Gurugram Emerges as India’s New Retail Experience Capital

Gurugram Emerges as India’s New Retail Experience Capital

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 18, 2025

Gurugram, once known mainly for its corporate skyline, is fast becoming India’s new-age retail capital. Moving beyond its identity as a tech and business hub, the city is now home to flagship retail stores that blend shopping with unforgettable experiences. Global and Indian brands alike from Samsung to LEGO are choosing Gurugram to launch their most interactive, immersive stores. Thanks to a young, affluent, and tech-savvy population along with top-notch infrastructure, the city has become the go-to destination for brands looking to reinvent how India shops.

Retail in Gurugram is more than just transactions, it's storytelling. At DLF CyberHub, Samsung’s 3,000 sq ft Experience Store offers a multi-sensory journey. From product demos and AI-led workshops to SmartThings integrations, it’s all about engaging consumers in meaningful ways. Similarly, Ambience Mall offers an inspiring atmosphere where LEGO fuels imagination for all ages, and TRENDS 3.0 brings fashion to life through tech-led personalisation. These spaces invite people to not just shop—but to connect, explore, and belong.

The city’s rise is also reflected in the numbers. According to Cushman and Wakefield, retail leasing activity across NCR’s malls and high streets jumped 57% year-on-year in Q1 2025, totaling 4.08 lakh sq ft. Of this, high-street locations made up 61%, showing brands’ growing preference for places that offer high visibility and footfall near residential areas. Gurugram led the charts, accounting for 52% of total leasing, followed by Noida and Delhi.

Fashion and food & beverage (F&B) topped the charts with 24% share each in the leasing mix, followed by entertainment (18%) and department stores (11%). Notably, F&B leasing nearly doubled compared to last year, highlighting the shift toward lifestyle-oriented retail.

This growth in demand has sparked a race for high-quality, Grade A retail spaces in Gurugram. Developers are now focusing on mixed-use hubs, smart high streets, and hybrid formats that combine convenience with engaging experiences. Emerging zones like Golf Course Extension Road, Dwarka Expressway, and New Gurgaon are developing into thriving micro-markets. With growing metro access, wide highways, and new residential areas, these pockets are transforming into well-rounded retail ecosystems beyond the city’s traditional hubs.

Pankaj Jain, Chairman and CMD of SPJ Group, notes, “Commercial growth in Gurugram has driven a boom in retail leasing. People are now drawn to spaces that blend food, fashion, entertainment, and leisure. And the real action is now shifting to new, promising areas that are witnessing increasing footfall and spending. These places are ideal for curated retail concepts that offer both convenience and discovery.”

Arjun Gehlot, Director of Ambience Malls, adds, “Gurugram’s evolving lifestyle is reshaping retail. Consumers now seek meaningful experiences, and malls are becoming key spaces for connection. With better metro links and higher spending power, the city is drawing big names. At Ambience, we’ve created spaces that go beyond shopping—offering food, wellness, art, and entertainment. Our malls are true destinations.”

Technology, too, is reshaping the city’s retail scene. From AI-powered tools that understand shopper behaviour to real-time inventory systems, brands are embracing tech to elevate both operations and experiences. Omnichannel strategies are bringing together online and offline touchpoints, while digital displays, smart parking, and loyalty apps are now common across malls and high streets.

Prakash Mehta, CMD of Ocus Group, highlights, “Retail leasing is gaining momentum, especially with the rise of organised high-street formats. Global brands are investing in spaces that offer visibility and strong returns. Corridors like Dwarka Expressway and areas like Sector 99 are turning into retail hotspots. We’re seeing a clear trend toward community-focused, experience-driven retail.”

By blending innovative real estate formats, cutting-edge tech, and immersive consumer journeys, Gurugram has carved a niche for itself as a future-ready retail destination. Whether it’s flagship showrooms or lively high streets, the Millennium City is offering a bold and fresh vision of how India will shop tomorrow.


ITC Hotels Expands Storii Portfolio with Jawai Retreat

ITC Hotels Expands Storii Portfolio with Jawai Retreat

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 6, 2026

ITC Hotels Limited has announced the opening of Storii Jawai in Rajasthan, adding the 11th property to its Storii portfolio. The boutique retreat is designed as a nature-led destination, reflecting the growing interest in experiential and eco-sensitive travel across India.

Located in the Jawai region, the property is surrounded by landscapes known for leopard sightings, granite hills, and the Jawai River ecosystem. The area is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, making it a unique destination for travellers looking to connect with nature and wildlife.

Developed in partnership with 1st Gate Luxe Pvt. Ltd., the property highlights ITC Hotels’ focus on expanding through collaborations while building immersive travel experiences.

The retreat features 15 keys, designed to blend safari-style elements with modern comfort. Guests are welcomed through a tented reception that leads to a colonial-style bungalow serving as the central lounge and bar. The accommodation is spread across villas set within a preserved natural setting, with features such as private courtyards, plunge pools, and tented structures. The design ensures minimal impact on the environment while offering a stay that reflects the region’s character.

