The Indian fashion industry is worth over $100 billion and continues to grow as demand for affordable fashion rises. Zudio, a brand under Trent Ltd., is experiencing rapid growth, with its parent company reporting a 17% rise in standalone revenue to ₹5,220 crore in Q3 FY26 (ending Dec 31, 2025). Operating over 850 stores by late 2025, Zudio has become a major contributor to Trent Ltd.’s growth and has reportedly surpassed $1 billion in revenue, making it a strong player in India’s fashion retail market. If you are planning to start a fashion franchise business in India, Zudio can be a profitable option in 2026!
Zudio attracts Indian shoppers with trendy styles at affordable prices and benefits from its association with the trusted Tata Group. The brand operates in multiple cities across India and offers fashion franchise opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs in the retail industry. If you are looking to start a fashion franchise, understanding the Zudio franchise cost is crucial to making an informed investment, as it plays a key role in your decision-making.
This blog analyses Zudio’s franchise model, including cost structures, operational standards, profit potential, and application procedures.
About Zudio: Brand Overview & USP
- Parent Company: Trent Ltd. (a Tata Group subsidiary)
- Industry: Fashion Retail
- Market Position: Leading affordable fashion brand in India
- Revenue Contribution: Surpassed $1 billion in revenue in FY25.
- Product Range: Apparel, footwear, accessories for men, women, and kids
- Target Audience: Budget-conscious and trend-savvy shoppers
- Business Model: Company-owned stores & franchise opportunities
- Presence: 228 Westside stores, As of January 2026, Zudio operates a total of 854 stores
- Key Strengths: Affordable pricing, trendy collections, strong Tata Group backing
- Profit Potential: Profitable opportunity with 10-20% profit potential with high market demand in 2025
Zudio was launched in 2016 and has achieved rapid growth by delivering fashionable garments at budget-friendly prices, which became its unique selling proposition (USP). Zudio serves men, women, and children through its range of casual clothing as well as traditional ethnic wear.
Zudio delivers high-quality products at low prices, earning appreciation from Indian shoppers and resulting in substantial business growth and strong customer loyalty. With more than 854 stores in India and abroad as of January 2026, it has become one of the most trusted fashion brands in the country.
Zudio’s strong growth contributed to Trent Ltd.’s standalone revenue of ₹5,220 crore in Q3 FY26, with the brand reportedly surpassing $1 billion in revenue. Its affordable franchise model, strong brand presence, and high customer demand make it an attractive choice for investors in 2026.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Affordable Fashion: People from all income levels can find affordable fashion at Zudio due to its product price range between ₹99 – ₹99.
- Extensive Store Network: Zudio maintains a presence in 42 cities across 488 different stores as the brand advances its expansion initiatives.
- Fast Fashion Model: Quick adaptation to the latest trends.
- Strong Brand Backing: The Tata Group membership gives the company both trustworthiness and dependable performance attributes.
- Customer-Centric Approach: The company puts equal emphasis on quality combined with affordable pricing while maintaining stylish items.
Revenue & Popularity
The budget-friendly fashion brand Zudio from Tata Group recorded swift expansion throughout the past few years. Revenues from Zudio businesses have demonstrated this growth pattern:
- FY18: ₹458 cr
- FY19: ₹1,527 cr
- FY20: ₹2,477 cr
- FY21: ₹5,865 cr
- FY22: ₹11,082 cr
- FY23: ₹35,371 cr
- FY24 (estimate): ₹6,744 cr
- FY25 (estimate / crossed $1B): ~₹8,600 cr
- FY26 Q3 (Trent standalone revenue contribution): ₹5,220 cr
Reasons for Growth
- More Stores: Zudio continues to expand its operations throughout India with over 545 locations which extend to secondary market areas.
- Fast Inventory Updates: The store maintains short stock refresh cycles to present customers with new merchandise.
- Affordable Pricing: The company maintains profit margins at 35-40% which allows Zudio to provide low-cost products through significant sales volumes.
- Franchise Model: The franchise model enables Zudio to achieve fast expansion at reduced cost levels, making it a lucrative choice for those evaluating the Zudio Franchise Cost in India.
- Full Supply Chain Control: The brand controls all aspects of manufacturing through sales operations to deliver efficiency.
Why Choose a Zudio Franchise?
A Zudio franchise stands as an attractive business venture because of multiple important factors.
- Brand Recognition: Zudio operates under Trent Ltd., a part of the Tata Group—one of India’s most reputable and trusted conglomerates. This strong brand backing gives Zudio instant credibility, builds customer trust, and drives consistent footfall to franchise stores from day one.
