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- Tell us about your professional journey:
I began my career with Titan in the early 1990s, working across multiple categories and roles spanning manufacturing, supply chain, projects, and sales in key businesses such as Watches, Jewellery, and Eyewear. Before joining CaratLane as Managing Director in mid-2024, I served as the CEO of Titan’s EyeCare division.
- What is your management mantra?
Prioritise “We > Me” I believe in building organisational alignment where every function rallies around a singular purpose—profitable yet purposeful growth. This principle drives how we empower teams and shape decision-making across CaratLane.
- What drew Titan’s interest in CaratLane? What was the brand’s USP?
CaratLane stood out for its digital-first DNA—embracing online discovery while offering contemporary, affordable jewellery designed for everyday wear. Titan recognised the brand’s design-led innovation and omnichannel potential—a unique proposition that complemented its vision of modernising fine jewellery under the Tata umbrella.
- How was CaratLane’s online-to-offline journey? Why was it necessary?
Though born online, jewellery is tactile—people want to see, touch, and try before they buy. Titan’s strategic investment enabled us to establish over 330 stores nationally, creating a true omni-channel ecosystem. Today, digital touchpoints influence approximately 80% of customer journeys, even if billing happens offline.
- What are the pros and cons of the omnichannel approach?
Pros: It delivers the best of both worlds—digital convenience and physical reassurance. By integrating tech-enabled services, we transform discovery into delightful transactions.
Cons: It demands complex integration—tech, inventory management, logistics, and uniform experience across platforms—each requiring constant attention and investment.
- What are CaratLane’s expansion plans for FY26?
In FY26, we’re targeting over 40 new store openings, with 10 in Uttar Pradesh alone. Our goal is to deepen regional penetration while reinforcing digital-first initiatives like Try-at-Home and quick commerce in urban pockets.
- How has franchising evolved for CaratLane?
Titan Company, being a pioneer in India’s retail landscape, brought valuable expertise to CaratLane’s franchising journey post-acquisition. Leveraging Titan’s extensive retail experience, CaratLane’s franchising model accelerated local expansion, especially in non-metro regions. By empowering our franchise partners through comprehensive operational support, tailored training, and market insights, we’ve effectively strengthened our regional presence, enabling rapid scaling and deeper market penetration alongside our company-owned stores.
- Where do you see the brand in five years?
In five years, CaratLane will further strengthen its position as a trusted brand known for beautiful jewellery created for everyday adornment—not locker storage—serving as meaningful lifestyle accessories. We will continue introducing fresh, innovative product lines with deeper offerings in lightweight jewellery and creative combinations of precious materials to match evolving consumer tastes and modern lifestyles.
- How has the precious jewellery market evolved in the past five years, and where is it headed?
Over five years, there’s been a clear shift towards lightweight, everyday-wear pieces, fueled by digital awareness and changing lifestyles. Going forward, this momentum will accelerate as consumers seek meaningful, wearable designs, seamless buying journeys, and purpose-led brand relationships—paralleling macro trends in premiumisation and customization.
- How has technology fueled CaratLane’s growth?
Technology is our backbone—from CaratLane LIVE and Try-at-Home to low-code backend systems, AI-powered visual search, and data-driven personalization through Postcards. These enable speed, convenience, and high engagement, giving us an edge in today’s digital-first market.
- How do you plan to capture Tier II and III city markets?
Our strategy combines retail expansion, regional localisation of product/design, and targeted marketing communication. By tapping local sensibilities and serving aspirational buyers, we deliver both relevance and experience. Franchise partners, combined with data-driven local promotions, will be crucial in growing these markets.
- What are the top three trends in precious jewellery today?
- Lightweight, daily-wear jewellery lifestyle focus
- Digital-first discovery and purchase journeys, driven by virtual try-ons and visual search.
- Customization, evidenced by strong growth in solitaire engagement rings and personalised pieces—an affluent consumer segment openness.
- How significant is franchising for the jewellery industry, and how do you see it evolving?
Franchising plays a crucial role in the jewellery industry by leveraging local entrepreneurial expertise to accelerate geographic expansion. It allows rapid penetration into wider and deeper regional markets, facilitating sustainable and scalable growth. At CaratLane, our franchising approach emphasises mutual success and long-term partnership, and we see this collaborative model continuing to grow, driving deeper market reach and stronger local connections.
- How does CaratLane support franchisees and select partners?
We offer comprehensive onboarding: operational training, brand guidelines, tech tools, inventory planning, and marketing support. Selection focuses on entrepreneurs who understand local consumer behaviour, share our brand ethos, and are committed to delivering a consistent and elevated customer experience.
