Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin foresees India among top 5 markets in 10 years

Babin outlined Bulgari's plans to open 2-3 new boutique stores in India over the next few years, with a focus on establishing a strong presence in emerging luxury markets such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Additionally, the brand aims to expand its reach through collaborations with multi-brand watch partners, intending to double its presence from 12 cities to 20 cities nationwide.

Recognising India's cultural affinity for gold and traditional jewellery, Bulgari has been "Indianising" its offerings by incorporating indigenous elements into its product offerings. Collaborations with Indian celebrities, including Priyanka Chopra for the design of the Bulgari Mangalsutra and the recent release- Bulgari Kada, have been a big success, with these Indian-specific launches consistently selling out.

Answering a question about more of such Indianised products in the pipeline, Babin said that the company is still busy meeting the demand for the Mangalsutra and Kada.

Despite facing challenges such as the availability of luxury retail spaces in smaller cities, Babin expressed optimism about India's potential as a key market for Bulgari's future growth. He emphasised the need for increased infrastructure development, including luxury malls and retail spaces, to accommodate the rising demand for luxury brands in India.