- Proven Business Model: Zudio’s franchise cost and operating model have proven successful across hundreds of existing locations nationwide. Its rapid expansion and repeatable store format demonstrate a sustainable and scalable business model.
- High Demand in Retail: India’s value fashion retail market (excluding food and grocery) is projected to grow at a 15% CAGR, reaching nearly $170 billion by 2026, significantly outpacing the overall retail sector’s 10% growth rate. Zudio benefits directly from this trend, with estimated franchise profits of ₹1.5–3 lakh per month, translating to margins of 10–20%, depending on location and operational efficiency.
- Comprehensive Training and Support: Zudio provides structured training programs and ongoing operational support, equipping franchise partners with the skills needed to manage daily operations, inventory, staff, and customer experience effectively.
- Marketing and Advertising Power: National-level marketing initiatives and brand-led promotions by Zudio help drive customer traffic across all franchise outlets, reducing the need for heavy local advertising spend.
- Fashion-Forward Approach: Zudio follows a fast, trend-responsive fashion strategy, ensuring a continuous supply of contemporary, in-demand merchandise that keeps customers coming back frequently.
- Affordable Pricing Strategy: Zudio’s focus on affordability allows franchisees to cater to a broad customer base across income segments. The Zudio franchise cost in India typically ranges from ₹15 lakh to ₹4 crore, depending on store size and location.
The Reality of Zudio Franchise: FOCO Model Explanation
This is the most crucial section in this article. Please read this carefully. A lot of websites state, “Zudio Franchise Apply here. Most of them are lying.
Zudio is not an ordinary franchise. You cannot simply spend money and manage the shop by yourself. Zudio uses a special model. It is called the FOCO Model.
What is the FOCO Model?
FOCO is a Franchise Owned, Company Operated.
Let’s break it down:
- Franchise Owned: You (investor) use the money. You pay for the land. You pay for the building. You have the lights and racks at the cost.
- Company Operated: Zudio (the company) manages the store. They hire the staff. They decide the price. They manage the stock.
Your Role (The Franchisee)
You are only a shareholder in this model. You are like a landlord.
- You furnish the space (which is generally quite large, such as 6000 sq ft).
- You spend on the interiors (to make the shop attractive).
- You are not seated at the cash counter.
- You do not order the clothes.
Zudio’s Role (The Company)
- They bring the clothes.
- They train the staff.
- They cover electricity and salary bills (usually from store proceeds).
- They can share a portion of the profit with you or pay you rent.
Why do they do this?
Tata is a quality-conscious company. They do not want the name of a bad shop owner to stain their name. Then, with your money, they will build the shop, but they manage it to ensure that it is perfect.
Zudio Franchise Cost In India: Complete Cost Breakdown (2026)
The Zudio franchise price depends on multiple elements which include business site selection retail space dimensions and relevant market dynamics in that area. The fundamental expense components of franchise investments comprise:
Opening a Zudio is expensive. It is not a small business. You need a lot of money.
This is the approximate cost budget of 2026. These are the figures of a typical Indian city.
1. Franchise Fee
That is what you pay to be called Zudio.
- Fee: 10-15 Lakh. Note: This is a one-time fee. This is the only payment on signing the contract.
2. Store Interiors and Setup
Zudio stores are quite contemporary. They have bright lights. They have white floors. They have big mirrors. It is expensive to make the store appear this well.
- Price: ₹60 Lakhs to ₹80 Lakhs (EST).
- Flooring, painting, ACs, trial rooms, racks, and lights. The cost is high, depending on the store size, with large stores (6000 to 8000 sq ft).
3. Inventory (Stock)
You need clothes to sell. You cannot open an empty shop.
- Projected Cost: ₹30 Lakhs and 50 Lakhs.
Note: In the FOCO model, the company occasionally offers this. However, in most cases, you have to spend on the initial outfit.
4. Security Deposit
This amounts to money held by the business. It is a safety net for them.
- Price: 20-30 Lakhs.
- Good News: This is normally refundable. You can have this back in case you close the business.
5. Other Expenses
There are small costs too.
- Licenses: 2 Lakhs ( Shop license, GST, Fire safety).
- Marketing: 5 Lakhs (Grand opening advertisements).
- Computer Systems: 3 Lakhs (Computer billing and software).
