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DMart
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Avenue Supermarts Limited, d/b/a DMart, is an Indian retail corporation that operates a chain of supermarkets and hypermarkets. The company was founded by Radhakishan Damani and is based in Mumbai. As of March 2025, DMart has 415 stores across 12 states and union territories in India.[3]

Key Information

In March 2024, the company had a total of 13,971 permanent employees and 59,961 employees hired on contractual basis.[4]

History

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A DMart store in the suburbs of Udupi.

Incorporated in 2000 by Radhakishan Damani, DMart opened its first store in Powai, Mumbai, in 2002.[5][6] In its early years, the company adopted everyday low price strategy[6] and pursued "slow expansion", growing to 29 stores across Maharashtra and Gujarat in 2010. Unlike other Indian supermarkets which typically leased 4,000 sq ft properties, DMart operated much larger stores, ranging up to 30,000 sq ft, most of which it owned.[7][8]

In 2013, DMart reported having 65 stores across Maharashtra and Gujarat, along with one store each in Hyderabad and Bangalore as it began expanding to other states. At the time, DMart became the third largest retail company by revenue, after Reliance Retail and Future Group.[9]

In October 2016, DMart had 112 stores, having expanded to Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.[10][11] In December 2016, the company started its e-commerce venture called DMart Ready, allowing users to order groceries and household products online.[12][13]

The company launched its initial public offering (IPO) in March 2017 and got listed on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange. On its listing date 22 March 2017, it became the 65th most valuable Indian firm.[14] By 2018, it entered Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi NCR and Daman.[15]

In 2021, The Ken noted that DMart's newer stores ranged between 50,000 and 60,000 sq ft, nearly twice the average size of its existing stores.[16] In 2022, DMart surpassed 300 stores, with three-fourths located in its cluster-states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.[17][15]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
DMart, officially known as the supermarket chain operated by Avenue Supermarts Limited, is an Indian retail company specializing in hypermarkets that provide a wide range of everyday essentials including groceries, household items, , apparel, and at competitive, value-for-money prices. Founded in 2002 by investor , the company emphasizes a low-cost operational model focused on efficient , minimal , and high to maintain affordability for middle-class consumers across urban and semi-urban areas. As of November 2025, DMart operates 438 stores spread across 12 states and union territories, including , , , and , with its headquarters in . The chain's first store opened in Powai, Mumbai, in 2002, marking the beginning of Avenue Supermarts' expansion from a single outlet to a major player in India's organized retail sector. Damani, a prominent figure in Indian finance with prior experience in stockbroking, established the business on principles of simplicity and cost efficiency, avoiding luxuries like elaborate store designs or promotions to keep prices low. By fiscal year 2025 (ending March 2025), Avenue Supermarts reported annual revenue of ₹59,482.36 crore, reflecting steady growth driven by organic store additions and increasing same-store sales. The company went public in 2017 through an initial public offering on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange, which valued it as one of India's top retail listings at the time. DMart's success is attributed to its private-label products, which account for a significant portion of sales, and a customer-centric approach that prioritizes quality and accessibility in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. In the second quarter of 2026 (July-September 2025), standalone reached ₹16,219 , with net profit rising 5.1% year-over-year to ₹747 , alongside the addition of eight new stores. As a debt-free entity with a exceeding ₹2.6 as of November 2025, Avenue Supermarts continues to navigate competitive pressures from giants and other retailers by focusing on physical proximity and everyday value.

Overview

Founding

DMart was founded on 15 May 2002 by Radhakishan Damani through the opening of its inaugural store in Powai, Mumbai. The chain operates under Avenue Supermarts Limited, a company incorporated on 12 May 2000 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, initially as a private limited entity focused on organized retail. Damani, a seasoned investor and businessman, drew inspiration from global retail leaders like Walmart to create an affordable shopping experience for Indian families. His vision centered on an everyday low pricing (EDLP) model combined with everyday low cost (EDLC) operations, emphasizing efficiency, minimal frills, and consistent value to address the needs of middle-income consumers seeking basic home and personal products. The first Powai store served as the foundation for this approach, operating as a no-frills with an initial emphasis on groceries, staples, and household essentials to build customer loyalty through competitive pricing and product availability. This modest outlet marked the beginning of DMart's cluster-based expansion , prioritizing locations with high and low operational overheads.

