The retail business has been growing quickly in India, especially in fashion and lifestyle. Among the brands that have benefited from this shift in consumer behavior is Zudio. A part of the Tata Group’s Trent Ltd., Zudio operates in the value fashion segment, offering affordable, stylish products that have made it one of the fastest-growing retail chains in the country. The brand’s rapid rise is reflected in its impressive growth—from just 458 stores in FY18 to over 35,000 by FY23—and its contribution to Trent’s revenue, which reached ₹7,000 crore in FY23 and ₹6,909.7 crore in FY24.

Zudio’s affordable clothing, shoes, accessories, and home products have made it highly popular among middle-income buyers, creating a strong and loyal customer base. For aspiring entrepreneurs, this makes Zudio a promising opportunity in the booming Indian fashion market.

Any person who intends to start a business within the retail industry should consider opening a Zudio franchise in India. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from franchise costs and investment requirements to profit potential and the benefits of partnering with a trusted brand. By the end of this blog, you’ll have all the information you need to decide if becoming a Zudio franchise owner is the right step for you.

About Zudio: A Fashion Retail Brand

We’ll first look at why Zudio is such an appealing business opportunity before we discuss the Zudio franchise cost in India. Launched in 2018, Zudio is a fast-fashion retail brand that offers a wide variety of products, such as:

• Apparel: Clothes for men, women, and children, and their day-to-day wear, party wear, ethnic wear and formal wear if needed.
• Footwear: A colourful collection of fashionable casual wear, footwear including shoes, sandals, slippers and sportswear.
• Accessories: A bag, jewellery, wallet and all other accessories that accentuate the look of a person.
• Home Decor: Many affordable soft home textiles and accessories such as curtains, cushions, bedsheets, etc.
• Beauty and Personal Care: Lip and body products, including skincare, toiletries, and cosmetics, all at affordable prices.

Zudio is an affordable fashion brand that targets customers of all segments of India, including the middle-income group. By offering stylish products and budget-friendly prices, Zudio has quickly become one of the most sought-after retail brands.

The brand stands out for offering a “Everything Under ₹999” concept, which aligns with the preferences of cost-conscious Indian shoppers without compromising on style or quality.

Zudio as of 2025

• Zudio has 500+ stores across India, with aggressive expansion in metro and tier-2 cities.
• The brand taps into the affordable fast fashion segment, catering especially to urban youth and working professionals.
• Its store experience is designed for quick shopping, with weekly refreshes of collections to keep the excitement alive.

Being backed by the Tata Group, Zudio carries a reputation for trust, consistency, and quality, which makes it a highly attractive opportunity for potential partners when franchising opens up.

Why Choose Zudio Franchise

The Zudio franchise cost in India is associated with several advantages that make it an attractive business option for aspiring entrepreneurs. With the backing of a well-established brand, a comprehensive support system, and a lucrative retail model, Zudio offers franchisees a strong foundation for long-term success. Here’s a deeper look at the key benefits:

Brand Recognition and Trust

A major selling factor for owning this franchise is the competitiveness that comes with affiliating with the Tata Group, which is among the giants of business in India. This simple factor gives instant credibility to Tata among the buying customers. Just as you operate under the franchise name and business, you will get the necessary confidence of the clients due to the reputation of Zudio.

High Demand in Retail

The Indian value retail market (excluding food & grocery) is exploding, projected to hit $170 billion by 2026 with a 15% CAGR – significantly outpacing the overall retail sector. Expect to generate ₹1.5 Lakhs to ₹3 Lakhs in profit per month. Achieve healthy profit margins ranging between 10% and 20% of your store’s revenue.

National Marketing and Advertising Support

Zudio focuses a lot of its advertising efforts on broad-based national campaigns across TV, digital and outdoor media, which increase visibility. Accompanying these marketing attempts are extensive advertising costs, over which the franchisees can benefit whilst not bearing the costs in full. Besides the national campaigning, the franchisees are free to promote local campaigns to drive store traffic with assistance from Zudio.

Structured Training and Continuous Education

Zudio offers orientation to its franchisees’ workshops that discuss store operations, customer relations, merchandising, sales, and technology implementation. This makes it possible for the franchisees and their employees to be in a better position to manage the business from the day the business opens. Despite the store being open, Zudio supports the customers, helping them with stock management, employee training and evaluating employees’ productivity.

Product Portfolio and Customer Orientation

Zudio currently stocks various goods such as cheap clothes, shoes, bags, and home decorations, as well as body products. This broad product offering satisfies all classes of customers ranging from low-end users to fashion-oriented class. It is convenient for franchisees to accommodate many consumer segments and gain more visits and sales within one store.