Total Investment for 2026. If we add everything up:
- Minimum Investment: ₹1.5 Crores
- Maximum Investment: ₹3 Crores
Verdict: To consider a Zudio franchise, you must have at least 2 Crores in your pocket.
Factors Affecting Zudio Franchise Cost In India
Multiple elements determine the complete cost of operating this franchise in the Indian market.
- Location: The real estate prices in strategic city centers influence the entire investment value of the franchise.
- Store Size: A larger store establishment necessitates higher expenditures for setup areas as well as inventory and operational cost investments.
- Local Market Conditions: The Zudio Franchise Cost of India is affected by factors including market competition as well as consumer spending potential together with requirements set by local governing bodies.
- Additional Expenses: When making the investment assessment calculate the expense of marketing as well as advertising and unexpected emergencies that may occur.
Profitability and ROI of a Zudio Franchise
Zudio is profitable due to its established brand recognition together with economical prices along with sensible business processes. An ROI that brings good financial returns awaits franchisees when they succeed in managing their business correctly. Zudio franchisees will benefit from sustained revenue growth and increased market penetration through the company’s outstanding business performance.
Profitability depends on location, footfall, and operational efficiency.
Eligibility Criteria for a Zudio Franchise
The franchise admission process at Zudio contains a series of requirements that candidates must fulfill before qualification.
- Financial Stability: The candidate must show evidence of financial readiness to buy and run the franchise operations successfully.
- Business Acumen: A good understanding of business management, retail operations, and customer service.
- Passion for Fashion: A genuine interest in the fashion industry and a keen eye for trends.
- Commitment to the Brand: Franchisees need to demonstrate their agreement with Zudio brand principles and their intention to preserve franchise requirements.
Required Documents for Zudio Franchise Application
A prospective Zudio franchise cost needs to supply particular essential documents to execute an efficient application process.
KYC Documents:
The identity verification of applicants requires essential Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation. All Zudio franchise applicants need to present government-issued identification documents which include Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, Passports, Voter identification cards, and Driver licenses. The verification process can be speeded up by submitting several types of identification.
Business Registration Certificate:
The applicant running an existing business needs to submit their business registration certificate to the bank. The business registration certificate demonstrates the legal validity of the corporate existence together with its registered status.
GST Registration:
Every Indian business operating today needs a Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration certificate. This official document shows that registered applicants receive GST status and honor tax compliance.
Financial Statements:
A Zudio franchise requires an owner to prove financial stability through selected documents. To obtain the Zudio franchise in India applicants need to furnish financial reports including recent bank records spanning six to twelve months and multiple years of Income Tax Return documentation. The applicant’s financial status becomes evident through these documents which display their capacity to purchase and operate the franchise.
Property Documents:
A Zudio franchise cost establishment requires compelling proof of an appropriate location. Potential franchisees must show evidence of their property through rental lease agreements when their property is rented and by demonstrating their property ownership. The documentation must explain exactly which property this is by listing its location and dimensions together with occupancy information.
How to Get Zudio Franchise: Follow these 5 Steps
Several steps form the foundation of the Zudio franchise cost in India application process.
- Express Your Interest: Everyone wishing to begin the application process must first communicate with Zudio’s franchise department both via their official website and specific approved communication routes. Your first step of interest to start as a franchise owner becomes known through this action.
- Visit the Official Franchise Website: Check for a franchise section that Zudio maintains on its official website. The majority of franchise information regarding the opportunity together with the application procedures can be found in this section.
- Submit Application: Full accuracy must be maintained when completing the franchise application form. Prepare complete information about your previous business activities together with your financial situation and preferred franchise location.
- Evaluation Process: Zudio evaluates applications through careful evaluation that reviews applicant finances alongside business expertise and brand dedication.
- Site Selection: After successful application approval, Zudio will help you identify the best location for your store. The decision of retail business location plays a vital role in determining overall success so it represents an essential step.
Critical Fraud Alert: Fake Zudio Sites
This is a warning. Please do not keep it to yourself.
Due to the popularity of Zudio, fraudsters exist. They create fake websites.
- Bogus Sites: zudiofranchise.com, zudio-india.com, tata-zudio-apply.com.
- The Scam: They request that you complete a form. Then they call you. They say, “You are selected!” Then they require 50,000 as a registration fee.
- The Reality: Pay them, and they block your phone.
How to stay safe:
- Check the Email: Official Tata emails are in the format of trent-tata.com. When the email address is with gmail.com or yahoo.com, it is a fake.
- None Direct Application: Zudio does not typically use the web to have an Apply Now button. They collaborate with the owners of property.
