Lifestyle
Archies Unveils ‘Archies Express’ Store Format, Targets 20 New Openings in FY26

To Redefine Youth-Centric Offline Retail
New Delhi, 3rd March 2026: Archies, a legacy brand in the social expression industry, has announced the launch of Archies Express, a new-age retail format designed to connect with today’s fast-evolving, style-conscious consumers. As part of this strategic expansion, the brand plans to open 20 Archies Express stores across India in the current financial year, marking a significant step in its retail transformation journey.
For decades, Archies has been synonymous with emotions, memories, and thoughtful expressions. With Archies Express, the brand is reimagining its legacy for a younger audience while staying rooted in its core philosophy of connection and self-expression. The new format places a stronger focus on lifestyle accessories, trendy collectables, stationery, and everyday expression-led products, reflecting changing consumer preferences that lean towards personalization, immediacy, and design-led purchases.
Commenting on the launch, Varun Moolchandani and Hanisha Gandhi, Executive Directors, Archies, said, “Archies Express is our way of evolving with the times while remaining true to the emotional DNA of the brand. Today’s consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, seek products that blend style, function, and personal expression. With this format, we are creating a retail experience that is faster, more accessible, and deeply relevant, while still
carrying forward the warmth and nostalgia that Archies is known for.”
The first Archies Express store is set to open at Unity One Elegante Mall, Netaji Subhash Place, a location chosen for its vibrant mix of young professionals, sRe.tudents, and families. The mall’s high footfall and lifestyle-driven
The ecosystem make it an ideal launchpad for introducing the youthful and dynamic identity of Archies Express. Distinct from traditional Archies outlets, the Archies Express store features a modern, minimalist, and vibrant design language. The curated product mix focuses on fast-moving, high-appeal categories such as contemporary
gifting essentials, lifestyle accessories, stationery, soft toys, chocolates, fragrances, and seasonal collections. The format is designed to encourage discovery and impulse buying, while offering an engaging, feel-good in-store experience.
In an era increasingly dominated by e-commerce, Archies Express reinforces the brand’s belief in the enduring power of offline retail. By creating compact, experience-led stores, the brand aims to revive the joy of browsing,
discovery, and emotional connection that has always defined the Archies experience—now tailored for a faster, more dynamic retail environment.
Looking ahead, Archies’ expansion strategy will focus on a balanced mix of metros and high-potential Tier 2 cities, with a strong emphasis on mall-based formats in high-footfall locations. Archies Express is designed to complement the brand’s existing stores, strengthening its overall retail presence rather than replacing the traditional format.
The new retail identity follows a cost-efficient, scalable model with lower capex per store, enabling faster rollouts and quicker breakeven. This approach aligns with Archies’ long-term growth strategy, focused on optimized operations, efficient inventory planning, and strong unit-level economics.
As Archies continues to bridge generations, Archies Express stands as a testament to the brand’s ability to evolve with changing times, bringing together nostalgia and modern retail sensibilities, and connecting those who grew
up with Archies and those discovering it anew.
About Archies
Archies Limited operates a chain of stores that sell greeting cards and gifts for the past 45 years. The company retails photo albums, baby books, jewellery and accessories, gift hampers, perfumes, stuffed toys, and other gifts.
Archies has grown with the spread of modern culture, increasing urbanization, and improving standards of living. Adorability and sentiment drive its brand appeal across all age groups and demographics. The company has established exemplary mastery over its large network of distributors, retailers, and franchisees, with a conscious focus on targeting malls and other prime retail spaces for store openings. Network of 1000+ sales points including company owned stores, retailers, franchise and distributors.
Website Link: https://archiesonline.com/
Lifestyle
GKB Opticals Expands Delhi Presence with Two New Lifestyle-Focused Stores in Moti Nagar and Greenpark

The retail chain is eyeing 100-store milestone by June 2026
New Delhi, April 21st, 2026 – Strengthening its footprint in National Capital region, GKB has innaugrated two new retail Stores in Motinagar, and Greenpark marking another step in the expansion strategy of the brand. With a legacy spanning over six decades, the luxury eyewear retailer, GKB is now moving towards its target of crossing 100 stores across India by mid-2026.
The newly launched stores introduce GKB’s ‘lifestyle-first’ retail concept that redefines the traditional optical retail experience to deliver more immersive , design led retail experience. Both the new stores provide a comfortable and contemporary ambience, owing to an uncluttered design that provides a superior shopping experience. The design also mirrors the brand’s commitment to crafting spaces that are not only functional but also beautifully designed.
One of the primary aspects is the focus on advanced vision care, where customers can benefit from complete eye testing services conducted by qualified and trained optometrists, which will provide precise lens recommendations for customers’ needs, whether for blue light protection, digital fatigue, or progressive vision needs.
Speaking on this expansion, Priyanka Gupta, Director, GKB Opticals said, “Our aim is to focus on strategic growth rather than aggressive expansion always. After achieving this landmark of 90+ stores across the nation, we are all set to achieve the landmark of over 100 stores by this June, focusing on the right locations that match the premium credentials of the brand.”
Adding another layer of service and convenience for customers, GKB Opticals’ sales staff is available for personalized styling services, where they will help customers select eyewear that not only suits their face type but also meets their lifestyle needs.
Lifestyle
Subodh BhaveStarrer ‘Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj’ Set for April 24, 2026 Release; TeaserSparks Spiritual Fervour