Corporate Information

Avenue Supermarts Limited is a public limited company incorporated on May 12, 2000, under the Companies Act, 1956, with its Corporate Identification Number (CIN) L51900MH2000PLC126473. Originally established as a private entity, it converted to a public company on May 3, 2011, and is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE). The company operates in the retail sector, specializing in supermarkets and hypermarkets that offer a wide range of grocery, household, and personal care products under a value-retailing model. The headquarters of Avenue Supermarts Limited is located at Anjaneya CHS Limited, Orchard Avenue, opposite Hiranandani Foundation School, , , 400076, . This facility serves as the central hub for corporate functions, including , , and , while an additional corporate office is situated at B-72/72A, Wagle Industrial Estate, Road No. 33, , 400604, supporting operational oversight. As of March 31, 2025, the company employed 16,959 permanent staff and 73,321 contractual workers, totaling 90,280 individuals across various roles in store operations, , , and executive . The workforce demonstrates diversity, with 37.6% female representation overall (29% among permanent employees) and 62.4% male, reflecting efforts to promote inclusivity through local and upskilling programs that prepare employees for roles in retail management and beyond. Avenue Supermarts Limited trades under the brand name DMart, which was founded by in 2002. The DMart , featuring a bold "D" on a white background with the full name in simple sans-serif font, has maintained a consistent design since its introduction, symbolizing affordability and everyday accessibility without significant evolution over the years.

History

Establishment and Early Growth

Following its incorporation, Avenue Supermarts Limited, operating as DMart, launched its first store in , a of , , in 2002. The company initially concentrated on opening additional outlets in Mumbai's suburban areas, such as Hiranandani Gardens, to target middle-class residential neighborhoods with a focus on everyday essentials at low prices. This cluster-based expansion within allowed DMart to establish a foothold in high-density urban markets before venturing further. During its formative years, DMart faced intense competition from the unorganized retail sector, particularly local kirana stores that dominated over 90% of India's grocery market through personalized service and proximity to consumers. To counter this, the retailer adopted an everyday low pricing strategy, which challenged the price-sensitive customer base accustomed to traditional vendors. in congested urban centers like presented further hurdles, including traffic delays and efficient distribution to multiple small outlets, necessitating a lean inventory model to minimize stockouts and waste. DMart's growth accelerated steadily, reaching approximately 29 stores by 2010, spread across and to leverage regional synergies. By 2013, the network had expanded to 65 stores, with the majority located in these two states, reflecting a deliberate focus on for scalable operations. This period marked key early milestones, including the refinement of store formats suited to local demographics. A core strategic decision was the emphasis on owning for its stores, which helped control operational costs and avoid escalating rental expenses in prime urban locations. DMart typically developed outlets averaging 20,000 to 30,000 square feet, balancing space for a wide product assortment with cost efficiency to support its value-driven model.

Initial Public Offering

Avenue Supermarts Limited, the operator of the DMart retail chain, launched its (IPO) in March 2017 to raise capital for business expansion. The book-built issue opened for bidding on March 8, 2017, and closed on March 10, 2017, with shares priced at ₹299 each. The total issue size was ₹1,870 , comprising a fresh issue of 62.5 million equity shares, and it was listed on the (BSE) and National (NSE). The IPO saw overwhelming investor interest, getting oversubscribed by 104.48 times overall, with the qualified institutional buyers (QIB) category subscribed 144.61 times, non-institutional investors (NII) at 277.74 times, and retail individual investors (RII) at 7.3 times. The proceeds were primarily intended for repayment or prepayment of existing loans and non-convertible debentures (NCDs), setting up new stores and warehouses to support store network expansion, and general corporate purposes including requirements. This funding aligned with the company's strategy to scale its operations amid rapid growth in the organized retail sector. On listing day, March 21, 2017, the shares debuted strongly, opening at ₹604.40 on the BSE—more than double the issue price—delivering approximately 102% gains to investors. The stock closed at ₹610 on the BSE, pushing the company's market capitalization to around ₹36,758 crore shortly after listing. This robust debut underscored strong market confidence in DMart's value-retail model and its potential for sustained growth.

