- Ms. Pushpa Bector, Senior Executive Director – DLF Retail
1. Please share an overview of your company's journey and business landscape in India.
For over two decades, DLF Retail has been redefining India’s shopping experience by curating world-class destinations that seamlessly blend luxury, fashion, dining, and entertainment. As a pioneer in retail real estate, our vision has always been to create more than just shopping spaces, we design immersive lifestyle experiences that cater to the aspirations of all Indian consumers.
Our journey in Luxury Retail began with DLF Emporio, India’s first and finest luxury retail destination, bringing together iconic global brands and leading Indian & homegrown designers under one elegant roof. This was followed by The Chanakya, an award-winning luxury space that offers a curated brand mix of international and homegrown fashion, home, gourmet dining, and entertainment.
Beyond luxury, we have redefined the premium retail experience across India. DLF Mall of India, the country’s largest mall, thoughtfully divided into 5 unique zones spread over 7 floors, is a one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. DLF Promenade is Delhi-NCR’s go-to fashion hub for over 15 years, while DLF Avenue, Saket has transformed retail in tandem with COMMONS, an experiential F&B destination, housing the top bars, cafés and restaurants in town. DLF CyberHub, one of the most recognisable urban landmarks of Delhi-NCR has evolved into a social and cultural icon. Recognising the evolving urban lifestyle, we have expanded into Retail in Office Spaces with Horizon Plaza at DLF5, The Hub at DLF Cyber City Chennai, and DLF Cyber Park in Gurugram, creating dynamic work-leisure environments for professionals. Looking ahead, we are introducing Plazas, premium neighbourhood shopping destinations that combine convenience with an elevated retail experience, in the form of DLF Midtown Plaza in Moti Nagar, and DLF Summit Plaza in DLF5.
Moreover, DLF is also expanding its retail footprint with an upcoming premium offering in Goa – DLF Promenade, Goa.
With consumer behaviour constantly evolving, DLF Retail remains at the forefront of innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability-driven initiatives. Our commitment is to create future-ready shopping destinations that inspire, engage, and set new benchmarks in India’s retail landscape.
2. As a business leader, how do you see the emerging opportunities and potential growth areas for your company or sector in India?
India’s retail sector is on the cusp of a new era, driven by rapid urbanisation, evolving consumer aspirations, and the rise of ‘Phygital Retail’ - the seamless integration of digital/online discovery and physical shopping experiences. As we look ahead, several key opportunities will define the future of retail in India. Experiential retail will continue to gain momentum, as consumers seek more than just shopping, they crave immersive, personalised, and community-driven experiences. This shift will further fuel the evolution of luxury retail, with DLF Emporio and The Chanakya setting new benchmarks in luxury and lifestyle shopping. The intersection of retail and technology will be another major growth driver. AI, data analytics, and omnichannel strategies will redefine how brands engage with customers, making shopping more intuitive, interactive, and hyper-personalised.
The future will be about seamlessly blending physical spaces with tech-driven engagement, from AR-powered brand activations to AI-driven recommendations, and much more. Sustainability is expected to shape the next phase of retail evolution. The modern shopper is increasingly conscious, prioritising eco-friendly brands, ethical sourcing, and sustainable environments. At DLF Retail, we are committed to building future-ready retail spaces, integrating green infrastructure, responsible waste management, and sustainable partnerships. Beyond large-scale malls, neighbourhood retail and mixed-use developments will redefine the urban retail landscape. With expansion into Plazas and Retail in Office Spaces like DLF Summit Plaza and Horizon Plaza in DLF5, DLF Midtown Plaza in Moti Nagar, and The Hub in Chennai, we are bringing premium retail closer to consumers’ everyday lives, offering convenience and ease of accessibility in high-density urban hubs. At the heart of this transformation is our commitment to customer centricity which involves creating environments that prioritise personalisation and seamless experiences. By leveraging consumer insights and evolving preferences, we are designing future-forward retail destinations that not only inspire and engage, but also adapt and cater to the dynamic needs of the next-generation consumer.
3. Looking ahead, how do you see innovation and sustainable business practices shaping your company's growth strategy?
At DLF Retail, innovation and sustainability are not just trends, they are fundamental to our growth strategy. As we look ahead, we are redefining retail by integrating innovative experiences, personalised offerings, and immersive brand activations, to create dynamic environments that engage, inspire, and evolve with consumer expectations.
Sustainability is equally central to our vision. From green-certified buildings and energy-efficient infrastructure to responsible waste management and eco-conscious brand collaborations, coupled with recycling initiatives and the use of energy-efficient lighting systems, we are committed to creating future-ready retail ecosystems that minimise the environmental impact while delivering world-class retail experiences.
As India’s retail landscape continues to transform, DLF Retail will lead the way in blending innovation with responsible growth to shape a more immersive, intelligent, and sustainable future.
4. With an increasing emphasis on CSR, how do you integrate your CSR goals with your business strategy?
At DLF, CSR is deeply embedded in our business strategy, ensuring that our growth positively impacts the communities and the environment. So much so that we have a dedicated CSR arm known as ‘DLF Foundation’ aimed at supporting and transforming communities through inclusive high-impact interventions in the spheres of education, environment, healthcare, social sustainability, and promotion of sports & wellness. We integrate CSR by developing green-certified infrastructure, promoting sustainable and responsible retail practices, supporting local talent, and fostering skill development programs within our ecosystem.
Our malls actively engage in various social impact initiatives to create meaningful change. We host the “ACTIVE” series in Delhi, Noida & Gurugram, encouraging the community to embrace health and wellness through fitness challenges and outdoor activities. We also celebrate events like International Yoga Day, organising free yoga sessions at our malls to promote well-being and mindfulness among shoppers. Additionally, we conduct awareness campaigns across our properties that educate customers on sustainability practices, such as waste segregation and energy conservation. Our luxury portfolio including DLF Emporio and The Chanakya, go beyond redefining luxury experiences to setting global benchmarks in responsible business practices. Recognised for its excellence, DLF Emporio was awarded the prestigious “Sword of Honour” by the British Safety Council and achieved the “LEED Zero Water” certification from the U. S. Green Building Council, affirming our dedication to environmental stewardship and operational excellence.
Moreover, our retail spaces often feature pop-up platforms for local artisans and small businesses, offering them an opportunity to showcase their products to a larger audience. For us, business success and social responsibility go hand in hand, creating spaces that not only elevate retail experiences but also contribute meaningfully to society and the environment.
5. How has IFCCI and its business network added value to your operations in India?
IFCCI and its business network have proven to be valuable partners for DLF Retail in our ongoing growth and innovation journey. Through their platform, we have gained access to a wide range of insights and industry trends which have been instrumental in keeping us ahead of the curve in the dynamic retail sector. Their events, forums, and discussions offer an opportunity to connect with industry leaders and like-minded businesses, allowing us to foster collaborations and strengthen existing partnerships.
Moreover, IFCCI’s advocacy on key issues related to retail aligns with DLF Retail’s strategic priorities, such as expanding our footprint and advancing our sustainability initiatives etc. The knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities provided through IFCCI have empowered us to stay at the forefront of the retail industry, creating world-class shopping destinations that meet the evolving demands of today’s consumer. Ultimately, IFCCI’s support enhances our ability to deliver on our vision of redefining India’s retail landscape.