National News
Raniwala 1881 Partners with Francorp to Scale Retail Footprint Through Franchising
The iconic Jaipur-based jewellery house adopts FOFO and FOCO models to expand across India while preserving its royal heritage and artisanal legacy
Raniwala 1881, the luxury jewellery brand rooted in Jaipur’s rich heritage, has announced a strategic alliance with Francorp, the franchising advisory arm of Franchise India Group, to fuel its next phase of growth through a structured franchise model.
This partnership marks a significant milestone for the 140-year-old brand as it seeks to expand its retail footprint across India while staying true to its legacy of regal design and meticulous craftsmanship.
Under the agreement, Raniwala 1881 will implement both Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated (FOFO) and Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated (FOCO) models. These formats aim to offer opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to be part of the evolution of one of India’s most prestigious fine jewellery brands.
“Our jewellery is more than just adornment; it is a representation of centuries-old craftsmanship and a deep-rooted heritage,” said Abhishek Raniwala, Managing Director of Raniwala 1881. “With the growing demand for handcrafted Polki and Jadau jewellery, this partnership with Francorp allows us to expand while preserving our brand’s exclusivity.”
Founded in the 19th century by Rai Bahadur Champalal of Beawar, the brand carries a legacy dating back to the British era, when the family was honored with the title “Raniwala.” The brand continues to be a trusted name in bridal jewellery, known for its 18-karat gold Polki pieces that appeal to both Gen Z and Millennial audiences.
Over the years, Raniwala 1881 has also collaborated with some of India’s top fashion designers, including Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Manish Malhotra, and Rahul Mishra, reinforcing its place at the intersection of heritage and high fashion.
The shift toward franchising comes as India’s jewellery market undergoes a transformation, with consumers increasingly gravitating toward branded, story-driven luxury pieces that offer authenticity and traceability.
Francorp will help guide Raniwala 1881’s expansion across metro cities and fast-growing luxury markets, ensuring a consistent retail experience that honors the brand’s heritage.
“Luxury retail is evolving rapidly, and heritage brands like Raniwala 1881 are leading the way in strategic expansion while maintaining timeless elegance and exclusivity,” said Gaurav Marya, Chairman of Franchise India Group. “Franchising provides an effective model to scale without compromising brand integrity. With FOFO and FOCO formats, we’re introducing a new dimension to luxury jewellery retail in India.”
National News
MDR For UPI: Credit Card Bill Payments and Jewellery Purchases Remain Free For Consumers
Consumers Are Advised That Merchant-Imposed Surcharges On Card Or UPI Payments Violate Current Payment Guidelines
Following recent industry discussions regarding the updated Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, financial experts and industry leaders have clarified that individual consumers will not incur any additional charges when paying credit card bills or purchasing high-value items like jewellery via UPI apps.
Zero Fees on Credit Card Bill Payments via UPI
Despite the implementation of the revised UPI MDR structure, consumers using UPI-enabled applications to pay their credit card bills remain entirely exempt from MDR fees.
No Cost Impact for Users: Cardholders can continue paying their bills through standard UPI QR codes or app-based transfers without losing reward points, credit float advantages, or incurring extra costs.
Understanding BBPS Fees: While standard bank-to-bank UPI transfers do not carry MDR, credit card bill payments processed through the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) may incur small convenience or processing fees set directly by participating payment platforms under their own commercial terms—not as part of the UPI MDR framework.
Framework for Jewellery Purchases and High-Value Merchants
For high-value retail transactions, including jewellery purchases, regulatory guidelines mandate that the burden of MDR falls strictly on merchants, not customers:
Consumer Exemption: Merchants and payment platforms are prohibited from passing MDR charges or platform surcharges directly onto buyers.
Capped MDR for Jewellers: Under the revised Person-to-Merchant (P2M) framework for transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, jewellers and high-value merchants absorb a capped MDR of 0.4% (up to a maximum limit of Rs 300 per transaction for purchases of Rs 75,000 and above).
Payment Transparency: While jewellers absorb nominal fees for bank-linked UPI transactions, standard credit card fees continue to apply to credit card swipes and RuPay-credit card UPI transactions.
Consumers are advised that merchant-imposed surcharges on card or UPI payments violate current payment guidelines.
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