Affordable Stock with a High Rate of Return

It is much cheaper than the cost of establishing other franchise retail businesses in India, which makes it suitable for young and new beginning investors as well as experienced investors. Zudio will continue to offer affordable products due to high demand, especially in tier 2&3 cities where real estate prices are more affordable than in tier, yet an untapped market exists. The latter is a scalable business model, and this is a fact that a successful franchisee can open more than one store.

Strong supply chain management

At Zudio, supply chain management is well-developed products are supplied as required to meet the stock levels. This efficiency eliminates chances of having congested stocks or none at all,, thus making it easy for the franchisees to supply their customers without any hitches. Furthermore, because Zudio has a single purchase point for buying quality products at reasonable prices for its customers, high-profit margins are realized.

Understanding the Zudio’s FOCO Model: A Key Difference

One of the most defining aspects of Zudio’s franchise opportunity is its FOCO model, which stands for Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated. This unique model is what sets Zudio apart from many other retail franchise systems and makes it an attractive option for investors who prefer passive income over daily involvement in store operations.

In the FOCO model:

You (the franchisee) invest in the store’s setup, interiors, and infrastructure. You own the physical store and are responsible for the capital expenditure (CapEx).

Zudio (the company) manages all operational aspects of the store, including hiring staff, managing inventory, handling sales, and ensuring compliance with brand standards.

• Affordable Fast Fashion: Offers trendy clothing, footwear, and accessories primarily under ₹1,000 for men, women, and kids.
• FOCO Model: Franchisees own the store (investment), while Zudio operates it (day-to-day management), enabling rapid, controlled expansion.
• No Discounts Strategy: Maintains consistent, attractive pricing year-round instead of relying on sales.
• Lean Operations: Efficient sourcing, quick inventory turnover, and minimal advertising (relies on word-of-mouth).
• Offline Focus: Primarily operates through physical stores, with limited e-commerce presence, encouraging in-store shopping.

Zudio Franchise Cost in India: A Detailed Breakdown (2025)

Starting a Zudio franchise (if offered in the future) would require a significant financial commitment. The total investment for a Zudio franchise typically ranges from ₹50 Lakhs to ₹3 Crores, with variations depending on factors like location (Tier 1 vs. Tier 2/3 cities), store size, and specific setup requirements.

The brand’s premium store design, inventory standards, and operational support mean you’d need to invest across several key areas. Here’s a breakdown of the projected costs:

• Franchise Fee: This one-time charge allows the permission to utilise the Zudio name and access its business model. It is estimated to be between 10 lakhs and 15 lakhs.
• Store Setup and Interiors: This is a significant portion of the investment and covers the cost of designing and fitting out the store according to Zudio’s standardized layout and branding guidelines. This includes racks, display units, mannequins, lighting, signage, trial rooms, POS counters, and a back office/storage area. By the location and shop size, prices range from ₹30 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs.
• Inventory Investment: An initial investment of ₹15 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs is needed to stock apparel and accessories for launch. The cost to purchase the initial stock of Zudio products (clothing, footwear, accessories) to fill the store before opening.
• Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit of ₹20 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs is typically required to secure the store premises.
• Stamp Duty & Registration (Legal Costs): Estimated Cost: ₹10 Lakhs – ₹20 Lakhs, Covers legal fees, stamp duty, and registration charges for the franchise agreement and property lease/ownership documents.
• Legal & Registration Costs: These include lease documentation, registration fees, and taxes, typically costing ₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs.
• Additional Expenses: Around ₹40 lakhs may be spent on marketing, employee training, utilities, and other start-up costs.

Ongoing Operational Costs (Monthly):

While the FOCO model means Zudio handles day-to-day operations, franchisees should be aware of potential ongoing costs or revenue-sharing agreements:

• Royalty/Revenue Share: Zudio typically operates on a revenue-sharing model. While exact figures can vary, some sources indicate a royalty or revenue share for Zudio ranging from 4% to 16% of gross monthly sales. Other models suggest the franchisee receives a larger share (e.g., 90%) of revenue.
• Staff Salaries: Although Zudio manages staff, the franchisee’s investment might implicitly cover these within the overall financial structure.
• Utilities & Maintenance: Costs for electricity, water, internet, and general store maintenance are factored into the operational expenses.

Zudio Franchise Profit Margin & Revenue Potential

Investing in a Zudio franchise through its FOCO (Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated) model opens up a unique opportunity for passive income with a trusted retail brand. Here’s a closer look at how much you can earn, the revenue-sharing mechanism, and what kind of returns to expect.