Expansion Phases

DMart's expansion gained significant momentum in the pre-IPO period, particularly from onward, as the company scaled its operations beyond its core markets in and . By , the store count had reached 75, primarily concentrated in these western states. This growth accelerated, with DMart entering new regions such as , , , , and , culminating in 112 stores across five states by October 2016. Following its in March 2017, which provided substantial capital for further development, DMart pursued aggressive post-IPO scaling, adding approximately 166 stores by the end of 2022, reaching a total of 284 stores. This phase marked deeper penetration into southern and , with a strategic emphasis on tier-2 and tier-3 cities to leverage underserved markets and cost efficiencies. The company's preference for owning properties—rather than leasing—enabled greater control over operations and long-term cost management, with the majority of stores situated on owned land to support sustainable expansion. In recent years, DMart has continued its measured yet robust growth, reaching 324 stores by the end of 2022-23 and 365 stores by the end of 2023-24. As of March 2025, the network expanded to 415 stores across 10 states, one , and the National Capital Region, reflecting ongoing entries into northern and eastern markets like . By September 2025, the count rose to 432 stores, with additional openings reported in November 2025, including at least three new stores in early November, bringing the total to approximately 435 as of mid-November 2025, maintaining the focus on cluster-based development in tier-2 and tier-3 urban areas to optimize proximity and customer accessibility.

Business Operations

Retail Format and Model

DMart operates on an Everyday Low Cost and Everyday Low Price (EDLC/EDLP) business model, which emphasizes providing good-quality products at consistently low prices without relying on promotional discounts, loyalty programs, or seasonal sales to attract customers. This approach focuses on high-volume sales through efficient operations and cost control, allowing the retailer to maintain slim margins while ensuring affordability for everyday consumers. By avoiding loyalty schemes and variable pricing tactics, DMart minimizes administrative overheads and streamlines the shopping process, fostering repeat visits based on reliable value rather than incentives. The store format consists of large-format hypermarkets and , typically ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 square feet, with an average size of approximately 41,500 square feet across its network. These stores feature a layout designed for quick navigation and efficient stocking, prioritizing high-turnover items to support the high-volume, low-margin strategy. DMart's no-frills design avoids extravagant interiors or elaborate displays, instead concentrating on functional shelving and basic amenities to keep operational costs low and pass savings to customers. This format enables and sales, reducing intermediaries and enhancing supply chain efficiency. Key principles guiding the model include a disciplined assortment limited to around 5,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs), focusing exclusively on fast-moving, to avoid inventory bloat and . A significant portion of sales comes from private labels, which DMart develops in-house to offer higher margins and consistent quality at lower prices compared to branded alternatives; these include sustainable options like recycled-material packaging to align with cost and environmental goals. Differentiation arises from rigorous cost control via , including ownership of 62 distribution centers and 10 packing centers for and , alongside minimal spend—relying instead on word-of-mouth and store-level promotions to build . This integrated, lean structure supports scalability while keeping DMart as the lowest-priced option in its local markets.

