India is populated with shopkeepers and shoppers. The retail market, i.e., purchase and sale of goods in stores are increasing at an extremely rapid pace.
The following are some of the numbers to indicate its size: India, in 2024, had a retail market valued at approximately 993 billion. Experts project it to rise to more than 3400 billion by 2033. A large portion of this growth is driven by the franchise industry, including the rapidly expanding segment of Retail Store Franchises in India, which continues to attract new entrepreneurs. It contributes approximately 4 percent to the total economy (GDP) of India. This is a growing industry of approximately 30–35 percent annually, and thus it ranks among the fastest-growing forms of business in the world.
What does this mean for you? It implies that the opportunity is enormous. Consumers are using more money, and the popular brands are establishing new outlets all over. You can become a part of this expansion through having a franchise.
India’s Retail Franchise Landscape in India.
Retail is a simple word. It only involves direct sale to the customers. A franchise means that you pay a large, well-known name (such as Bata or Lenskart) in order to be able to open a store under their name.
They provide you with the merchandise, the layout of the store and the training. You operate the store and part of your sales with the brand.
The Indian retail sector is divided into some large entities.
Food and Grocery
This is the biggest group. It consists of big supermarkets, as well as tiny ice-cream shops. There is always a need for food, and hence this is a very secure business.
- Examples: supermarkets, fast-food stores (such as Domino’s), ice-cream salons, and juice bars.
Fashion and Lifestyle
This is a group that is concerned with what we wear and use. It involves footwear, jewelry and clothes. Indians are young shoppers who adore shopping new styles hence this market is flourishing.
- Examples: Clothing stores (such as Zudio or FabIndia), shoe stores (such as Bata), and beauty stores (such as Nykaa).
Health and Wellness
Indians are willing to pay more to remain healthy. These companies comprise pharmacies, fitness centers, and health products outlets.
- Examples: Apollo Pharmacy, Patanjali stores and beauty salons (such as Lakme).
Electronics and Home
This division is a seller of phones, television sets, refrigerators, and furniture. The more money the family earns the more they purchase in their homes.
- Examples: Mobile phone selling stores, home appliances, and furniture selling stores.
Top 20 Retail Store Franchise in India
Category 1: Food & Beverages (QSR)
It is the most popular and the fastest-growing group.
1. Domino’s Pizza
Domino is a global brand of pizza. It is operated by a company by the name Jubilant FoodWorks in India. It is considered as one of the most successful franchises ever. They are well known as being 30 minutes in delivery. Being a franchise owner, you will enjoy good brand power and training. They are of various models, big restaurants where families can sit and eat and small delivery-only outlets. It is a high investment company yet the brand name attracts the customers on the first day.
- Investment: ₹50 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore+
- Franchise Fee: = 4.5 Lakhs (with a security deposit)
- Area Required: 1200 – 2000 sq. ft.
- Profit Margin: 15% – 20% (Net)
- Royalty Fee: 5.5% of sales
- Application: Go to the Jubilant FoodWorks site and search through the links to franchise or partner.
- Website: jubilantfoodworks.com.
2. Wow! Momo
This brand began in Kolkata and it is now everywhere in India. They offer tasty momos, burgers and momo meals. It is highly appealing among the youths and families. Their various models are the best. A low investment is a small kiosk in a food court of a mall. Or you can open a full “Wow! Momo” or “Wow! China” dine‑in restaurant. They provide you with every recipe, training and marketing assistance. It’s a fun, fast‑moving brand.
- Investment: 8 Lakhs (kiosk) 35 Lakhs (large store).
- Franchise Fee: 2 to 8 Lakhs depending on the model.
- Space Needed: 150 sq. ft. (kiosk) -700 sq. ft. (dine-in).
- Profit Margin: 15% – 20% (Net)
- Royalty Fee: ~5% of sales
- Application: Visit the official Wow! Momo site and their Franchise or Partner with Us page.
- Website: wowmomo.in
3. Keventers
Keventers is an old brand that has re-emerged with tremendous success. They are sellers of thick and delicious milkshakes in cold glass bottles. Their little, fashionable stores can be found in nearly every mall and high street. This is an excellent low-investment source. The brand itself is also very strong and people enjoy the retro-feel. They possess simple models such as a small kiosk or a medium-sized shop. The company assists you in establishing the shop, provides you with all the ingredients and trains your employees.
- Investment: ₹10 Lakhs to ₹30 Lakhs
- Franchise Fee: This is part of the total investment.
- Area Required: 100 sq. ft. to 400 sq. ft.
