Trent manages the lifestyle and fashion department store chain Westside, the value-fashion brand Zudio, and the hypermarket Star Bazaar.
In Trent’s most recent annual report, Tata emphasized that future growth will hinge on creating unique and clearly defined propositions across various categories, while also aiming to introduce Indian brands to global markets.
Referring to comments made at Trent’s 2023 shareholders’ meeting, Tata expressed his vision for the company to reach tenfold revenue growth alongside increased profitability.
”Since that point, our revenue and profitability run rate have surged by more than 2.5 times. Given this progress, I’m confident we will achieve the target I mentioned in the not-so-distant future,” stated Noel Tata, who also chairs Tata Trusts.
In FY26, Trent recorded revenue from operations of ₹19,701 crore and operated 1,286 stores with a combined retail space of 17.7 million square feet across 321 cities.
Tata further highlighted Trent’s aspirations for global outreach, indicating it would be “immensely gratifying” to build Indian brands that gain recognition in international markets.
He emphasized the need for the company to aim for substantial revenues from overseas, aligning with India’s broader goals of boosting value-added exports.
“We should boldly aspire, carry out our plans with determination, and take pride in brands built from the ground up in India,” he advised.
Reflecting on Trent’s journey, which began 25 years ago with the first Westside store on Commercial Street in Bengaluru, Tata noted the steady evolution to over 1,200 locations, supported by growth initiatives like the value fashion chain Zudio and the grocery retail brand Star.
He believes that Trent should not be characterized by a single brand but rather a portfolio of diverse brands. In the dynamic and evolving marketplace of India and beyond, it is unlikely that one brand can dominate the lifestyle sector,” he explained.
Instead, Trent’s strategy has focused on delivering distinct, well-defined solutions that cater to varying customer preferences and occasions.
”This multi-brand approach will continue to shape our future,” he confirmed.
Tata affirmed that the company is strategically positioned to capitalize on its existing framework, backed by a robust ecosystem and a clear sense of purpose.
“Given the vast opportunities that lie ahead and the strengthening of Trent’s platform, I am confident we are still in the early phases of our growth journey,” he remarked.
Reflecting on Trent’s evolution, he described it as a ”thoughtful transition from Lakmé into the fashion retail space,” transforming into a ”significant business.”
He recalled initial conversations with his mother, Simone Tata, about redefining Lakmé’s direction, driven by the goal of creating products and experiences that resonate with people while staying true to Tata values.
“It is incredibly fulfilling to see that, in many ways, this aspiration has materialized through Trent’s advancements over the past two and a half decades,” he noted.
The Tata Group divested Lakmé to Hindustan Unilever (HUL) in the late 1990s.