Store Network and Locations

As of March 31, 2025, DMart operated 415 stores across , reflecting steady expansion from the previous fiscal year. As of November 2025, the network stands at 438 stores, with six new stores added since September 2025, including recent openings on November 7 in Greamspet, (), and November 14 in Bhiwadi (). The company's geographic footprint spans 12 states and union territories, with Maharashtra serving as its core market and hosting the largest concentration of stores—accounting for approximately half of the total network. This dominance is followed by significant presence in , , , and , which together represent the majority of outlets in western and southern ; additional stores are located in , , , , , , and the National Capital Region (NCR). DMart employs a versatile store format blending urban hypermarkets in densely populated city centers with suburban outlets in residential areas to optimize accessibility and capture local demand. Typical stores range from 30,000 to 60,000 square feet, with an average retail space of about 41,000 square feet across the network, enabling efficient operations and high customer throughput. Looking ahead, DMart aims to accelerate growth by targeting underserved regions, particularly in northern , including expansions into , , , and Delhi-NCR, to broaden its national reach while maintaining focus on high-density, value-driven markets.

Product Range and Supply Chain

DMart's product range centers on , with groceries and staples forming the core, accounting for about 57% of total sales in FY24. This category includes essentials such as food items, , frozen products, fruits, and , which drive consistent customer footfall due to their daily necessity. Non-food items, including household and like toiletries and beauty essentials, contribute around 20.7% to sales, while general merchandise and apparel—encompassing , and bath linens, toys, and garments—make up the remaining 22.4%. By prioritizing these high-turnover categories, DMart ensures a balanced assortment that caters to everyday household needs without diluting focus on profitability. To maintain , DMart employs a disciplined SKU , stocking approximately 5,000 items per store. This curated selection emphasizes fast-selling products, avoiding the broader assortments typical of competitors, which helps minimize stockouts and overstock while maximizing shelf space utilization. The approach aligns with DMart's value-retail model, where high inventory velocity supports low and quick replenishment. The backbone of DMart's operations is its robust , characterized by direct sourcing from manufacturers and farmers to bypass intermediaries and secure competitive . The company manages 62 distribution centers and 10 packing centers across key regions, facilitating timely delivery to its expansive store network. This infrastructure underpins an impressive ratio of 13-14 times annually, reflecting efficient and that keep lean. Private labels play a pivotal role in DMart's , accounting for 20-25% of total sales and enabling higher margins through controlled production. These DMart-branded products span groceries, items, and apparel, with stringent processes—including supplier audits and testing protocols—ensuring standards equivalent to national brands. This focus not only enhances cost efficiency but also builds customer trust in affordability without compromising reliability.

Digital Initiatives

DMart Ready

DMart Ready is the platform of Avenue Supermarts Limited, launched in December 2016 as an platform offering online ordering for pickup from stores or designated points, later expanded to include services of groceries and household essentials. This initiative marked DMart's entry into online retail, complementing its physical store network by enabling customers to order products through digital channels while leveraging the company's established supply infrastructure. The platform operates via a dedicated mobile app available on Android and , as well as a , allowing users to browse and purchase a wide range of over 2,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) including groceries, staples, and daily essentials typically found in DMart stores. It is currently available in select major cities such as , , , Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and others, where demand for convenient online ordering is high. Key features include user-friendly search and categorization, real-time order tracking, and options for both and self-pickup from designated points near physical stores, with a minimum order value often set at around Rs 500. Operationally, DMart Ready fulfills orders primarily from nearby physical stores or dedicated pickup points, ensuring efficient inventory utilization and reducing the need for separate dark stores. Deliveries are scheduled in customer-selected time slots, typically enabling same-day service within a few hours, though not positioned as ultra-fast 10-minute quick commerce but rather as a reliable everyday option. This store-integrated model supports by drawing on DMart's extensive physical footprint, focusing on value-driven assortments without heavy discounting to maintain margins. Since its inception, DMart Ready has experienced steady growth, with its revenue increasing by 32% to 2,202 in FY23 and continuing to expand at around 21% year-over-year as of FY25, driven by rising user adoption in urban areas. The platform's user base has grown alongside DMart's overall digital push, benefiting from deeper integration with physical stores for faster fulfillment and broader reach, positioning it as a key component in the company's adaptation to trends. As of Q2 FY26 (July-September 2025), the company added 10 fulfilment centres in existing markets and discontinued operations in five smaller cities (, Belagavi, , , Ghaziabad) to prioritize growth in major metros amid intensifying competition from quick commerce services.

