How Noel Tata turned conventional marketing on its head with Westside, Zudio | HTLS 2026

Noel Tata traces Westside’s journey from its first store in 1999 to around 320 outlets at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2026. Recalling early scepticism about modern retail in India, he explains Trent’s decision to build its own brands and manage everything from product design to selling directly to customers. Tata highlights how India’s consumption boom has far exceeded the company’s initial expectations, opening the door to ambitions of expanding Westside beyond 500 stores.