Written By: Gouri Ghosh

From festival shopping to weekend visits to malls, fashion has silently made its presence felt in the routine of every Indian family. Fashion retailing is fast-growing in India. Stores are busier, people are buying more branded clothes, and the market is expected to cross ₹7.5 lakh crore by 2026. Everywhere you look, malls, high streets, even tier-2 and tier-3 cities, the demand for stylish, affordable fashion is exploding. It’s a great time for anyone thinking about starting a business in retail. And this is where Reliance Retail Franchise truly shines. 

The company leads the market with popular brands like Reliance Trends, Trends Footwear, Azorte, Centro, AJIO-owned private labels, Reliance Jewels, Reliance Digital, Reliance Smart, and Reliance Fresh, among many others. With such a huge brand family and a strong customer base, Reliance continues to expand faster than any other retailer in India.

In this blog, we will analyze why Reliance fashion franchises are now becoming the first choice for investors, what brands are available, expected investments, ROI, and how you can apply. This guide is intended to help a franchise buyer reach a confident, well-informed decision.

Why Reliance Fashion Brands Are Attracting Franchise Investors?

If you're considering a Reliance retail franchise, here's why so many new investors find these brands attractive:

People already trust the brand:

Reliance Retail now operates over 19,000 stores across India, and its fashion formats like Trends, Centro, and Azorte witness large footfall every month. This makes it easier for new stores to get customers quickly.

Easy to run for new entrepreneurs:

With retail operations spread across more than 75 million square feet, Reliance has strong systems, simple processes, and solid backend support in place. Even first-time franchise owners can manage stores smoothly.

High demand everywhere:

Fashion demand in India is fast-growing, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where Reliance is expanding aggressively. This will make opening a fashion store by Reliance a safer business move.

Better margins & steady sales:

Reliance Retail sees 200 million+ yearly walk-ins, max coming from fashion. More footfall means more sales and faster stock movement — something every franchise owner wants.

Strong online support:

Thanks to AJIO, a Reliance Trends franchise in 2026 gains from both online and offline demand. This gives your store more visibility and more customers.

Many brand options.

With Reliance, you have over 50 fashion and lifestyle brands to choose from- select a store format that fits your city and your investment: premium, value, youth, or footwear.

These factors explain why a Reliance retail franchise is among the most trusted and in-demand options  for a new business entrepreneur in the year 2026.

Overview of Reliance's Key Fashion Brands Suitable for Franchising

The following are some of the main Reliance fashion brands that are likely to be of interest to franchise buyers in 2026:

Reliance Trends

• This is the flagship value-fashion brand of Reliance for apparel and accessories.
• Very high footfall potential because it appeals to the mass market.
• The typical Reliance Trends franchise size ranges from 800–8,000 plus sq ft based on the format.
• The cost to build a large Trends store is substantial but the brand recognition and scale are definite positives.

Reliance Trends Footwear

• Specialized in footwear, specifically for mass and mid-market.
• The investment is about ₹ 30–40 lakh for a 1,500 sq ft store.
• They follow a “sell or return” model, which helps mitigate inventory risk.
• Expected ROI is attractive - 25–30%

Azorte

• This is the new-age, international-style fashion store format from Reliance. Reliance is planning to open 200–250 Azorte stores in the next few years.
• The brand represents a selective blend of Western and Indian wear, footwear, accessories, etc.
• This makes the Azorte franchise attractive to investors targeting premium or aspirational consumers.

Centro / Centro Footwear

• Reliance recently bought the company behind Centro stores, V Retail.
• Centro's operations were primarily in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where the demand for fashion and footwear is fast-growing.

Reliance Jewels

• Jewellery is a significant lifestyle category in India, and Reliance Jewels has steadily grown with stores across the country.
• India's jewellery market is worth ₹5 lakh crore+, thus making it one of the safest retail categories.
• The entrepreneurs who are interested in fashion and lifestyle retail also have an option for a Reliance retail franchise in jewellery, especially for businesses dealing in gold and diamond sales at established markets.

Smart / Reliance Smart Superstore

• One of India's fastest-growing supermarket chains.
• Part of Reliance's 2,700+ grocery stores across the country.
• Sells groceries, household items, and value deals that attract high daily footfall.
• Affordable pricing and a wide variety make it popular in metros and tier-2/3 cities.
• Reliance grocery network sells 200+ MT of fruits and 300+ MT of vegetables every day.

Reliance's Fresh

• A trusted neighbourhood grocery format with very strong repeat customers.
• Known for fresh fruits, vegetables, and essentials. 
• Be a part of the Grocery division serving millions of customers every week across India. 
• Consistent daily sales help the franchise owners enjoy stable revenue. 

