Large deals aside, the year also saw the Swedish furniture major IKEA open its maiden store in India, six years after it announced investment plans here. Since its launch—to long queues of eager shoppers in the southern city of Hyderabad on Aug. 09—IKEA has announced plans to open more stores and launch e-commerce operations in the country.

Publication: Quartz (Online)

Date: December 31, 2018

The year has been great at experimenting with designs whether it was weddings or interiors. 2018 was all about ditching the conventional and adding a personalized signature style to the homes.

Publication: The Times of India (Online)

Date: December 27, 2018

With the launch of its new Christmas collection, Dior has branched out to home decor, toys for kids, accessories, and more!

Publication: Pinkvilla (Online)

Date: December 26, 2018

Workplaces now have transformed into spaces that provide an enjoyable work life as well as the opportunity to socialize with their colleagues during and after work.

Article by Sameer Joshi is the Associate VP-Marketing (B2B) at Godrej Interio.

Publication: People Matters (Online)

Date: December 26, 2018

Marketing and adland had a year full of dramatic returns, transformations, and woke brands, which left us with too many nominees to pick from. Here are just a few of the winners of 2018

Publication: ET Brand Equity (Online)

Date: December 26, 2018

Several players in the online verticals including  payments, online furniture (Urban Ladder/Pepperfry), home services (UrbanClap/HouseJoy) and home décor and design (Livspace/HomeLane) have raised significant venture capital investments

Publication: TechCircle (Online)

Date: December 24, 2018

Pepperfry was started in 2011 by Ambareesh Murthy, at the cusp of the Indian startup funding boom. Murthy was a graduate from IIM Calcutta and actually was way too deep into a well-established career before he left it all behind and started Pepperfry.

Publication: Tech Story (Online)

Date: December 24, 2o18

Bengaluru-based online interior design platform Design Cafe has raised $28.5 Mn (INR 200 Cr) equity-financing round led by private equity firm WestBridge Capital in participation with existing investor Fireside Ventures.

Publication: Inc42 (Online)

Date:  December 24, 2018

It’s that time of the year again, when everyone loves to indulge in the latest trends for their homes. Livspace offers the latest in home decor, from a rich colour palette to plush materials like leather and velvet and heritage charm.

Publication: The Hindu (Online)

Date: December 21, 2018

Swedish furniture giant IKEA, which opened its first Indian store in Hyderabad earlier this year, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh government for an investment of Rs 5,000 crore in Noida, which will provide direct employment to 4,000 people and indirect employment to another 4,000, the Times of India reported.

Publication: Times Now News (Online)

Date: December 21, 2018

House furnishing company, IKEA India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led Uttar Pradesh government according to which it will invest more than Rs 5000 crore in the state over the coming years. Significantly, the Sweden based company, which opened its first store in India earlier this year, aims to create over 8000 jobs in Uttar Pradesh. Peter Betzel, CEO, IKEA India, said that Uttar Pradesh is an important market for him and the company is currently in talks with the Yogi Adityanath government to facilitate its expansion plans in the state.

Publication: Zee Business (Online)

Date: December 21, 2018

Swedish furniture retailer Ikea on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh government to invest Rs 5,000 crore in setting up an ‘integrated commercial project’ and opening stores in the state. The investment is expected to help create 8,000 direct and indirect jobs over the years. Ikea said the first store in the state is expected to come up in Noida for which the Swedish company has not yet signed any land deal.

Publication: The Economic Times (Online)

Date: December 20, 2018

Williams-Sonoma Inc. sued Amazon.com Inc. in a challenge to the online retailer’s private label push that started with batteries, baby wipes and phone chargers and has expanded to include clothing, toys and high-end furniture. Amazon’s “Rivet” line includes products that are “strikingly similar” to Williams-Sonoma’s West Elm brand, including a $300 orb chair the household goods maker introduced two years ago, according to Williams-Sonoma’s complaint.

Publication: AdAge (Online)

Date: December 19, 2018

There has been media reports of a possible government plan to impose checks on the discounts and cashback deals offered by e-commerce companies to attract customers. It is being said this move is part of the WTO push to globally regulate online businesses. The e-commerce industry has undoubtedly hurt the fortunes of scores of brick and mortar retail stores across the country as firms like Amazon and Flipkart and others have reached every nook and cranny of the country. Their reach is posing a threat to offline retail stores who have been opposing the unrealistic discounts the online firms have been offering.

Publication: The Week (Online)

Date: December 17, 2018

The crowds that thronged the launch of Swedish furniture provider IKEA’s first store in Hyderabad in August this year may not be a one-off craze, but reflective of a trend. Indian customer appetite for premium products is increasing. Competitive furniture and home solutions companies are cashing in on this with new products, attractive schemes and easy credit access. According to TechSci Research report India Furniture Market Forecast and Opportunities 2019, India’s furniture market is poised to cross $32 billion by 2019.