Revenue Sharing in FOCO

Zudio’s FOCO model ensures that franchisees don’t manage day-to-day operations. Instead, they earn a fixed portion of the monthly gross revenue generated by the store. Typically, franchisees receive 8% to 12% of the store’s monthly revenue. Some franchise agreements also include a minimum guarantee, which ensures steady earnings even if sales fluctuate.

This model is ideal for those looking for consistent returns without direct involvement in operations, hiring, or inventory management.

Expected Monthly Revenue

Monthly revenue varies depending on the store’s location, size, and foot traffic. As of 2025, most Zudio stores in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities generate ₹35 lakh to ₹60 lakh per month. During festive seasons, this can even cross ₹75 lakh.

Based on these figures:

• A revenue share of 10% could yield ₹3.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh per month.
• With a minimum guarantee clause, you’re protected from lean months.

C. Profit Margin

In an FOCO model, the franchisee doesn’t bear operating costs like salaries, rent, or utility bills. Hence, your revenue share becomes your net income. Unlike traditional franchise models, your profit margin is effectively the entire 8%–12% share of revenue, making this model low-risk and high-reward for capital investors.

D. Return on Investment (ROI)

Given the substantial initial investment (₹50 Lakhs to ₹3 Crores), the return on investment (ROI) is a key consideration. Most successful Zudio franchisees report recovering their initial capital within 2.5 to 4 years of steady operation.

 Zudio Franchise Requirements

Financial Capacity

Zudio requires franchise partners to have a strong financial background. The total investment typically ranges between ₹80 lakh to ₹1.2 crore, depending on store location, size, and infrastructure. This includes the franchise fee, interiors, security deposit, and initial inventory costs.

• Liquid Capital Required: ₹50–60 lakh minimum
• Net Worth Recommended: ₹1.5 crore and above

This ensures you can comfortably manage upfront investments without financial strain.

Space Requirements

To maintain a consistent brand experience, Zudio requires stores to be in high-footfall commercial areas, malls, or prime high streets.

• Minimum Carpet Area: 3,000 – 5,000 sq. ft.
• The location must also accommodate storage space, trial rooms, and visual merchandising areas.
• Visibility and accessibility are key—locations in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities are highly preferred.

Experience

While prior retail or franchise experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory. Since Zudio operates the store under the FOCO model, they handle hiring, training, and store operations. However, having a basic understanding of retail business dynamics is a plus and can help in better financial planning and performance evaluation.

Commitment

Even though Zudio manages day-to-day operations, they seek serious, long-term partners who are committed to brand values and growth. Your role is that of an investor and business partner, so a long-term vision and business-oriented mindset are crucial.

Manpower

Since Zudio handles staffing and HR responsibilities under the FOCO model, you are not required to hire or manage employees. The company takes full responsibility for:

• Hiring and training the staff
• Managing payroll, scheduling, and performance
• Ensuring customer service standards

How to Apply for a Zudio Franchise

• Initial Contact: Reach out to Zudio’s official franchise team through the contact form, email, or phone number provided on their franchise website. Make sure you submit correct personal, financial, and business information.
• Application Review: The Zudio team will evaluate your application according to your selected shop location, financial capacity, and business experience.
• Franchise Approval: Upon approval, you’ll proceed with signing the franchise agreement and paying the required franchise fee to initiate the partnership.
• Store Setup Support: With approval secured, you can begin the store setup process, including interior development, inventory procurement, and hiring staff. Toensure  brand consistency, Zudio’s team will usually help you through these stages.
• Training & Launch: You will be trained in operations, inventory handling, and customer service. Additionally, you will receive marketing and promotional assistance to ensure your business debut is a success.

Zudio’s Support System for Franchisees 

Set Up & Design Help

With Zudio, you get all the help you need, starting from locating your store to designing how it will look inside. The brand makes all of its stores similar by handling interior design, brand logo, lighting, fixture displays and signage according to the company’s requirements.

Inventory and product supply

You won’t have to spend time finding or buying products yourself. The company manages the entire supply chain, providing new batches of products regularly according to trends and how things are selling. As a result, products are both stylish and always available to shoppers.

Workforce & Human Resource Management

Under the FOCO model, Zudio hires and trains all its store employees. The company ensures all sales, billing, inventory and customer service staff are fully prepared. Training members regularly leads to consistency and following the company’s standards.

Billing & Point of Sale (POS)

Every Zudio franchise has advanced POS, tools for managing stocks and software for managing payments. Because they work with the company’s backend, these tools help with real-time monitoring, easier audits and effective stock replenishment.