Other Digital Services

DMart provides a range of supplementary digital tools through its DMart Ready mobile application, which serves as the foundation for its broader . The app enables users to track ongoing promotions and exclusive offers, create lists for efficient in-store planning, and view order history for repeat purchases, enhancing the overall experience both . In addition to core functions, the app supports seamless payment integrations, including credit and debit cards, net banking, and Payzapp for online transactions, while in-store purchases benefit from UPI-enabled QR codes that facilitate quick contactless payments via apps like and . These options promote convenience and security, aligning with India's growing digital payment infrastructure. DMart leverages to drive operational efficiencies, particularly in inventory forecasting and demand prediction, utilizing AI-based systems to optimize stock levels and monitor competitive pricing across its network. This data-driven approach also informs personalized product recommendations within the app, tailoring suggestions based on user behavior and purchase history to improve without relying on traditional loyalty programs. In March 2025, Avenue Supermarts invested Rs 175 crore into its subsidiary Avenue E-Commerce Limited (operating DMart Ready) to support operational expenses, needs, and infrastructure upgrades as part of its strategy. These updates emphasize scalable digital enhancements over experimental features like AR trials, focusing on reliable tools for everyday utility.

Financial Performance

Revenue and Profitability

DMart, operated by Avenue Supermarts Limited, reported consolidated revenue from operations of ₹59,358 ($7.0 billion) for the 2024-25 (FY25), reflecting steady growth driven by expanded store footprint and consistent same-store sales performance. This marked an increase from the previous year's figures, supported by the addition of new stores and operational efficiencies in its value-retail model. Net profit for the same period stood at ₹2,707 ($320 million), underscoring the company's ability to maintain profitability amid rising operational costs associated with expansion. In the second quarter of FY 2025-26 (Q2 FY26), consolidated reached ₹16,676 , achieving 15.5% year-over-year (YoY) growth, primarily fueled by a 6.8% increase in sales from stores operational for two years or more, alongside contributions from newer outlets. Consolidated net profit rose to ₹685 , representing 3.9% YoY growth, though the slower profit expansion highlighted pressures from elevated employee and other expenses. Profitability metrics for FY25 included an EBITDA margin of approximately 7.6%, with EBITDA of ₹4,487 , which benefited from controls in and but was tempered by investments in store additions. Store expansion, including the opening of 50 new locations to reach 415 stores, contributed to higher fixed and initial setup expenses, which diluted short-term margins but positioned the company for sustained growth through deeper . As of March 31, 2025, total assets amounted to ₹24,891 (US$2.9 billion), bolstered by increases in inventories and fixed assets to support ongoing operations.
Key Financial MetricsFY 2024-25Q2 FY 2025-26
Revenue (₹ crore)59,35816,676
Net Profit (₹ crore)2,707685
EBITDA Margin (%)~7.6N/A
YoY Growth (Revenue)N/A15.5
YoY Growth (Profit)N/A3.9

Market Capitalization and Stock Performance

Avenue Supermarts Limited, the parent company of DMart, went public in March 2017 with an IPO priced at ₹299 per share, listing at approximately double the issue price and achieving a market capitalization of around ₹36,758 crore on debut. The stock experienced significant post-IPO momentum, more than tripling in value within months and crossing the ₹1 lakh crore market cap milestone by June 2018, driven by strong investor confidence in its discount retail model. As of November 17, 2025, DMart shares closed at ₹4,040, reflecting a year-to-date gain of approximately 13.5% amid broader market volatility. The stock faced a dip following the announcement of Q2 FY26 results on October 13, 2025, which showed consolidated growth of 15.5% year-over-year to ₹16,676 but highlighted margin pressures. Analyst targets post-results remain optimistic, with estimates ranging up to ₹5,800, implying potential upside of over 40% from current levels, though averages hover around ₹4,150. DMart's valuation metrics underscore its premium positioning, trading at a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of about 99-106 times as of late 2025, significantly higher than peers like , which operates at lower multiples due to its diversified scale. The company's stood at approximately ₹2.54 as of November 17, 2025, supported by a stable base where promoters hold 74.65% and institutional investors account for 17.82%, including 8.73% by foreign institutions. DMart maintains a conservative , with no payouts since 2018 to prioritize reinvestment in store expansion and operations, aligning with its growth-oriented strategy.

