Reliance Retail to open first 'Swadesh' store in Delhi

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Nov 28, 2022

Reliance Industries Limited’s retail arm Reliance Retail plans to open its first brick-and-mortar store for its artefact, gift, and accessories brand Swadesh in Delhi’s Connaught Place area. 

The business has already leased an area measuring 30,000 square feet in the popular shopping district, sources told the Economic Times. The business plans to open subsequent retail outlets in other central locations. 
 
The Swadesh store will retail products which focus on traditional craft techniques such as handloom, clothing, textiles, handicrafts, and food items. The business sees a large opportunity to expand its new retail concept and has plans to take it to international markets. Reliance Retail has signed an agreement with the Government of West Bengal to this end and plans to partner with more state governments to promote handicrafts both in India and internationally. 

“The entry of Reliance in the gifting retail segment will make the sector more organised,” a retail analyst told ET Bureau. “Right now, the majority of the segment is unorganised and going forward, India will offer a huge opportunity.”
 
Reliance Retail aims to work closely with artisans for its new venture. The business has signed an agreement with the Union Ministry of Textiles to this end and committed to sourcing 100% of its products directly from artisans across the country.