Marketing and promotions

Zudio plans and performs national and local advertising campaigns that help increase brand recognition. Franchisees get to take part in in-store promotions, discounts and campaigns at seasonal times, all planned and funded by Zudio’s main office.

Constant operational monitoring and support

The area managers and field teams from Zudio regularly pay store visits to manage their work, oversee activity and deal with any issues. You can reach the support line every day for technical guidance or help with paperwork.

Potential Risks and Challenges

Even though the Zudio franchise model works on an easy-to-manage FOCO basis, investors should note the various challenges that might arise.

High initial investment

It takes an upfront investment of ₹80 lakh to ₹1.2 crore to open a Zudio store. Many beginners who want to invest find it hard to gather this much money. There’s a chance delays will occur in reaching breakeven, should the store not operate as expected.

No Operational Control

Since Zudio follows a FOCO model, the franchisee has no control over daily store operations, staff hiring, product selection, or marketing execution. This can be a downside for entrepreneurs who prefer a hands-on approach. Any inefficiency from the company’s end directly affects your returns, but you have limited ability to correct it.

Location Dependency:

The location of a Zudio store is extremely important to its success. Choosing a poor location can greatly reduce how many sales a business makes. Although Zudio helps choose the best site, market changes can still cause unplanned complications.

Low Flexibility

Franchisees must follow Zudio’s brand rules, shop arrangement and merchandising plans. Since local differences are rarely allowed, it can be difficult for companies to adjust to each community’s needs.

High Competition

The fast growth of the industry could lead to the market becoming too full. In addition, brands such as Max, Pantaloons and Reliance Trends could reduce the growth of the company’s revenue in markets where price is a major factor.

Long-Term Commitment

A lease agreement with Zudio puts you under contract for at least 5–10 years. If a location is not performing well, it can be hard and complicated for a business to close it.

Conclusion

The Zudio franchise cost in India may seem substantial, but the numerous benefits associated with owning such a franchise make it a very lucrative business opportunity. Right from deep-pocketed Tata Motors, the national marketing network, a vast array of products in its segments, and more importantly, active operational support, Zudio came equipped to help franchisees succeed.

For those who seek to push into the retail sector, which is growing rapidly in India, Zudio is reportedly an ideal point of departure, which has low entry points and high return on investment. When opening its outlet, choosing to become this franchise is potentially very profitable, and she will benefit from a well-developed business plan, a recognisable brand, and a vast array of customers.

More Franchise Opportunities:

• Tea time Franchise cost in India
• McDonalds Franchise Cost in India
• Naturals Ice cream Franchise cost in India
• KFC Franchise Cost in India
• Starbucks Franchise Cost in India

FAQs

How much is required to open a Zudio franchise in India?

The cost of the Zudio franchise in India is generally expected to fall between INR 40 lakh and INR 60 lakh. This sounds like the franchise fee, cost of setting up the stores, cost of stocks and other incidental costs. The actual amount may vary with the place and size of the store and any other conditions that may prevail at that time.

How much does it cost to join this franchise?

This franchise fee in India ranges from INR 2 lakhs to INR 5 lakhs, depending on the accorded franchise agreement as well as the store size or having a large-scale store. This fee gives you the license to use the Zudio brand and enjoy the backing and the tools coming with it from the company.

How many square meters are needed for a Zudio franchise?

A Zudio store requires a store space of 1500-3000 square ffeetet which is merged with a retail concept. The size of the store may therefore differ in accordance to the kind and geographical location of the store and the particular structure of the retail type. A superstore in a shopping complex or more traffic areas may need a larger floor area than a mini outlet in local markets or small-sized cities.

What does this franchise have to undertake in terms of costs to sustain the franchise?

Zudio franchise costs in India include: 

• Royalty Fees: 4-5% of monthly sales.
• Local Marketing: Local marketing costs are proposed at 1-2 per cent of the monthly revenue of the franchisee.
• Staff Salaries: Wages for the store employees; these may differ across employees within your company store, depending on the number of employees you have.
• Rent & Utilities: In most centres, rent and utility bills will be one of your largest continuing costs.
• Inventory: The opportunity that can be derived from this is the need to restock the store with new and latest products frequently.

How many years does it take to get a break-even on an investment in a Zudio franchise?

In most cases, the recovery of the initial investment period takes between 2 – 3 years. This period can be variable concerning the store location, frequency of the customers, the volume of business achievement, andthe  effectiveness of operations. Other stores that record high traffic, particularly in areas where there is high demand for affordable clothing, may return the money quicker.