- Profit Margin: 30% – 40% (Gross)
- Royalty Fee: 8% – 12% of sales
- How to Apply: Go to the Keventers site and complete their franchise enquiry form.
- Website: keventers.com
4. Haldiram’s
Haldiram is a name to which the Indians can rely. They are the kings of snacks, candies and vegetarian food. The franchise of a Haldiram makes you respect immediately. They have three main models. First is the “Kiosk” that is small and only offers packaged snacks and sweets. Second is the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), an outlet of a food court. Third is the large full service restaurant, the Casual Dining restaurant. It is a medium to high investment but you have a business that is busy throughout the year.
- Investment: 15 Lakh (kiosk) to 1 Crore+ (restaurant) • Franchise Fee: 5 to 10 Lakhs (based on model)
- Space Needed: 300 sq. ft. (kiosk) -5000 sq. ft. (restaurant).
- Profit Margin: 15% – 25% (Net)
- Royalty Fee: 5% – 10% of sales
- Application: You must visit the Haldiram regional office of your city. They have a contact us page on their site.
- Website: haldirams.com
5. Giani’s Ice Cream
The ice cream brand of Giani is a highly popular ice cream manufacturer based in Delhi that is rapidly spreading. They sell every type of ice creams, sorbets and shakes. It’s a happy business to run! It is an excellent low to medium investment, especially for those exploring some of the Best Franchise in India with a simple setup model.
It must be a good place with families and the young people passing by. The brand offers the entire range of ice cream flavors and thus you do not have to prepare anything. You simply work on good customer service. Ice cream profit margins are also good in general.
- Investment: ₹10 Lakhs to ₹20 Lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ~₹4 Lakhs to ₹5 Lakhs
- Area Required: 150 sq. ft. to 300 sq. ft.
- Profit Margin: 20% – 30% (Net)
- Royalty Fee: 4% – 8% of sales
- Application Stages: The application is done on the Giani website, under menu, find the franchise link.
- Website: gianis.in
Category 2: Fashion, Footwear & Lifestyle
This type is concerned with appearing good and feeling good.
6. Lenskart
Lenskart has completely transformed the process of Indians to purchase glasses. They transformed it into a trendy, convenient and cheap one. A Lenskart store is a combination of fashion and healthcare. You receive a good brand name that promotes all over. The company provides you with all the high-tech eye-testing machines. They even train you and your personnel. You perform the eye tests, assist customers in selecting frames and make the order. The production of the lenses and delivery is done by the firm. It is highly contemporary and lucrative business model.
- Investment: ₹30 Lakhs to ₹40 Lakhs
- Franchise Fee: Part of investment.
- Area Required: 300 sq. ft. to 500 sq. ft.
- Profit Margin: 25% – 30% (Net)
- Royalty Fee: 20- 25% sales commission.
- Application: Visit Lenskart site and locate the Franchise/ Partner page.
- Website: lenskart.com
7. Bata
Bata is an Indian shoe brand that is more than 100 years old and one of the most reputable brands. It is a “family” store. Bata has people who trust it in school shoes, office shoes and casual shoes. A Bata franchise implies the ability to get a business whose customers are generations long. The company assists you to design the store and provides you with all the shoe stock. It is your responsibility to take good care of the shop and employees. It is a highly stable and respected business to possess. It is a long-term business, and is medium investment.
- Investment: ₹30 Lakhs to ₹50 Lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ~₹4 Lakhs to ₹8 Lakhs
- Area Required: 1000 sq. ft. to 1500 sq. ft.
- Profit Margin: Approximately 10% (Net), however, the volume of sales is high.
- Royalty Fee: 5% – 10% of sales
- Application: Go to Bata India corporate site and find their partner program.
- Website: bata.in
8. ASICS
ASICS is a Japanese brand of top-level sports footwear. It boasts of quality running shoes and sports equipment. Fitness is a huge trend in India and individuals are ready to spend money on good shoes. This franchise is aimed at a person who is fond of sports and fitness. You will sell high quality shoes to runners, gym-goers and athletes. The company assists in the establishment of stores in their cool international style. It is a up-market, fashionable company to operate in a nice shopping centre or street.
- Investment: ₹20 Lakhs to ₹30 Lakhs
- Franchise Fee: Part of the investment.
- Area Required: 500 sq. ft. to 1000 sq. ft.
- Profit Margin: 20% – 30% (Gross)
- Royalty Fee: Privately mentioned.
- Application: You should reach out to the ASICS India by using its corporate web site.