Publication: The New Indian Express (Online)

Date: December 17, 2018

Pepperfry has announced the launch of its Bespoke Services— its one-stop-shop to resolve all ‘interiors woes’ for the homes of its customers. The company has opened the Pepperfry Bespoke Studios in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Gurugram, where people can choose interior decors from various styles in every service including modular solutions, tiling, and flooring or design consultancy.

Publication: Indian Television (Online)

Date: December 17, 2018

With just a few days left for Christmas and the city already soaking in the festive fervour. If you haven’t decorated your home yet, fret not. If you want to do away with shiny, flashy decorations, here are a few simple tips to decorate you home.

Publication: Times of India (Online)

Date: December 15, 2018

Swedish home furnishing brand, Ikea is looking to invest nearly Rs 50 billion in the Uttar Pradesh market over the next few years to expand its footprint.

Publication: Business Standard (Online)

Date: December 13, 2018

HomeLane has appointed Puneet Gupta as its Senior Vice President of Engineering. According to the company’s statement, Gupta has 18 years of experience in software architecture, product management and engineering.

Publication: Medianama (Online)

Date: December 13, 2018

Furniture and home products marketplace, Pepperfry Thursday announced the launch of its new venture ‘Pepperfry Bespoke’, saying it aims to tap the US Dollar 8 billion opportunity in the home decor segment.

Publication: Business Standard (Online)

Date: December 13, 2018

Furniture and home products marketplace Pepperfry is evolving into a full-stack home interiors solutions provider with the launch of a new business vertical ‘Pepperfry Bespoke’

Publication: ET Tech (Online)

Date: December 13, 2018

Furniture and home products marketplace Pepperfry announced the launch of an end-to-end home interior design and build solutions service on Thursday.

Publication: Hindu Business Line (Online)

Date: December 13, 2018

Furniture and home products marketplace Pepperfry has launched end-to-end home interior design solutions service.

Publication: Financial Express (Online)

Date: December 14, 2018

Sweden-based furniture company IKEA has invited 20 growth-stage startups across the globe including India, to participate in its IKEA Bootcamp programme.

Publication: Inc42 (Online)

Date: December 12, 2018

Of India’s total $18 Bn (INR 1,294,06 Cr) furniture market, 85-90% is unorganised and offline. Here, online furniture retailers like Urban Ladder, Furlenco, and Pepperfry cater to just 2% of the market.

Publication: Inc42 (Online)

Date: December 11, 2018

Online furniture retailer Pepperfry expects to be EBITDA-positive over the next 18 months. The company is also actively exploring an overseas foray.

Publication: The Hindu Business Line (Online)

Date: December 11, 2018

Walmart-controlled online retailer Flipkart has transaction growth of more than 80% in some months as e-commerce is booming again in the country, and the company plans to push newer categories such as furniture and groceries over the next three years.

Publication : LiveMint (Online)

Date: December 12, 2018

As if Diwali was not enough, the seduction starts again in December. Flipkart claims its offers har na ko haan mein badal de. Amazon too will make sure Christmas comes early this year and continues into the next.

Publication: The Economic Times (Online)

Date:  December 11, 2018

From investing in smart seating to opting for right colours and patterns, let your home space do the talking in 2019 with smart makeovers.

Publication:  The New Indian Express (Online)

Date: December 9, 2018

Wardrobes are a necessity for a functional home, allowing you to tuck away clothes, accessories and other items, which de-clutters a space. However, for those with smaller homes or rooms with not enough space for a wardrobe, there is an immediate need to find alternatives.

Publication:  Deccan Chronicle (Online)

Date:  December 10, 2018

For 20 years, Pantone’s theme of colour researchers have gone about the world documenting colours that influence lifestyle choices and trends, arriving at the conclusion that there will be one highlight colour each year, that will set the tone for the next 365 days, and this year it’s the brightest shade of coral. Furniture, fashion, beauty, home, packaging, art and design, all don the happy hue.

Publication:  The New India Express (Online)

Date:  December 9, 2018

From investing in smart seating to opting for right colours and patterns, let your home space do the talking in 2019 with smart makeovers.

Publication:  Business Standard (Online)

Date: December 8, 2018

After a successful first edition, the world’s largest furniture chain, Ikea, which opened shop in India this year, is inviting 20 growth-stage start-ups from the world over to solve the challenges of the future in a sustainable and affordable manner.

Publication:  Business Standard (Online)

Date: December 8, 2018

Walmart Inc on Thursday said it has acquired online retailer Art.com for an undisclosed amount to boost its home decor business and expand its online offering, as part of the retailer’s efforts to attract more millennials.

Publication:  ET Retail (Online)

Date: December 7, 2018

From investing in smart seating to opting for right colours and patterns, let your home space do the talking in 2019 with smart makeovers. Here are a few ah-mazing tips on how to give your home the perfect makeover and take your decor game to the next level this New Year!

