Trent Targets Small-Town India as Next Major Growth Frontier

Tata Group’s retail company Trent is opening a larger share of new stores in smaller cities and town clusters as it looks beyond major metros for growth.  

As per Reuters reports, Managing Director P. Venkatesalu said nearly two-thirds of recent store additions are now in tier-2 and tier-3 locations. 

The company, which operates Westside and Zudio, is following a similar approach to the one it earlier used in large cities. Instead of relying mainly on flagship stores, it is increasing store presence within specific micro-markets. 

Store Network Crosses 1,100 

Trent added more than 100 outlets in the 9 months to December, taking its total store count to over 1,100. As of 31 December, the network included 278 Westside stores and 854 Zudio outlets, including 4 in the UAE, along with 32 stores across other lifestyle formats. 

More than 75% of the Zudio stores opened during the period were outside metropolitan areas. The company also entered new towns in Kerala, expanding its presence to 274 cities across India. 

Focus on Younger Consumers 

The retailer said it is building a deeper presence within smaller markets, where younger consumers are increasingly exposed to fashion trends. The strategy centres on strengthening store networks within individual towns rather than only expanding into new cities. 

Management said consumption patterns outside major urban centres are changing as organised retail spreads and branded options become more available. 

Use of Data and Automation 

Trent is using artificial intelligence tools and third-party data to select locations for new stores. These include indicators such as brand store density and levels of digital transactions in potential markets. 

The company is also introducing automation and analytics across product planning, supply chains, and store operations as its network expands. 

Overseas Plans and Quarterly Performance 

Alongside domestic expansion, Trent is evaluating overseas opportunities, especially in markets with large Indian diaspora populations. It plans to focus on brands that have already reached scale in India, including Westside and Zudio. 

For the quarter ended December, Trent reported standalone net profit of ₹640 crore, compared with ₹469 crore a year earlier. Revenue from operations rose to ₹5,259 crore from ₹4,535 crore in the same period. 

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Trent Share Price Performance  

As of February 17, 2026, 10:58 am, Trent Ltd share price was trading at ₹4,195.00, a 0.82% decrease from the previous closing price. 

Conclusion 

Trent is directing more store openings towards smaller towns and local market clusters. The company’s expansion plans also include data-based site selection and limited overseas growth. 

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