The much-anticipated biopic Shree BabaNeeb Karori Maharaj starring Subodh Bhave in the titular role is all set to hittheatres on April 24, 2026. The makers recently unveiled the teaser, offeringaudiences a glimpse into the divine life and spiritual journey of the reveredsaint, generating strong buzz across platforms.
Directed by Sharad Singh Thakur, thefilm promises a deeply emotional and spiritually enriching cinematicexperience. The teaser reflects a blend of devotion, mysticism, and powerfulstorytelling, with Subodh Bhave delivering a compelling transformation into therole of the legendary spiritual figure.
The film boasts a strong ensemble castincluding Hiten Tejwani, Samikssha Bhatnagar, Aniruddh Dave, Hemant Pandey,Rajesh Sharma, Milind Guna, Smita Tambe, Gourishankar, Aaartii Naagpal, GarimaAgarwal along with Mohit Gupta, Varsha Manikchand, and Hardeep Kaur in pivotalroles. DOP by Karthik Mallur.
Produced by Balram Garg, Balvir Singh,Sharad Singh Thakur, Khadag Singh Gaur, and Neelam Singh, the film is presentedby Anisha Films International in association with PC Jeweller, BSR FilmProductions, and Advance Technology. The All-India distribution is beinghandled by First Film Studios LLP.
The teaser hints at a visually richnarrative that captures the miracles, teachings, and timeless influence of BabaNeeb Karori Maharaj, aiming to resonate with audiences across generations. Withits devotional essence and cinematic scale, the film is poised to make asignificant impact at the box office.
With a powerful story, notableperformances, and spiritual depth, Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj is gearing upto be one of the most talked-about releases of 2026.
Lifestyle
Bajaj Dhuniverse Crowns 19-Year-Old Ratnika Shrivastava Winner of Season 1

When Effort Gets a Stage, India Moves Forward
Mumbai, April 10, 2026: Bajaj Finserv’s digital-first music discovery platform, Bajaj Dhuniverse, has crowned 19-year-old Mumbai-based singer Ratnika Shrivastava as the winnerof its inaugural season, rising above an impressive 64,000 entries from across India. Unanimously chosen by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, her victory marks a breakout moment signalling the arrival of a powerful new voice on the national stage.
As part of her win, Ratnika steps into the spotlight with a significant opportunity: an independent album with Zee Music Company, a high-profile collaboration with Shankar–Ehsaan–Loyfor an exclusive release on Spotify, and co-create the Bajaj Anthem, transforming her victory into a defining leap from discovery to a sustained career in music.
Commenting on the milestone, Manav Mianwal, President – Digital Platforms, Bajaj Finserv, said: “Bajaj Dhuniverse was built to recognise sustained effort and bring forwardtalent that shows discipline, resolve and consistency. This season reinforced a simple truth: potential exists widely in India, but access does not. When effort is given a stage, the country gets a stage. This is how India moves forward. Platforms like BajajDhuniverse are our way of making that possible.”
Shankar Mahadevan said, “Ratnika has a voice that connects instantly and carries both vulnerability and power. From the very first time we heard her, we knew she was somethingspecial. She truly represents the spirit of what Bajaj Dhuniverse set out to find.”
Ehsaan Noorani added, “What struck me about Ratnika was her command over her craft and her ability to bring genuine emotion to her performance. In a competition of this scaleand calibre, that is what ultimately sets a winner apart.”
Loy Mendonsa said, “Bajaj Dhuniverse has given us immense satisfaction and working with a talent like Ratnika on Bajaj’s sonic identity is something I am genuinely excitedabout. She has the rare quality of making you feel every note. I look forward to what we will create together.”
For generations in India, the circumstances you were born into frequently defined the limits of your ambition. Talent existed everywhere, but stages were few and opportunitieswere uneven. Thousands of voices never found a platform, not for lack of effort but for lack of access.
Bajaj Dhuniverse was created to change that. Built as a digital‑first, nationally accessible music discovery platform by Bajaj Finserv, this platform is anchored in a simplebelief: when merit is given room to rise, progress follows and in turn India advances.
The search began on November 7, 2025, as an open call with no barriers of geography, background, or age, reinforcing the platform’s inclusive approach. By thetime entries closed on January 8, 2026, Bajaj Dhuniverse had received over 64,000 submissions without television amplification or high-decibel mass media campaigns quickly establishing itself as one of India’s largest digital-only music talent searches. Arigorous, multi-stage evaluation process narrowed the pool to the top 100 contestants, followed by mentorship and a competitive finale featuring 10 finalists and a wildcard entrant, culminating in a widely viewed live event on March 31, 2026,drawing over 5.3 lakh views.
Bajaj Dhuniverse reflects Bajaj FinServ’s broader commitment to enable aspiration through equitable access. The initiative stands as one more step in Bajaj Finserv’s long‑standingcommitment to inclusive growth, where technology becomes a bridge, not a barrier Made in India. Made for India. Made by Bajaj.
Watch:Bajaj Dhuniverse on Youtube
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