

Why Zara India needs to go solo or go home
5 snips May 14, 2025
Zara's partnership with Tata's Trent is showing signs of strain as it struggles to maintain its market share in India. Competitors like H&M and Uniqlo are outpacing Zara, creating a buzz about the brand’s declining influence. Meanwhile, Tata's own Zudio brand is thriving, reaching $1 billion in sales, while Westside is gearing up to compete directly with Zara. The podcast dives into whether Zara should go solo or find a way to regain its former glory.
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Zara's Royal Entry & Tata's Rise
- Zara India entered as a glamorous global brand partnered with Tata's Trent retail arm.
- Tata quietly took notes and eventually built competing brands, overshadowing Zara in India.
Tata Learns & Localizes Zara
- Tata's Trent learned from Zara's fast fashion model and localized it for Indian market.
- Zudio mimicked Zara's style but sold clothes as low as $1.99, appealing to affordability.
Zara's Limited Expansion in India
- Zara India has opened only 23 stores mostly in top cities' high-end malls, limiting reach.
- Competitors like H&M expanded presence and online sales faster with nearly three times Zara's stores.