New Delhi: Homegrown vegan lifestyle brand Zouk is gearing up for its next phase of growth with a target of reaching Rs 1,000 crore in revenue in the next 4-5 years and eventually hit the bourses, a company’s official said.
As of March 31, 2024, the company had reported an annual turnover of Rs 78.2 crore. However, it did not share the previous year’s revenue figures.
Having established a strong digital-first presence, Zouk is now turning its focus to exclusive brand outlets (EBOs), premium product launches, and a strategic global foray, co-founder and COO Pradeep Krishnakumar said in an interview with ETRetail.
“We have built a strong digital foundation, but we’ve always believed Zouk is a brand consumers want to touch and feel,” he said. “That’s where offline retail becomes critical.”
The company currently operates over 10 EBOs and plans to expand to reach 20 stores with focus on larger format stores by the end of this year.
The brand’s offline footprint has primarily focused on cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and tier 2 regions such as Indore, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. “Our expansion strategy includes entering more high-street locations and malls in non-metro cities, which are showing promising traction,” he shared.
Beyond D2C and offline retail, Zouk is witnessing good momentum on quick commerce platforms. “We are already there with a select range on q-commerce and it’s performing well for us as there are consumers looking for convenience to shop fashion accessories on impulse,” Krishnakumar said.
Making a bold statement with IPL
In a move that underscores Zouk’s evolving brand ambition, the company made a high-visibility debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, launching its campaign ‘A Bagful of You’ featuring Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon.
Krishnakumar said, “We saw a clear opportunity to break the mold and engage a new, diverse generation of consumers who value purpose and identity.”
“Our presence in IPL 2025 isn’t just about visibility; it’s about making a bold cultural statement,” he added.
Talking about the brand’s hero product, Krishnakumar said, “Our office bags continue to be the hero product. It’s that sweet spot where style meets utility, and Indian women relate to it deeply.”
He added that laptop sleeves and slings have also gained traction, while backpacks, introduced recently, are being tested for scale. “We don’t expand categories for the sake of it — we evaluate data, market gaps, and customer demand,” he said.
Premiumisation with purpose
When asked about its premium offerings, he said, “Premium in India can’t just mean gold zips and a higher price tag. Our customers are value-conscious — they expect better materials, smarter compartments, and more thoughtful design.”
The Rhea Kapoor x Zouk collection, launched earlier this year, represents this premium shift. The range has helped Zouk move into the higher price bracket while maintaining its vegan, cruelty-free promise.
Zouk had raised $14.8 million in funding from investors like Stellaris Venture Partners, Titan Capital and Aavishkaar Capital. While the company isn’t profitable yet, Krishnakumar said it’s running a capital-efficient model.
“We are close to profitability but this is a build phase for us. We are investing in brand, retail, and team — profitability will follow,” he said.
Offline retail is a big part of that build. “We are not rushing into hundreds of stores. It’s a phased rollout with a clear view on unit economics and brand visibility,” he added.
Zouk is also looking beyond India. The company is exploring select global markets, starting with the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
“We’ve had early conversations internationally and we plan to start some work this fiscal. But for now, India remains our primary focus,” Krishnakumar said.
