The well-endowed have a new shopping destination in Mumbai — Jio World Plaza. On Tuesday, Reliance Industries (RIL) unveiled a 750,000 sq ft mall at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) – India’s most expensive commercial business district – alongside the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, the Jio World Convention Center and the Jio World Garden.
After Jio World Drive, which was introduced two years ago, this is the second high-end shopping destination at BKC by Reliance. While brands like Apple, Diesel, Emporio Armani, Dune London, Coach and Da Milano can be found at Jio World Drive, Jio World Plaza is positioned as a “unique retail experience” with 66 luxury brands, some of which will be making their presence in India for the first time.
“Our vision for Jio World Plaza is to bring the world’s best brands to India,” said Isha Ambani, Director, RIL.
The square, which opens its doors to the general public on Wednesday, is designed as an exclusive center for retail, leisure and dining, spread over four levels.
Brands such as Balenciaga, Giorgio Armani Café, Pottery Barn Kids, Samsung Experience Centre, EL&N Café and Rimowa, for example, will foray into the country with a presence at Jio World Plaza, RIL said.
Key flagship stores include brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, Bally, Giorgio Armani, Dior, YSL, Bulgari, Versace, Valentino, YSL and Tiffany, among others.
The mall will also offer a range of exclusive services such as personal shoppers, VIP concierge, hands-free shopping, butler and concierge services and is expected to be compared to the world’s top luxury malls such as The Dubai Mall, The Landmark. in Hong Kong and the Mall of the Emirates in the United Arab Emirates.
Currently, India has four exclusive malls – DLF Emporio and The Chanakya in New Delhi; UB City in Bengaluru; and the Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai. A recent report by Knight Frank India says that India’s Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (Ultra HNIs) with a net worth of $30 million and above will grow to 19,119 in 2027, up 58.4% from 12,069 in 2022.
The number of billionaires in India is expected to increase to 195 in 2027 from 161 in 2022, indicating there is room for growth in luxury shopping destinations in the country, Knight Frank said.
Jio World Plaza will also be home to renowned designers such as Manish Malhotra, Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla, Rahul Mishra, Falguni and Shane Peacock and Ritu Kumar among others.
Inspired by the lotus flower, Reliance collaborated with US-based architecture firm TVS to design the square. Marble floors, vaulted ceilings and a subtle play of light underline the business premises.
Level 1 shopping destinations include Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Jimmy Choo, Balenciaga, Burberry, Tory Burch, Dior and Cartier. While on level 2 brands like Muji, Samsung and Pottery Barn are vying for attention.