- Website: asics.com/in/en-in
9. Ajmera Trends
This is an excellent low investment franchise within the clothing industry. Ajmera Trends is an offshoot of Ajmera Fashion, a huge manufacturer of saree and ethnic wear in Surat. Their franchise program is easy: they assist you to establish a gorgeous wardrobe shop. The best part? Their franchise fee and royalty is zero. The only thing that you pay is the setup of the store and stock. They sell you clothes at the factory price hence your profit margin is very high (around 50%). They are selling sarees, kurtis and every type of ethnic clothes.
- Investment: 12 Lakhs (Model A) or 25 Lakhs (Model B).
- Franchise Fee: ₹0 (Zero)
- Area Required: 250 sq. ft. to 800 sq. ft.
- Profit Margin: ~50% (Gross)
- Royalty Fee: ₹0 (Zero)
- Application: Go to the Ajmera Trends Web site and complete their franchise application.
- Website: ajmeratrends.com
10. FabIndia
FabIndia is a unique brand. It markets hand made (handloom) clothing, furniture and home products. FabIndia is adored by people because of its quality and the natural, Indian style. FabIndia franchise is a high respect company. It is more expensive to set up. You want a big, gorgeous shop in a very good, wealthy locality. The company is highly cautious about the people they collaborate with. This is a great option in case you are in love with Indian arts and crafts and can operate a large store. The profit margins particularly on home goods are good.
- Investment: ₹40 Lakhs to ₹50 Lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹10 Lakhs to ₹15 Lakhs
- Area Required: 1500 sq. ft. to 2500 sq. ft.
- Profit Margin: 30% – 50% (Gross)
- Royalty Fee: Privately quoted.
- Application Process: Visit the FabIndia site and visit their section on Franchise or Business Enquiries.
- Website: fabindia.com
Category 3: Beauty & Wellness
This segment is expanding because individuals are becoming more interested in self-care.
11. Nykaa
Nykaa was an online start-up and currently a beauty powerhouse. They can be found in two categories of franchise stores: Nykaa Luxe (the high-end brands) and Nykaa On-Trend (popular, fast-selling products). Franchises are more likely to be using the On-Trend model. You have an opportunity to sell all the best makeup, skincare and beauty products, under one roof. The brand enjoys super-popularity among young ladies. The company assists you in the store design, technology and stock. This requires a very favourable location in a busy market or mall.
- Investment: 30-60 Lakhs (depending on the model)
- Franchise Fee: ~₹2 Lakhs to ₹5 Lakhs
- Area Required: 300 sq. ft. to 1000 sq. ft.
- Profit Margin: 20% – 30% (Gross)
- Royalty Fee: The brand charges a percentage of sales.
- Application method: You need to call the Nykaa corporate team. They have an Investor or Partner section on their web site.
- Website: nykaa.com
12. Lakme Salon
The most recognizable Indian beauty brand is Lakme. Lakme Salon is a business of high caliber and high quality. It is not a store, but a service company. You provide hair cuts, facial, manicure and bridal make-up. The cost of investment is high due to the necessity of having a big and beautiful room and expensive equipment. The company offers incredible training to all your employees. Their quality standards have to be strictly adhered to. It is highly lucrative business provided that you are in a good location and you handle your employees appropriately.
- Investment: ₹50 Lakhs to ₹70 Lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ~₹8 Lakhs
- Area Required: 900 sq. ft. to 1200 sq. ft.
- Profit Margin: 18% – 25% (Net)
- Royalty Fee: ~10% of sales
- Application Form: Lakme Salon has its own franchisee site. Find Lakme Salon Franchise.
- Website: lakmeindia.com/salon
Category 4: Specialty Retail and Health.
It is a highly stable category that is respected.
13. FirstCry
FirstCry is the biggest online baby and kids products store in Asia. Their brick and mortar outlets are also massive hits. They sell all that a new parent requires; diapers, clothes, toys, prams etc. A FirstCry franchise is an excellent venture since parents will never stop spending money on their children. The company possesses distinctive model of Omni-channel. Customers are able to order online and collect in your store or be able to purchase in your store. This provides you with additional customers. You require a big store within a nice residential estate.
- Investment: ₹25 Lakhs to ₹50 Lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹2 Lakhs to ₹5 Lakhs
- Area Required: 1000 sq. ft. to 2000 sq. ft.
- Profit Margin: 15% – 20% (Net)
- Royalty Fee: ~6% of sales
- Application: FirstCry has a definite page on its web site called Franchise.
- Website: firstcry.com
14. Apollo Pharmacy
In India, Apollo is the name of the most trusted healthcare. Their drug store is a highly stable and recession free business. Medicines will always be required. A franchise of Apollo Pharmacy is an indication of quality. The investment is medium. You have to be a pharmacist, or must employ a full time pharmacist. The firm provides you with all the inventory, billing software, and the well-known blue and white brand name. It is a company that operates 24 hours round the year and generates consistent and stable income.