Digital By Reliance

• India's largest electronics retail chain with 8,700+ Digital + Jio stores. 
• Offers mobiles, laptops, TVs, appliances, and smart gadgets from more than 200 top brands. 
• Backed by the massive reach of Reliance Retail, with 19,000+ stores across the country. 2026

 Market Outlook: Why This Is the Right Time

•  Fashion is growing fast: India's apparel market is expected to cross ₹7.5 lakh crore by 2026, so demand for branded stores will keep rising. 
• Reliance is spreading everywhere: With 19,000+ stores, Reliance is moving deeper into tier-2 and tier-3 cities where rents are low and customer spending is growing. 
• Shift to trusted brands: More buyers are going for branded, reliable stores rather than unorganized markets. That is good news for any person with plans to start a Reliance retail franchise. 
• Strong customer trust: With over 349 million registered shoppers, Reliance gives your store instant brand credibility the moment it goes live. 
• Low-risk environment: The powerful supply chain and proven systems from Reliance make 2026 a safe and promising year to enter retail. 

Franchise models of Reliance Retail

It primarily operates through FOFO- and FOCO-style partnerships, depending on the brand and location.

FOFO Model: Franchise Owned, Franchise Operated

Most Reliance fashion and lifestyle formats use FOFO.

Applies to:

• Reliance Trends
• Trends Footwear
• Centro
• Azorte (select locations)
• Reliance Jewels (in several markets)

How it works:

You invest in the store & operate it.

Reliance supplies products, branding, and operations support.

FOCO-Style Model (Franchise Owned, Company Operated / Hybrid)

Some supermarket and electronics formats have an FOCO or hybrid model.

Applies to:

• Reliance Smart / Smart Superstore
• Reliance Fresh
• Reliance Digital, in selective markets only

How it works:

• You invest in the store.
• Depending on the format and agreement, operations may be handled partly or fully by Reliance.
• This reduces the operational burden for the franchisee.

Franchise Investment Requirements for Reliance Trends Franchise 2026

Here’s a breakdown of likely investment parameters for different types of Reliance fashion franchises

How to know Which Reliance Fashion Franchise is Right for You

If you are considering Reliance for Retail Franchising, here is a simple way to choose an appropriate format:

• Check your investment budget: Determine whether you can invest in a complete Reliance Trends franchise 2026 or smaller formats of footwear or Centro.
• Study your local market: Consider who resides and shops in your neighborhood. Do they like value fashion, Trends, or premium, modern styles, Azorte? Check mall vs high-street footfall, too.

Match the brand to your audience:

• Youth-oriented areas are suited to an individual like Azorte.
• Family markets favor Trends.
• Centro and Trends Footwear have an appeal to Tier-2/3 shoppers.

Choose the right location:

• Malls offer high walk-ins, while high streets are cheaper.
• Bigger stores need more investment; smaller ones are easier to manage.

Check on competition:

See what other fashion brands operate nearby and how the Reliance retail franchise will compete or stand out.

Think long-term:

If you want to grow later, then Reliance allows expansion into multiple store formats over time.

How to Apply for a Reliance Fashion Franchise: A Step-by-Step Process

• Send Inquiry: Contact the Reliance Retail franchise team with your details: city, location, and investment capacity.
• Brand to choose: Choose the format you prefer: Trends, Trends Footwear, Azorte, Centro. And Reliance will check whether your location is suitable.
• Market & Financial Check: Review store size, costs, expected sales and return on investment. (A franchise consultant can help with projections.)
• Sign LOI / Agreement: Once the terms are clear-investment, store guidelines, deposits-you sign the LOI.
• Store Setup: Reliance helps with designs, interiors, VM, POS setup, and the first inventory order. 
• Staff Hiring & Training: Recruit your team and undertake Reliance's training in store operations. 
• Launch the Store: Open with local marketing, track sales from Day 1, and optimize operations.

Tips for New Franchise Buyers Entering Fashion Retail in 2026 

If you want to open a Reliance retail franchise in 2026, here are some friendly tips to get you up and running: 

• Choose the appropriate location: Choose a spot with consistent footfall. Sometimes, within the same city, one street performs much better than another. 
• Know your customers: Spend time understanding the preferences of the people in your area: budget fashion, trendy styles, or premium looks. 
• Keep your store sharp by Visual merchandising matters: a clean, well-arranged store instantly feels more premium and attracts more people. 
• Plan for seasons: Fashion sells differently in summer, winter, and festive months. Liaise with the Reliance team to avoid overstocking. 
• Use both digital and local marketing: Reliance's national ads help, but small local efforts-instagram posts, college tie-ups, festival offers-can ramp up sales even more. 
• Hire the right people: Friendly and well-trained staff can change the whole store experience and improve sales every single day. 

Conclusion 

The reliance fashion franchise in 2026 presents a great opportunity for all those looking forward to entering India's fast-growing retail market. The brand power of Reliance Retail, the right store format, and a straightforward growth plan will help you build a scalable and profitable business.

 If you are unsure how to get a Reliance retail franchise, seek clarity on the cost of a Reliance retail franchise in India, or need assistance with ROI planning and franchise negotiations, we are here to guide you through it. Let's get in contact and develop a franchise plan that fits your vision, budget, and long-term goals.

Retail is rising fast, don't miss your chance to rise with it.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.For more such opportunities, visit us on our Insta and FB