National News
Senco is gearing up for significant growth; plans to open 20 new stores this year
Senco Gold & Diamonds, one of India’s leading jewelry retailers, is gearing up for significant growth in the fiscal year 2025. The company has announced plans to open 20 new stores this year, aiming for a 20% increase in its topline revenue. This expansion is part of its broader strategy to maintain consistent annual growth while catering to rising consumer demand.These details were provided by Suvankar Sen, MD and CEO of Senco Gold & Diamonds, during an interview with CNBC TV18.
The company experienced a challenging start to FY25, with weak demand for diamond jewelry during the first three quarters due to high gold prices. However, the fourth quarter saw a revival, with increased sales of 14-carat and 18-carat diamond jewelry. Senco Gold also noted that silver sales outpaced both gold and diamonds in volume and value, as consumers increasingly view silver as an investment and gifting option.
Senco Gold has embraced innovation by launching dedicated lab-grown diamond jewelry stores under its sub-brand “Sennes.” According to Suvankar Sen, Managing Director and CEO of the company, lab-grown diamonds are gradually carving out their own market. The company expects these products to gain traction within the next two years, especially in the small-ticket segment catering to everyday wear.
The reduction in gold import duties by 9% provided temporary relief to customers but affected Senco’s profitability in Q2 and Q3. Despite this, the company expects profit margins to stabilize by the end of FY25.
In addition to domestic growth, Senco Gold has ventured into international markets by opening a store in Dubai. This move aligns with its strategy to cater not only to Indian expatriates but also to global consumers who appreciate handcrafted Indian jewelry. The company is also diversifying its product portfolio under the Sennes brand by introducing luxury lifestyle products such as leather bags.
Future Outlook
Suvankar Sen remains optimistic about the future, citing strong demand during wedding seasons and evolving consumer preferences for lightweight, versatile jewelry. The company is also focusing on digital services like virtual try-ons and personalized designs to appeal to younger, tech-savvy customers.
National News
NPCI Defers Rollout Of UPI Merchant Discount Rate Until After Diwali
Given Typical Retail Margins Of 2%–6% On Bullion and Plain Gold Jewellery, Absorbing A 0.4% Fee—Or Up To ₹300 Per Large Transaction—Would Have Directly Eaten Into Festive Profitability. The Deferral Keeps Bottom Lines Protected Through Dhanteras and Diwali.
The National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) UPI and Services Steering Committee has deferred the implementation of Merchant Discount Rates (MDR) on select person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions until immediately after Diwali.
The move aims to protect consumer sentiment and keep operational costs steady for businesses during the peak festive shopping season. A specific implementation date will be announced separately.
Key Highlights
- Festive Relief for Retail: The deferment ensures merchants face no additional payment processing costs during peak festive demand, helping avoid disruptions to consumer spending.
- The Approved MDR Structure:
- Applies only to eligible P2M transactions above Rs 2,000 at a rate of 0.4%.
- Capped at Rs 300 for high-value transactions of Rs 75,000 and above.
- Everyday low-value payments and small merchants remain fully exempt, preserving zero-cost digital transactions for general consumers.
- Timeline Adjustment: Originally notified on September 15 for an October 15 rollout, the framework will now take effect post-Diwali, giving banks, payment aggregators, and merchants additional runway to align their systems and communicate terms clearly.
Jewellery purchase values routinely exceed the Rs 2,000 threshold and frequently touch or surpass the Rs 75,000 cap. Given typical retail margins of 2%–6% on bullion and plain gold jewellery, absorbing a 0.4% fee—or up to Rs 300 per large transaction—would have directly eaten into festive profitability. The deferral keeps bottom lines protected through Dhanteras and Diwali.
Introducing transaction fees just as footfall surges would have forced retailers to decide whether to absorb the cost or pass it on to buyers (via checkout surcharges or selective discounts). Avoiding this choice prevents awkward billing counter negotiations and cart abandonment during rush hours.
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