The Changing Scenario for Luxury and Luxury Brands in India

Luxury is magnificent living! It is an experience of comfort, class and pleasure, enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. The lavishness and sophistication that luxury brings is built around aesthetics, high quality, unmatched craftsmanship and a pleasurable user experience. Luxury is a personal indulgence that adds a spark to our everyday lives.

India is fairly well acquainted to luxury, as the luxury lifestyle has been naturally inherited by the country’s ancestral royal families. Luxury today, even in the changing times is very much a part of lifestyle living in India. Due to rise in the disposable income of the Indians, the luxury segment which is expected to cross $18.3 billion by 2016 from the current $14.7 billion, continues to solidify in the country, according to an Assocham study. According to their analysis, there has been 13 percent increase in tax free shopping abroad by Indians annually. This makes India a firm base for growth potential for most of the global luxury markets.

1. Fashion & Accessories- (clothes, watches, fragrances and jewellery)

The growing stardom of Indian models on international fashion platforms heralds exploration of the potential that the Indian fashion market holds. The world’s leading Luxury fashion brands such as Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Burberry, Roberto Cavalli, Canali are very visible in India. These brands offer a wide range of Luxury products such as clothing, bags, scarves, fragrances, eye gears and accessories for the present-day woman and man.

Salvator Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo, Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani are globally famous fashion designers for the best in class shoes, cosmetics, jewellery, leather accessories and the finest of fragrances. All these and many such luxury brands are found in metro cities of the country.

There also is a wide availability of Leather accessories and Wrist watches from Mont Blanc, Seiko, Tag Heuer, Rado and Rolex. Very recently, Swiss luxury watch brand H Moser & Cie announced its syndication with Regalia Luxury retailer based in Mumbai to unveil their collection in India.

As per a study by Deloitte, Indian Jewellery brands Titan-Tanishq, Gitanjali Gem and PC Jewellers have been featured amongst the top 100 luxury brands globally.

2. Automobiles

Indian auto industry is one of the largest in the world with India being a leading auto exporter. Also, the number of registered commercial vehicles has increased by 18 percent in the year 2016. The love for luxury automobiles is apparent on the Indian roads. From Porsche to Jaguar, Range Rover to Mercedes Benz, Audi to Ferrari, there is owning anyone of these is a matter of great pride and accomplishment.

Volvo and Mercedes designed public vehicles are an absolute favourite for people to commute over long distances. Looking at the popularity of the luxury automobile market in India, major investments in automobile sector have come in, such as Ferrari dealerships that are now launched in Delhi and Mumbai.  Mercedes Benz has announced manufacturing of its SUVs based out of their manufacturing in India and have doubled their assembly capacity per annum. German luxury car – BMW, has decided to procure components from seven Indian auto parts manufacturers. Jaguar Land Rover, plans to manufacture Land Rover SUV for the local markets as well for international exports.

3. Hotels and Wellness spas

Whether you are on a vacation or on a business trip to India, the country with its warm hospitality will never fail to pamper you. The Hotel brands such as The Taj, The JW Marriot, The Oberoi Hotels and Resorts with their generous services make your stay a comfortable and a lavish experience. One can experience the ultra deluxe stays in the chain of Oberoi Hotels in Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur which are one of the oldest cities that have also preserved their royal heritage. The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai has unique features to perfection that delight every guest.

Deccan Odyssey, one the most luxurious trains in the world is well known for its quality of service. Equipped with the state of the art amenities, the luxury train covers diverse exotic landscapes and cities in the course of the journey.

There are many wellness retreats distributed across the country based on the ancient tradition of yoga. Some of the retreats such as Bio Resurge Clinic in Goa, Soukya Holistic Health Centre and Shreyas Yoga retreat in Bangalore, The Ananda Spa placed in Himalayas are one of the best getaways for a complete mind-body-and soul rejuvenation with that extra touch of luxury to it.

4. Real estate developers

India with its remarkable economic growth is supplemented by hi-end development of infrastructure. Some of the best real estate developers in the country such as Housing Developers & Infrastructure Limited (HDIL) has established itself as one of India’s premier real estate development companies. Sunteck Realty Ltd (SRL) is also a Mumbai-based company that constructs ultra-luxury and luxury residential segments.

SRS Real Infrastructure Ltd is a 100 per cent subsidiary of the SRS Group and is listed under the Bombay Stock Exchange engaged in the development and construction of projects in the residential and commercial genres.

The Prestige Group’s Estate Projects has grown swiftly to become one of South India’s leading Property Developers in residential, commercial, retail. DLF Ltd. has also contributed to country’s infrastructural development.

5. Gadgets

The nation has witnessed and contributed to various developments in technology and as a result, one can find the latest gadgets in India. From Smartphones and tablets to Cameras and Fitbits, the best brands of the world can be found in India. Apple with its most recent IPhones and MacBooks, are available in the franchised stores across the country.

Amazon Kindle has come out as a blessing for the people who love to read.  Occulus rift, a virtual reality system has also got great response in the Indian market with its virtual 3D visual and hearing experience. PlayStation, a gaming brand is an ultimate favourite among the masses and is enjoyed by many.

Apart from world’s best camera brands, DJI Phantom 4 that rules the drone world for sharp video shooting is a great favourite for professional digital studios in India. Fitbit watches are the new activity trackers with a wireless enabled technology device that are easy to handle and can withstand wear and tear while keeping track on your wellness levels.

6. Top Golf destinations

Golf apart from a sport is also a stress busting game, which helps increase one’s ability to concentrate. The country hosts quite a few signature Golf Courses that are exceptional. Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar is an 18-hole championship golf field with mesmeric views of the famous Dal Lake and the fir-covered peaks. The Golf Course gives its guest an exclusive experience with outstanding amenities and service.

Agra Golf Club is located in the historic city of Agra which hosts one of the seven wonders of the world – The Taj Mahal. The Club offers a glimpse of the Taj Mahal from various points on its nine-hole and 18-hole course. The stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas near the Agra Golf Club is luxurious.

The Kodaikanal Golf Club in Tamil Nadu, southern part of India is at the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, at an altitude of 7,000ft above sea level. The Golf course is 116 years old located at the Kodaikanal town which is entrenched in British Indian history.

Jaypee Greens Golf and Spa Resort in Greater Noida with its Greg Norman-designed course, is both a weekend getaway and a place to mix business with leisure.

7. Chartered Flights

The Indian chartered flights are modelled to match international standards.  Taj Air, a chartered service of the world famous Taj Hotels and resorts tops the list with its exclusive charter services in India. The brand makes it a favourite amongst business travellers ensuring an ideal setting for conducting business meetings. The STIC Travel Group comes up as one of the largest players in the Air Charter industry. They have access to over 350 aircrafts including helicopters, business jets and commercial sized carriers.

Jetsetgo, also named as Uber of India Skies has various jets to offer for different requirements. Jetsetgo links the flight experience with leisure backed by technology. Titan Aviation India provides Aircraft Charter and specializes in Aircraft Sales and Aircraft Purchase Consultancy and Operations Management. Titan Aviation coupled with professional staff render high quality aviation services to clients in India as well as Europe, Africa and the Middle East.