Publication: India TV (Online)

Date: December 8, 2018

Home Decor

E-commerce companies are facing technical issues in filing the details of tax collected at source from their sellers on the GSTN website, vendors who sell through their platform said.

Publication: The Economic Times (Online)

Date: December 7, 2018

There has been a change in the overall format for Ikea’s maiden journey in India. The brand, which is known for its DIY (do it yourself) format, has people sent over to assemble furniture

Publication: Moneycontrol (Online)

Date: December 6, 2018

It’s a good time to be a consumer. New digital business models have flipped the customer-brand relationship on its head. Consumers no longer need to reach out to a brand; instead, brands come to customers offering more options and channels than ever before. But as marketers continue to wrestle to deliver and grab customer attention, the issues of fraud, data privacy and transparency are rapidly gaining significance.

Publication: AdAge India (Online)

Date: December 5, 2018

Supply chain solution provider Leap India, which received Rs. 200 crore investment recently from Piramal Capital, has tied up with Amazon India and Future Bazaar for providing innovative RFID embedded solution Totes to replace carton boxes.

Publication: The Hindu Business Line (Online)

Date: December 5, 2018

The government is working towards a strategy to promote domestic manufacturers, as US retail giant Walmart takes control of homegrown e-commerce firm Flipkart, to become the country’s largest e-commerce operator in India.

Publication: Moneycontrol (Online)

Date: December 4, 2018

In 1988, two boys, in the first year of their college, met for the wedding of a common friend and decided to walk in to the best showroom for suiting in the town Circa 1988. Their discerning eye picks the costliest of fabrics immediately. The salesman sensing their inability to pay brusquely asks them to leave. The two boys promised to themselves that this experience will never repeat. We are talking of the founders of what is today called M/s Spacewood Furnishers Pvt. Limited – A Rs. 5 billion furniture company spanning kitchens, wardrobes, all kinds of home furniture and doors.

Publication: The Economic Times (Online)

Date: December 3, 2018

Future Group founder Kishore Biyani is negotiating an agreement with Amazon that will give the US-based online retailer the option to acquire Biyani in the future, The Economic Times reported last week. The report said the e-commerce giant is in an advanced stage of talks to buy a 9.5% stake in Future Retail Ltd. Amazon has been testing the waters with stakes in smaller offline companies, including Shoppers Stop Ltd and Aditya Birla Group’s food and grocery retail chain, More. A stake in Future Retail will be a far bigger step in marrying its online presence with offline stores.

Publication: Mint Live (Online)

Date: December 3, 2018

IKEA, the Swedish furniture and home decor brand, is developing a clever new product design that could help reduce India’s air pollution by as much as 33 percent. As part of its “Better Air Now” initiative, IKEA has partnered with local and state governments to create innovative ways to alleviate air pollution. One solution will be to create a new line of IKEA products that are made from rice straw, an agricultural byproduct that is typically burned by farmers. “The health effects of air pollution are severe, and at IKEA, we are determined to contribute to a solution,” says Helene Davidsson, Sustainability Manager South Asia at IKEA Purchasing.

Publication: GoodNewsNetwork (Online)

Date: December 2, 2018

What if all you had to do to cut down Delhi’s pollution was to buy disposable plates? Swedish giant IKEA hopes to do just that. It has plans to develop products from crop residue on farms to help cut down the need for crop burning in North India. One of those products could be rice-straw plates. The company, which launched in India a few months ago, is the latest to come up with a solution to one of Delhi’s biggest challenges — its annual smog.

Publication: Hindu Busines Line (Online)

Date: November 30, 2018

Earlier this week, Barclays Plc said in a report that Amazon India recorded gross sales of $7.5 billion in the year ended March 2018, compared with Flipkart’s standalone gross sales of $6.2 billion. The report has stirred a huge debate on the market leadership position in Indian e-commerce, and has raised questions on Walmart’s assertion of Flipkart’s dominance in India. In an interview with Mint, Amazon India’s country head Amit Agarwal reiterated that the e-commerce major is the fastest growing player in India and said that he was not surprised with the report’s findings.

Publication: Mint Live (Online)

Date: November 29, 2018

With Amazon’s India unit finally pulling ahead of homegrown rival Flipkart, at least in terms of gross sales in the last fiscal, the ecommerce giant is now focussing on its human capital. The company is looking to hire over 2,000 people in tech and non-tech roles across its various divisions in the country, including Amazon.com, Amazon Web Services, Amazon.in and its Devices division, The Hindu Business Line reported.

Publication:  Business Today (Online)

Date: November 30, 2018

Just when we thought that the holiday-shopping season was over this year, ‘Black Friday sale’ ads started replacing the Diwali deals on banners across retail windows in India. Phones and inboxes were flooded with notifications about deals from apparel and accessory stores.

Publication: Fortune (Online)

Date: November 29, 2018