- Investment: ₹15 Lakhs to ₹25 Lakhs
- Franchise Fee: Part of investment.
- Area Required: 500 sq. ft. to 800 sq. ft.
- Profit Margin: ~15% – 20% (Net)
- Royalty Fee: They are not royalties, they are stock-margin based.
- Application: Go to the Apollo Pharmacy site and find their Franchise opportunity page.
- Website: apollopharmacy.in
15. Patanjali
The way that Indians purchase daily commodities was transformed by Patanjali. They are concentrated on Ayurvedic and natural products. There is a Patanjali store which sells toothpaste, soap, ghee, honey, and noodles. The brand is highly strong and has millions of brand loyal customers. They possess varying store models. The Mega Store is a large store format which demands a huge investment. It is a high volume business. You sell numerous objects daily at little prices, that come to large sums.
- Investment: 1 Crore to 2 Crores (in case of a Mega Store)
- Franchise Fee: It requires a security deposit of 5 Lakhs.
- Area Required: Minimum 2000 sq. ft.
- Profit Margin: 10% – 20% (Gross)
- Royalty Fee: No, they are on a dealer margin.
- Procedure: Go to the Patanjali Ayurved site and locate the Mega Store application form.
- Web address: patanjaliayurved.net.
16. Kidzee
This is a “retail of education.” Kidzee is an Indian chain of preschools (play schools). You do not sell a product but you sell a service to little children. The investment is medium and the greater part of it is invested in making the school safe, colorful and fun. You require a nice safe ground-floor house in a residential neighborhood. The company provides you with the entire curriculum (what to teach) toys, books and training on your teachers. It is an extremely revered and affectively compensatory business.
- Investment: ₹12 Lakhs to ₹18 Lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ~₹1.5 Lakhs
- Area Required: 2000 sq. ft. to 3000 sq. ft.
- Profit Margin: 20% – 30% (Net)
- Royalty Fee: A payment per month or a percentage of student fees.
- The application process: Kidzee has a special section on its site that is named Franchise.
- Website: kidzee.com
Category 5: The Non-Franchising Brands.
This is very important. Do not lose your time or money in pursuit of them.
17. DMart
The DMart brand is known due to its Everyday Low Price model. Avenue Supermarts owns it. To maintain the low prices, they dictate it all. They purchase land, construct their own stores and all operations are under their control. DMart does not provide franchises. The only option available is to partner with them in case you have a very large piece of land (30,000 + sq. ft.) which you wish to sell or rent (lease) to them.
18. Zudio
Zudio is a fashion brand that is highly popular and affordable. It belongs to Trent that is a part of TATA Group. Zudio operates all its stores and does not franchise like DMart. Zudio makes its clothes affordable and fashionable by selecting the sites and running the stores.
19. Reliance Retail (Smart Bazaar / Trends)
Reliance Retail is the largest Indian retailer. It has Reliance Fresh, Smart Bazaar, Reliance Trends and numerous other stores. Similar to DMart and Zudio, it operates nearly all its stores internally (COCO model) and does not offer bare franchise to these mega stores. Rather it has a JioMart Partner program which is not to go and open a new store, but to partner with JioMart.
20. Carrefour
Carrefour was a big multinational chain of supermarket. It exited India in 2014 and does not operate there anymore.
Which is the most profitable Retail Shop Franchise in India?
The question that is frequently asked is: Which franchise is the most profitable? It is just a matter of: there is no most profitable franchise. There are three things that profit is dependent upon:
- Location – A Wow! Momo in a college town located in a busy street earns more than the same one in a quiet street. A Lenskart in a main road is preferable to one that is in a little lane.
- You (the Owner) –How you run the store, how you treat customers, how you keep the costs down (electricity, staff salaries). A good brand can be profitable by a good owner.
- The Brand –A good brand (such as Domino’s or Apollo) is a self-generating customer.
The following sectors are extremely demanded at the moment:
Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) Food brands such as Wow! Momo, Keventers and Dominos are quite popular.
- Specialty Retail –Brands that address a single problem are performing well. Examples are Lenskart (eyewear) and FirstCry (baby products).
- Health & Wellness Pharmacies (Apollo) and salons (Lakme) are on the rise as people are increasing their expenditure on health and appearance.
Selection and Launching of a Retail Store Franchise.
Here is a simple 7‑step guide.