Leadership and Governance

Key Executives

Radhakishan Damani serves as the founder and chairman of Avenue Supermarts Limited, the parent company of DMart. A prominent investor in the Indian equity markets, Damani began his career in stock trading in the 1980s and transitioned to retailing by establishing DMart in 2002 with a single store in suburban Mumbai. Known for his low-profile leadership style, he maintains a hands-off approach to daily operations while providing strategic oversight, emphasizing cost efficiency and value-driven business practices. Ignatius Navil Noronha, commonly known as Neville Noronha, has been the (CEO), managing director, and director since March 2011, having joined the company in 2004 as head of . With over two decades of experience at DMart, Noronha has played a pivotal role in the company's retail expansion, scaling operations from a nascent chain to over 430 stores across by focusing on efficient and store-level execution. His tenure, which began as CEO in February 2007, has been marked by a low-key, operational focus, contributing to consistent revenue growth from ₹2,209 in FY12 to ₹59,358 in FY25. Noronha's contract expires in January 2026, and he has expressed interest in continuing in a non-executive capacity post-transition. Anshul Asawa was appointed as CEO-designate effective March 15, 2025, and is set to assume the role of managing director and CEO on February 1, 2026, succeeding Noronha. An alumnus of and IIM , Asawa brings nearly 29 years of experience from , where he most recently served as country head for and general manager of the home care business. His expertise spans consumer goods marketing, , and , which he has prioritized in early statements about his DMart role, aiming to build on the company's people-centric culture. Ramakant Baheti holds the position of group (CFO) and whole-time director, overseeing financial , compliance, and . A qualified from the Institute of , Baheti has been instrumental in maintaining DMart's fiscal discipline, including cost control and capital allocation for store expansions. Other key executives include Elvin Elias Machado, director of business development and whole-time director, who focuses on strategic growth initiatives and partnerships. The board also features independent directors such as Chandrashekhar Bhave, serving as chairman of the board, providing governance oversight. at DMart emphasizes internal development and external talent acquisition, as evidenced by the structured transition to Asawa. Board composition remains stable as of November 2025. Executive compensation at Avenue Supermarts is performance-linked, comprising salary, bonuses, and long-term incentives aligned with company goals such as revenue growth and profitability. For instance, Noronha's total for FY25 was approximately ₹55.05 million, while Baheti's was ₹24.5 million, reflecting their contributions to operational and financial metrics. The and ensures payouts are tied to key indicators, promoting without excessive fixed components.

Ownership Structure

Avenue Supermarts Limited, operating as DMart, maintains a concentrated ownership structure dominated by its promoters. As of September 2025, promoters hold 74.65% of the company's equity, primarily through entities associated with founder and his family, including trusts such as Gulmohar Trust and Karnikar Trust, each owning approximately 4.76%. Institutional investors account for about 17.82% of the shareholding, with foreign institutional investors (FIIs) at 8.73% and domestic institutional investors (DIIs) at 9.09%, including mutual funds holding 6.84%. Notable institutional stakeholders include major mutual funds, though no single foreign entity dominates the FII portion. Public shareholding stands at 25.35%, comprising retail investors at 7.53% and other non-institutional holders. This traces back to the 2017 , which diluted promoter stake from 100% to around 75%, with minimal changes since, reflecting stable ownership in 2025. The company adheres to Securities and Exchange Board of (SEBI) regulations under the Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements, ensuring board independence with non-executive independent directors comprising over half the board, including Chairman Bhave. Annual secretarial compliance reports confirm ongoing adherence to SEBI norms for the ended March 31, 2025.

References

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