Written By: Resham Daswani

By 2026, the organised retail sector in India is expected to have grown to more than $200 billion. Fashion retail formats carrying several brands, particularly those supported by reputable companies like Reliance Retail, are driving a large portion of this expansion. Reliance Trends and Reliance Centro are two of the most prominent franchise opportunities in this cutthroat yet lucrative industry. 

Although they are both part of Reliance, the two businesses cater to distinct customer bases and use distinct strategies. Which franchise, Reliance Trends or Centro, will provide higher return on investment (ROI), sustainability, and scalability in 2025 if you are hoping to invest ₹90 lakhs to ₹5 crores in India's thriving retail market?

The Reliance Trends Franchise: A Comprehensive Overview

One mass-market fashion brand that Reliance Retail has is Reliance Trends, which caters to men, women, and children with affordable and aspirational apparel. Fashion brand Trends is well-known in Tier 1, 2, and, more and more, Tier 3 marketplaces in India, where consumers are known to be value-conscious.

Reliance Trends Franchise Model's Key Features:

• Customers in the middle income bracket who are looking for affordable clothing

• Mix of Products: Private Labels and In-House Brands for Clothing and Accessories

• Impact: More than 2,500 outlets spread throughout India

• USP: Indian family fashion that is both trendy and inexpensive

Reliance Trends Franchise Cost Breakdown:

• Initial investment will be anywhere around 90 Lakhs to 2 Crores approximately

• With an ROI timeline between 18-24 months

Operating Advantages:

• Reliance takes full control of inventory logistics

• Discount and price uniformity in India

• Strong support for marketing and promotion across the whole country

• A lot of people walk in because the prices are so low.

The Reliance Centro Franchise: A Comprehensive Overview

Reliance Centro is a renamed premium retail chain that was formed with their purchase of Future Group's "Central." Featuring apparel, shoes, cosmetics, bags, and more, it promotes itself as a lifestyle shopping mecca.

Reliance Centro Franchise Model's Key Features:

• The intended demographic consists of urban middle-income earners as well as premium shoppers.

• Clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, and bags from a variety of brands

• Influence: Showing up in major cities and top-tier urban areas

• One-stop shopping for all your department store needs

Reliance Centro Franchise Cost Breakdown:

• Initial investment will be anywhere around 2.5 to 5 Crores approximately

• With an ROI timeline between 24-36 months

What makes Reliance Centro A Great Opportunity For Investors in The 5 Crore Investment Club?

• Expensive deals with clients

• Multiple sources of income

• Positioning premium brands in urban malls

• Backend operations driven by Reliance

Market Trends To Look Out For While Choosing Between A Reliance Trends & Reliance Centro Franchise

Also Read: Read some benefits associated with investing in the Reliance Trends in India

Trends Enhancing The Surge For A Reliance Trends Franchise in India

1. Preference for Organised Retail over Conventional Markets

• More and more, Indian shoppers, particularly in semi-urban areas, prefer big-box stores over mom-and-pop kiranas and speciality boutiques.

• Standardised pricing, return procedures, and appealing store layouts are ways Reliance Trends takes advantage of this change.

1. Profitability of Private Labelled Products

• The profit margins for Reliance Trends' in-house brands are higher than those for branded goods sold by third parties. This maintains appealing selling prices and boosts profitability at the shop level.

1. Rapid Development of High Streets and Malls in Smaller Cities

• Smaller malls and key avenues in Tier 2 and 3 cities want anchor tenants like Reliance Trends to boost foot traffic.

• This opens the door for franchises to expand into new, low-competition areas.

Market Trends Enhancing The Surge For The Reliance Centro Franchise Opportunity

1. The Rise Of Premium Retail In Urban Markets of India

• There has been a dramatic change towards premium and aspirational retail experiences in India's metro and Tier 1 cities.

• There is a great possibility for Reliance Centro in the multi-brand, high-end store market because consumers want to buy at these stores because they offer a variety of premium brands in one place.

1. Risk Mitigation through Category Diversification

• Centro is less reliant on any one product line thanks to its multi-category retail strategy, which includes apparel, accessories, footwear, beauty, and more.

• Better risk management and more consistent revenue are benefits that franchise investors can reap from this diversification strategy.

1. Putting more money into clothes and personal care

• Centro's multi-brand model is strengthening as millennials and young professionals in metropolitan India are increasing their spending on beauty, fashion, and leisure products.

In a snapshot, 

• Low prices, high brand aspirations, and widespread use of organised retail have all contributed to a surge in mass market spending in smaller cities throughout Bharat, which Reliance Trends is capitalising on.

• To appeal to India's affluent, experience-seeking customers, Reliance Centro takes use of urban premiumization, mall lifestyle, and the convenience of shopping across multiple categories.

Want To Know Which Is The Right Choice For You - Reliance Trends Vs Reliance Centro Franchise

Investors Can Choose The Reliance Trends Franchise If:

• Spend between one and two crores of rupees

• Fast ROI (two years) preferred.

• Are aiming for new shopping centres or smaller towns?

• Strive for less complicated operations

• Do not have any experience investing in the stock market yet

If you are an investor ready to start with a huge investment 3 to 5 crores, you can invest in the Reliance Centro, keeping in mind:

• Have a minimum of ₹3 crores at your disposal

• Seek to spread risk among other industries, not limited to clothing

• Having prior expertise in big box stores

• Seek mall visibility and long-term brand prestige

Steps To Acquire For A Reliance Franchise Opportunity in India

1. Check out the official website for Reliance Retail to learn more.

2. Fill out the interest form related to the particular brand (Trends or Centro?).

3. Initial screening focused on the location, investment capacity, and retail experience of the potential candidates.

4. There is a franchise proposal and feasibility assessment coming from the regional team at Reliance.

5. The signing of the agreement, the completion of the site, and the fit-out!

6. The Reliance Retail team provides assistance with store openings and training.

Helpful Hint: If you want to get in touch with them quickly, use verified franchise consultants.

To Conclude,

In India's dynamic retail industry, both the Reliance Centro and Reliance Trends franchises are strong examples of successful business models. The runway models cater to the value and premium segments of the fashion industry, respectively, and are underpinned by Reliance Retail's robust infrastructure, established brand credibility, and consumer confidence.

Opt for the Reliance Trends franchise if your investment plan prioritises volume, rapid return on investment, and extensive scalability. The Reliance Centro franchise has the potential to provide outstanding brand equity and income diversity if you are seeking a long-term position in India's premium mall environment.

Would you like to invest in a franchise from Centro or Reliance Trends?

Here at FranchiseBazar, we link ambitious individuals like you with the best retail franchise opportunities in India. Whether you're looking for a Reliance Centro franchise in India's high-end malls or a Reliance Trends franchise in Tier 2 cities, our team of expert advisors can help you with:

• Analysing the viability of an investment

• Analysis of the target market and selection of the location

• How to Apply for a Franchise

• Instructions for setup and operation

Are you ready to open your multi-brand retail franchise store? Click here for some great opportunities.

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.