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According to reports, Zara officially closed its Mumbai flagship store on February 24
Zara has closed its flagship store in South Mumbai’s Fort area after eight years. The 51,300 square foot store was located in a heritage building
After eight years of operation, fashion brand Zara has reportedly closed its “iconic” flagship store in South Mumbai’s Fort area. A notice posted on the doors of the 110-year-old, five-story Ismail Building, where the store was located, was spotted by netizens and shared on social media.
According to reports, Zara officially closed its Mumbai flagship store on February 24. The 51,300-square-foot store was housed in the historic Ismail Building, a landmark in the Fort area.
Why Did Zara Close Its Largest Store in India?
The notice on the store’s door did not explain the closure, simply stating: “Please be informed that this Zara store will cease operations after the end of business on 23rd February. We will continue to assist you at our Zara stores in Mumbai and at Zara.com/in.”
In 2017, Inditex Trent, the joint venture between Zara’s parent company Inditex SA and the Tata Group’s Trent, reportedly paid a hefty ₹30 crore annual rent for the flagship store, with a five-year lock-in period. At that time, it was the largest lease transaction for a fashion brand in India.
Zara’s Largest Store in Mumbai
Opening in 2017, the store at Hatuma Chowk Square (Fort area) was Zara’s largest in India. It was also the brand’s only standalone store in the city, with other outlets located in shopping malls. A spokesperson had mentioned in 2017 that Zara was focusing on opening fewer but larger stores globally, a strategy that predated the COVID-19 pandemic.
Zara, owned by Inditex SA, the world’s largest fashion retailer, has been present in India since 2010 through a 65:35 joint venture with the Tata Group’s Trent. This venture operates Zara and Massimo Dutti stores across the country.
Zara still has three other outlets in Mumbai and neighboring Thane: one in Phoenix Market City (Kurla), one in Phoenix Palladium (Lower Parel), and another in Viviana Mall (Thane).
