooking the Gulf for a powerful blend of movement and mindfulness. The rise of healing holidays is more than a trend; it's a reflection of a collective realisation that well-being is paramount. In a world that constantly demands our attention, these purpose-driven luxury experiences are no longer an indulgence but a necessity. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
India To Open Cho La For 'Battlefield Tourism': Top Sikkim Official
Guwahati: India will open Cho La in Sikkim to tourists as part of its Ranbhoomi or battlefield tourism initiative, a top officer in the Sikkim government said on Friday. The area near Doklam - the strategic trijunction between India, China and Bhutan that saw tension in 2017 - will also be opened for tourists under this initiative, Sikkim Additional Chief Secretary CS Rao said. The Sikkim government is working on transforming the infrastructure near these areas to support tourism, Mr Rao said. "Some 30 places have been identified across India for battlefield tourism," Mr Rao said. "We are in touch with the army for setting up infrastructure in the areas identified in Sikkim for battlefield tourism." Nathu La in Sikkim is already a popular tourist destination. Tourists will be given special permits to visit the Indian side of the Doklam trijunction, Mr Rao said. Several rounds of discussions with the army and the Ministry of External Affairs have taken place, sources said. The Bhutan government has been kept aware of the plans, they said. The army and the state government are looking to start the initiative in late September, sources added. In the initial months, only 30 vehicles will be allowed to travel to the destination daily, which may increase to 50 cars per day, taking into account road conditions and clearance by the army. The standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in Doklam in 2017 lasted for 73 days. The Doklam trijunction overlooks the narrow Siliguri corridor in north Bengal, also known as the 'Chicken's Neck', which connects the northeast region with the rest of India.