Step 1: Check Yourself (Self-Check)
Look in the mirror before examining brands.
- Money – How much money are you able to risk without jeopardizing the future of your family? Hold up additional cash during the initial 6 months.
- Interest – What do you like? A QSR is a good idea in case you like food. A pharmacy is excellent in case you are well-organized. Opening up a kids store when you do not like children is not good.
- Time- Are you available in the store on a daily basis? Franchising is not a part-time venture.
Step 2: Research the Market
Look around your city.
What do you lack in your neighborhood in the way of shops?
- What are the stores that are busy all the time?
- Can one find a good place (a high-footfall area) to rent?
- Identify 3-4 brands that meet your interest and budget.
Step 3: Contact the Brand
Find the official websites of brands of your choice and complete their franchise application form. A manager will call you. Be professional. Request the official Brochure of Franchise or Disclosure Document.
Step 4: Consult with other Franchise Owners.
This is the most significant step. Request the brand to give you the phone numbers of 3- 4 other owners that already operate the franchise. Call them and ask actual questions:
- Does the brand really help as they claim?
- What is the profit in reality in a month?
- What is the most serious issue that you have?
- True answers will be provided by real owners.
Step 5: Legal & Money
You have two jobs.
- Get a Lawyer- You should not sign the brand Franchise Agreement when they give it to you. Get it to a good small-business lawyer. The attorney will recite it and defend you.
- Take a Loan – Go to a bank in case you need some extra money. Present them with your franchise deal with a brand name. The banks are inclined to provide business loan or a MUDRA loan in case of a franchise due to its safety.
Step 6: Location, Establishment, and Training.
After the signature of the contract, the work commences.
- Location– The location will be reviewed and approved by the team of the brand.
- Setup– The brand will provide you with the entire design. Get employees to construct the store in the way they desire.
- Training -The brand will invite you and your new employees to their head office to train them. This is mandatory.
Step 7: Launch!
This is the big day. The brand will assist in the grand opening. They will ship inventory, assist in advertising, and ensure that it is all fine. Your business is now open. Congratulations!
Risks & Challenges to Know About
Franchise is not as risky as a new business, yet it is not completely safe.
- Large Fees: You are required to pay a franchise fee and a royalty fee. This cuts into your profit.
- Less Control: You are not able to be creative. It is not possible to alter the menu, the color of the store and prices. You have to abide by all the regulations of the brand even when you do not agree with them.
- Reputation of the Brand: In case the primary brand commits a big scandal (bad news), your store will be affected even when you did not do anything wrong.
- Competition: Competition is the other reason which can make the brand open a new Lenskart within 2 kilometers of your Lenskart store. This has the potential to divide your customers.
Government Support
The Indian government desires individuals to have new businesses. They also offer special loan schemes to aid.
- MUDRA Loan: This is the most popular one. In the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), you will be able to take a loan ranging between 50,000 and 10 Lakhs without providing any security (such as house papers). This fits well in a low investment franchise.
- Stand-Up India: This plan is available to entrepreneurs that are women or belong to SC/ST communities. It assists them to secure bank loans ranging between 10 Lakhs and 1 Crore.
- CGTMSE: This is a government guarantee that provides a guarantee to the bank on your behalf. It assists you to acquire larger business loans (up to 2 Crores without collateral).
Conclusion
The Indian retail market is a high-speed train that has opportunities. Purchasing a franchise is equivalent to purchasing a ticket on that train. It does not come on a silver platter; it requires labor, money, and commitment. It is, however, much safer and quicker than making your own engine — a reason why many entrepreneurs exploring sectors like a Coffee Franchise in India also prefer established models. The steps will help you develop a prosperous and profitable business by working with a brand you like, a place you are familiar with, and by adhering to the process.
FAQs
What is a “franchise fee”?
It is a fee, which you pay to the brand once, at the very beginning. This charge provides you with the privilege to utilize their brand name, business model, and training.
What is a “royalty fee”?
This is a monthly payment to the brand. It tends to be a percentage (such as 5 percent or 8 percent) of your total monthly sales. You are paying it because of the continuous support of the brand, advertising and the brand name.
What is a “COCO” model?
COCO is an acronym that means Company-Owned, Company-Operated. It implies that the brand (as DMart or Zudio) possesses the store, and operates it using its staff. They do not give franchises.
Is it better to have a food franchise or a non-food franchise?
It depends on you. A food franchise (like Wow! Momo) sells a lot a day and has more work (cookers, fresh food, and garbage). A non-food franchise (such as Lenskart) does not involve as much work per day, but you need to be a good salesperson. Both may be equally lucrative.