Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited (ABLBL) is accelerating its physical retail expansion, setting the stage for another year of network-led growth even as it delivers double-digit revenue gains on a disciplined cost base.
The company added over 50 new stores during the December quarter and plans to open another 90-plus net stores in the next quarter, taking total additions to around 150 stores in the current year. Looking ahead, ABLBL has already built a pipeline of nearly 120 stores for next year, with further momentum expected as property identification continues through the festive months, the company management told analysts in the latest conference call.
The expansion engine remains robust. ABLBL has identified around 300 potential locations, of which it typically converts about half, pointing to another significant store addition cycle next year. With this push, the company’s retail footprint has crossed 3,300 stores, spanning 4.8 million square feet across more than 785 cities and towns.
Demand during the quarter began on a strong footing in October and November before moderating in December, partly due to a shift in wedding dates and the festive season spilling into the previous quarter compared to last year. Despite these headwinds, sharply focused execution across brands enabled ABLBL to deliver strong double-digit growth, supported by operating leverage and margin expansion.
Overall revenue rose 10% year-on-year to ₹2,343 crore. The Lifestyle Brands portfolio grew 9%, while Emerging Businesses outperformed with 13% growth. On a like-to-like basis, the business delivered 6% growth, showing resilience despite the festive shift.
Channel performance also remained healthy, with trade and e-commerce rebounding to double-digit growth. Ongoing store renovations, sharper assortments, and initiatives to attract new customers helped deepen engagement and reinforce brand relevance.
Reebok, Van Heusen Innerwear, and American Eagle portfolio now spans over 375 stores, with 20-plus stores added during the quarter, delivered a robust 16% like-to-like growth.
Reebok posted over 20% growth alongside a sharp improvement in profitability, with its store network expanding to 200-plus locations, doubling since acquisition. American Eagle continued on a profitable, double-digit growth trajectory, while Van Heusen Innerwear returned to double-digit growth, significantly narrowing losses and progressing steadily towards break-even.
Management expects emerging brands to contribute more meaningfully in the coming years, with the portfolio targeted to form around one-fourth of ABLBL’s overall business over the next 4–5 years. The strategy remains anchored in deepening presence across key micro-markets, expanding both existing and new catchments, while maintaining profitability discipline.
With a strong store pipeline, improving operating leverage, and a growing contribution from emerging brands, ABLBL is positioning itself for sustained, expansion-led growth in the evolving lifestyle retail landscape