Dubai-headquartered fragrance giant Ajmal has accelerated its India retail expansion with a fresh wave of store launches across Tier II and Tier III cities, reinforcing the growing importance of regional markets in the country’s premium fragrance boom.
The move marks a significant milestone in the brand’s broader franchise and experiential retail strategy as it pushes deeper beyond metropolitan India.
The company has opened new stores across Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala, including locations in Ajmer, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Varanasi, Bareilly, Lucknow, Thrissur, and Kochi. Key retail destinations include Pink Square Mall in Jaipur, Phoenix United Mall in Lucknow, Prozone Mall in Aurangabad, and HiLite Mall in Thrissur.
Ajmal said the expansion is aligned with its strategy to strengthen its presence in emerging Indian markets where rising disposable incomes, growing beauty consciousness, and demand for premium personal care products are reshaping consumer behaviour. The company is increasingly focusing on what it calls “experiential retail,” offering fragrance consultations, product trials, and curated assortments tailored to regional tastes.
Abdulla Ajmal, CEO of Ajmal Group, said: “India is one of the most exciting fragrance markets globally. We are accelerating our retail expansion with a target of 170+ exclusive stores by the end of 2026. Tier II and Tier III cities are at the heart of this strategy, as we see a strong shift towards premium fragrances driven by consumers seeking authenticity, quality, and heritage-led Oud offerings with contemporary appeal.”
The company currently operates around 105 exclusive stores in India and plans to add nearly 80 more outlets this year as part of its aggressive retail growth roadmap. Reports suggest Ajmal is eyeing over 225 exclusive stores in India by 2027, alongside further expansion through multi-brand retail formats and strategic partnerships.
Ajmal’s India push is also being supported through partnerships with organized retail players such as Shoppers Stop, where select Ajmal fragrance collections are now available across multiple stores nationwide.
Founded over 75 years ago by Haji Ajmal Ali, Ajmal has evolved into one of the world’s most recognized fragrance houses with a strong heritage in Oud-based perfumery. The company today operates more than 400 exclusive showrooms globally, has distribution across over 70 countries, and maintains a presence at more than 100 duty-free and travel retail locations worldwide.
Ajmal’s global footprint spans the GCC, India, Southeast Asia, Europe, and parts of Africa, with the brand increasingly leveraging franchise-led and partner-driven retail models to deepen market penetration internationally.
