Reliance Retail has signed an exclusive distribution partnership with Germany-based cosnova Beauty to introduce the essence cosmetics brand in India.
The Indian retailer will distribute essence’s product range nationwide through its integrated omnichannel network, including online platforms, beauty stores and partner retail formats.
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Founded in 2002, essence offers affordable, cruelty-free makeup, more than 80% of which is manufactured in Europe.
The brand refreshes half of its portfolio twice a year and frequently launches limited trend editions inspired by current beauty and lifestyle themes.
Positioned around a “Make Beauty Fun” ethos, essence seeks to broaden access to cosmetics and encourage creative self-expression. It currently has a presence in 90 countries.
Reliance Retail stated that the launch aligns with its strategy to broaden its beauty portfolio and introduce global brands to Indian consumers.
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By GlobalDataThe retailer operates an omnichannel network of 19,821 stores across multiple categories and has a registered customer base of more than 369 million.
In October 2025, Reliance Brands signed a long-term master franchise agreement to launch the Italian fashion label MAX&Co in the Indian market.
Established in 1986 and owned by the Max Mara Fashion Group, MAX&Co retails online and through more than 400 stores globally.
The first Indian outlet is planned for Mumbai in early 2026, with additional locations to follow in major metropolitan centres.
In the same month, Reliance Retail operationalised more than 600 dark stores to support its quick commerce operation.
Reliance Retail Ventures (RRVL), the retail arm of Reliance Industries, posted an 18% increase in gross revenue to Rs900.18bn ($10.23bn) for the September quarter, while profit after tax rose 21.9% to Rs34.57bn.
For the fiscal year 2024/25, it reported gross revenue of Rs3300bn.
