How consumer-facing brands balanced growth and consolidation in 2025

2025 marked a year of consolidation and scale for consumer-facing brands and digital marketplaces, as companies combined technology, capital discipline and brand-building to drive sustainable growth.

In the premium fashion segment, Indo-western label Chique emerged as a case study in balancing digital momentum with long-term expansion plans.

During the year, Chique strengthened its operational and supply-chain capabilities, onboarded senior leadership, and sharpened its digital strategy. The appointment of Bollywood actor Malaika Arora as its first brand ambassador, along with collaborations with leading influencers, helped expand brand visibility and customer reach.

These efforts translated into stronger topline performance, with the company closing the year at an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of ₹100 crore. The brand’s founding partner also received a 40 Under 40 recognition in 2025, following the implementation of learnings from a Stanford transformation programme completed in 2024.

Across the broader business ecosystem, platforms such as IndiaMART reported rising digital adoption among MSMEs. “2025 was pivotal for the B2B e-commerce space, driven by deeper AI integration and a clear shift toward sustainability,” said Dinesh Gulati, COO, IndiaMART InterMESH Limited, noting growing participation from non-metro markets and increased demand for green and health-focused products.

Looking ahead to 2026, Chique plans to expand its physical footprint with 25 company-owned stores, targeting a 50% growth surge, while platforms and brands alike are expected to deepen AI-led personalization and tap into tier II and III markets to sustain momentum.