- Go to the Office: Do not pay money on the Internet. Visit the office of Trent Limited in Mumbai.
- Official Website: zudio.com is the only real one. It is not in the form of a franchise.
Store Setup and Training
Zudio offers complete setup support which includes store establishment guidance as well as inventory management training and employee training.
- Grand Opening: The Zudio team assists in planning and executing the opening of your store so you can have success at your launch.
- Initial Training: Zudio runs a complete training session where franchisees learn about all necessary aspects for operating Zudio stores starting from operational methods to inventory systems and sales services and sales strategies.
- Ongoing Support: The Zudio team provides continuous operational backing through services that help franchisees with tasks such as market strategy development advertisement execution inventory restocking and performance tracking.
- Marketing Materials: The franchise network provides marketing materials together with help for franchisees who want to create local promotional campaigns.
- Regular Updates: Zudio conducts regular communication with its franchisees regarding their access to new product information promotional campaigns and brand strategy updates.
Challenges and Risks
Business is never 100 % safe. Even Zudio faces risks.
- Low Margins: Zudio is a company that sells cheap clothing. A T‑shirt costs ₹199. They will need to sell thousands of T -shirts to make a profit. If a store has few customers, it will not earn.
- Finding the Location: This is the hardest part. Zudio requires a sizable area (8000 3ft). Such a big shop is hard to locate in a good market. A poor location will lead to the failure of the store.
- High Competition: Other brands copy Zudio. Reliance introduced Yousta, which resembles Zudio. Instead, the customers may visit them.
- No Control: Remember the FOCO model? You have no control. If the staff are bad-mannered, you cannot dismiss them. The company sets everything.
Zudio vs. Competitor Analysis
Is Zudio the only option? No. We shall consider the other major contenders in 2026.
1. Yousta (Reliance Retail)
Yousta is new on the block. It belongs to Reliance (Mukesh Ambani).
- Price: Very comparable to Zudio (Below 999).
- Fashion: quite fashionable and young.
- Franchise: They are growing rapidly and could have better conditions to outcompete Tata.
- Verdict: It is a good alternative when you are unable to get Zudio.
2. Max Fashion
Max is the old giant. Their stay here is quite long.
- Price: A little more expensive than Zudio.
- Quality: Sometimes better.
- Target: They not only target teenagers but also families.
- Well, stable, long-term business.
3. Comparison Table
Brand | Owner | Price Level | Target Audience | Franchise Model |
Zudio | Tata (Trent) | Under ₹999 | Youth | FOCO |
Yousta | Reliance | Under ₹999 | Youth | Growing |
Max Fashion | Landmark | Mid-range | Families | Traditional |
Conclusion
Entrepreneurs who want to enter the expanding Indian market for fashion retailing can find a profitable venture in Zudio franchise ownership. The substantial Zudio Franchise Cost In India demands large investments but the brand’s established reputation alongside its proven business model alongside its detailed support system leads to enhanced success possibilities.
Future Zudio franchise owners can start their journey by comprehensively assessing franchise costs in India while respecting both criteria and completing the application procedure. Any franchise success will depend on complete research and detailed planning along with proper execution of a business plan for maximum results in your venture. Additionally, understanding the Zudio Franchise Profit Per Month will help investors evaluate their potential returns. The vast nature of fashion franchises in India makes Zudio one of the most attractive opportunities for investors.
FAQs
1. When examined from the point of franchise approval to opening a Zudio franchise which schedule can be expected?
Different stores require several months to obtain approval and prepare every aspect of the launch starting with selecting new sites through basic setup and staff training before their opening day.
2. To become part of the Zudio franchise does one need any previous background in fashion retail?
The previous experience can help but it remains optional for franchise application. Zudio delivers specialized training programs that instruct franchisees to handle their business operation effectively.
3. What types of marketing assistance does Zudio supply to its franchise owners?
As part of its marketing support Zudio establishes through nationwide advertisement initiatives as well as social media campaigns combined with store-based promotional materials.
4. Does Zudio offer multiple franchise unit opportunities to potential investors?
Zudio provides multi-unit franchising choices to authorized franchisees who demonstrate their qualification. The franchise department of Zudio maintains availability to answer franchise inquiries.
5. By what means does Zudio assist in customer attraction for its franchise stores?
Zudio picks up customer numbers because its popular brand combines reasonable prices with effective marketing strategies. The process of selecting suitable store sites receives assistance from Zudio since this factor significantly impacts how visible shops become and attract customers.
