Landmark’s New Plans For India, GCC & SE Asia

Bahrain-based Landmark Group, the leading value conglomerate in the retail and hospitality sectors, on Tuesday unveiled plans to invest $1 billion to expand its presence across the Gulf, India and South-East Asia.

The Group will open 400 new stores in the next three years and will also invest in ecommerce, supply chain and technology as it looks to build on its current annual revenue of more than $7 billion (as of 2023-24) across all markets.

The investment will result in a retail footprint growth of 20% by 2028. The Group’s plans include the introduction of one of its newest brands, VIVA, in Saudi Arabia in 2025, and the launch of its first brand, Babyshop, in four cities across India over the next six months.

Attributing the Group’s growth to its people and partners, Landmark Group’s Chairwoman Renuka Jagtiani, said that the company’s entrepreneurial core, its purpose-driven approach, adaptability and strong leadership have enabled it to evolve in line with changing consumer habits and needs, and play a leading role in advancing the sector.

On the planned expansion, Renuka Jagtiani, said that they were deeply committed to serving their customers through own brand portfolio by offering relevant products and value. Physical stores remain a vital part of the retail experience, and the company continues to upgrade store design whilst we invest in ecommerce and in the latest technology and innovation.

“We believe that this is key to staying relevant to ensure a seamless customer experience, both on and off-line,” she added.

Commenting on Landmark’s ecommerce and logistical capabilities, Landmark Retail CEO Kabir Lumba said that they were seeing great momentum with their and the online business was growing strongly at over 20% per annum.

“To maintain this trajectory, we are committing $1 billion in the next three-year towards our physical expansion and upgrading our ecommerce, technology and supply chain capabilities,” he said.

Landmark Group currently has 12 million sq. ft. of warehousing and distribution capacity with high automation capabilities, including its $350 million flagship Mega Distribution Centre, in Jebel Ali in the UAE. Landmark created Logistiq in 2022, a third-party logistics company, that caters to clients outside Landmark Group’s ecosystem.

“In just 18 months, we have rapidly scaled our last-mile delivery services to handle over 20,000 daily shipments across Saudi Arabia and the UAE for more than 50 clients, with a fleet of over 800 vehicles,” Kabir Lumba added.

ESG Goals

Committing to becoming net zero by 2050 across its value chain in the region, ESG goals have been intrinsically linked to Landmark Group’s value proposition.

Responsible sourcing is a key part of its sustainability framework and Landmark Group is the first member in the region of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and today is the largest buyer of BCI certified cotton in the Middle East.

Recently, the Group launched a textile and furniture takeback programme, across its key brands in the UAE and plans to launch this initiative across the GCC. Most of its banking facilities and treasury products have been converted to green financing. The Group has long been an active supporter of community well-being, with initiatives like its flagship Beat Diabetes programme that has touched the lives of 165,000 people over the past 15 years.

Today, Landmark Group operates 22 brands across more than 2,200 stores, totalling 33 million square feet, and spanning 17 countries. The Group also operates 12 independent ecommerce stores, accounting for 20% of total sales. The Group employs 53,000 people throughout its various businesses and geographies.