Facilities include an infinity pool set on a hillock overlooking a natural lake, along with spaces for wellness and outdoor activities. The experience is further enhanced with wildlife exploration programmes and curated dining, catering to travellers seeking more meaningful and destination-led stays.

Commenting on the launch, Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, “We are delighted to open the 11th Storii in Jawai. An intimate 15 key boutique retreat that distils the essence of quiet comforts in the wild, Jawai stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of modern innovation and timeless tradition. Storii Jawai is our tribute to the beauty and resilience of this region”.

Bharat Kumar Singh, Promoter, 1st Gate Luxe Pvt. Ltd., added, “As people from the soil, Storii Jawai reflects our belief in Rajasthani culture and traditions. It has been a humbling experience for us to be able to build a space for fellow travellers to come and immerse in our hinterland. We are grateful to associate with ITC Hotels Limited who reflect our values and vision, and have been with us shoulder to shoulder to make it happen”.

The launch also reflects rising demand for destinations that combine ecological sensitivity with cultural depth, especially in regions like Jawai that are closely connected to local communities such as the Rabari community.


Indian Hotels Company Limited Unveils Eternity Kanpur Under SeleQtions Brand

Indian Hotels Company Limited Unveils Eternity Kanpur Under SeleQtions Brand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 5, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited has unveiled Eternity, Kanpur – IHCL SeleQtions, marking the debut of the SeleQtions brand in Kanpur, one of Uttar Pradesh’s key commercial and industrial centres.

Highlighting the significance of the launch, Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses & Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, “Kanpur, a vital commercial and industrial centre is witnessing rapid growth with its evolving infrastructure and increasing connectivity. The opening of Eternity, Kanpur, IHCL SeleQtions addresses the growing demand from corporate, MICE and social segments.”

Strategically located on NH-91, away from the city’s bustle, the hotel features 104 neo-classical rooms offering views of the cityscape. The property is designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers with a mix of comfort, connectivity, and modern amenities.

Dining options include Célesté, an all-day dining restaurant; Thea, a bar serving European-inspired cocktails along with an exclusive cigar lounge; and Aurumn the Lounge. Guests can also enjoy wellness facilities such as a spa, swimming pool, and a fully equipped gym.

For events and gatherings, the hotel offers expansive banquet and meeting spaces. The largest banquet hall spans over 11,000 sq. ft., making it suitable for conferences, conventions, and social celebrations.

Mr. Jalpreet Sodhi, General Manager, Eternity, Kanpur – IHCL SeleQtions, said, “We look forward to welcoming guests to Eternity - IHCL SeleQtions and offering a memorable experience in the culturally rich city of Kanpur.”

Located along the banks of the Ganga, Kanpur is known for its strong industrial legacy in leather, textiles, and manufacturing, making it an important commercial hub in North India. With this launch, IHCL continues to strengthen its presence in growing urban markets across the country.


Long Weekend Retreats to Reset After the Year-End Rush

Long Weekend Retreats to Reset After the Year-End Rush

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 5, 2026

After weeks of deadlines, financial closures, and the usual rush that comes with March, the Good Friday long weekend arrives at just the right time. Sitting right at the end of the financial year, it offers a chance to step away from routine, take a breather, and begin April with a clearer mind. Whether it’s the calm of a coffee estate, the stillness of backwaters, or the fresh air of the mountains, a short getaway can make all the difference.

At Evolve Back Coorg, the surroundings naturally slow things down. Set amid coffee plantations and rainforest landscapes, the experience here is all about quiet moments. Mornings begin with misty walks, followed by relaxed breakfasts, spa time, and peaceful hours by a private pool, making it easy to switch off from work mode.

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For those who prefer a deeper disconnect, The Tamara Coorg offers forest-lined cottages and sweeping hill views. The calm setting encourages slower mornings and evenings without screens, allowing travellers to gently ease out of the stress of work and return feeling lighter.

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If a slower pace by the water sounds more appealing, Coconut Lagoon provides a refreshing change. Surrounded by the backwaters of Kumarakom, the experience is simple and unhurried, with boat rides, sunset views, and traditional wellness therapies creating a sense of balance without the need for a packed schedule.

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For a more complete wellness reset, Ananda in the Himalayas stands out as a destination focused on mental and physical well-being. With meditation, personalised wellness programmes, and the calming influence of the mountains, even a short stay here helps restore focus and energy.

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Similarly, Six Senses Vana offers a more guided approach to relaxation. Instead of a typical holiday, it focuses on mindful routines and holistic wellness, helping guests return feeling calmer, more balanced, and ready for the weeks ahead.

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Not every break needs to be long to make an impact. Sometimes, a few days in the right environment is enough to reset both mind and body. With peaceful surroundings and thoughtful hospitality, these retreats offer a simple yet meaningful way to step into April with renewed energy.

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