Splurge today, Save Later! The fact that Indians are splurging more on luxury is a clear sign of the maturing taste and demand for better things in life. Beyond the need to ‘Keep up with the Joneses’, the rising splurge trend seems to be arising for the need to experience newer and better bespoke experiences that only a few can afford. Fuelled by access to the internet and international trends, aspiring Indians want better experiences that make their lives better. Cash rich, time poor middle class, and upper middle class Indians are driving the rise in spending across categories. Micro-vacations, high end cosmetics, perfumes, and personal care products, clothes, automobiles, weddings, retail, art & collectibles, streetwear, sneakers, you name it, a luxury version of that category now exists in India vying for a bigger market share. At the same time, Indian customers are demanding and price conscious even at that level, and expect nothing but the best and maximum bang for the buck. They are ready to spend but they need the right luxury mixed well with the right details and taste to create that amazing experience.
With the luxury industry showing signs of slowing down in BRCS, India’s steady growth, political stability, better ‘ease of doing business’ ratings, economic reforms aimed at improving GDP, and strong leadership in the global sense has given confidence to global businesses and brands alike to expand their footprint in India. Bolstered by rising disposable incomes, the middle class, and the upper middle class has now become the darling of the Luxury industry with several brands launching affordable luxury products to first time luxury consumers. As per a recent report, more than 300 international brands are planning to open stores in India by 2020 which is a clear indication towards the strong belief in the Indian luxury market potential.
As per several reports, while the size of the global luxury market is estimated to be around $2 trillion, the luxury market in India is estimated to grow to $30 billion by end of 2019. This amounts to approximately 1.5% of the total market size. NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant had stated at the Mint Luxury conference in 2016 that the luxury market in India has the potential to grow from $18.5 billion currently(2016) to $50 billion by 2020 and to $180 billion by 2025. So far, Mr. Kant’s analysis has proven to be on track for the Indian Luxury Industry.
- Apple posted a 12% increase in total income in India in FY’18 as compared to FY’17.
- Mercedes Benz’s car sales in 2018 increased by 1.4% to 15,538 units compared to the previous year when the company sold 15,330 units.
- Kalyan Jewellers, PC Jewellers, Joyalukkas India, and Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri Limited or TBZ are amongst the 5 Indian luxury brands in the Deloitte’s Global Luxury Top 100 listings besides Titan Company Limited.
- Big Boyz Toyz, a luxury car dealer has been able to generate almost 50 percent of its overall revenue via online sales. In 2018, BBT achieved an annual sale of Rs 250 crores; and this financial year, the brand is betting bigger on its e-commerce platform and plans to expand its annual target to 400 crores by selling 500 cars.
- 7,300 new dollar millionaires joined the Indian millionaire club in 2018 driving up its total number to 3,43,000 according to a Credit Suisse report.
The luxury market is exploding in India driven by various factors. Simultaneously, the market is changing immensely pushing brands to create better strategies to attract potential customers. What’s driving this trend?
Exclusivity in Experiences
It’s no more about bling and show, rather it’s more about novel experiences that are exclusive, new and ones that connect emotionally at a personal level. When brands are able to offer such experiences, then money is never a barrier.
Collaborations & ‘Product Drops’
Several brands collaborate to create new products or exclusive collections that are limited production runs which makes the luxury goods highly collectible and raise their value. Omega Olympic Collection Rio 2016 is one such example of a limited edition product. Commemorating the Rio 2016 Olympics, the roughly $4000 dollar watch is a true collectible for Olympics, Brazil and Omega fans.
Expansion of the luxury market
Increasing opulence & availability of premium real estate in Tier II & Tier III cities is leading to a sharp rise in the expansion of luxury brands in India. Several luxury automobile, fashion, and retail brands have opened stores in such cities driving in-store footfall in their premium stores for the first time luxury consumer.
Micro-vacations rather than annual breaks:
Instead of long annual breaks, micro vacations is the new trend wherein the affluent consumers are now willing to splurge on locations and experiences. International or domestic, the travel needs of consumers are changing drastically and few opt for the regular run of the mill concepts rather choosing to explore newer avenues and undiscovered locales.
The merger of technology and retail
Physical and digital retail’s merger is quietly invading the global retail practices. Cashier less stores, faster checkouts, ease in payments are all areas where technology is enabling a better retail experience. Decathlon’s recently launched store in Bengaluru has introduced a ‘phygital experience’- an innovative mix of physical retail and digital touch points. The store creates an immersive user experience specifically designed to engage and add value for customers at every step of the way while choosing their favorite sports gear.
Fuelled by the global mobility of the affluent Indian, having experienced different cultures and trends, the demand for similar or even a better experience from the same brands in India is on the rise. Pushing the luxury sector to scale further, improve services, and offer a better holistic experience. As the middle-class India grows in size and capacity, first-time luxury customers and millennials would be key for success in the new world and brands who have been strategizing a better experience for their customers will win in the short and long term.
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