Let’s be real, fashion isn’t just about looking good. It’s about feeling good, fitting in (or standing out), and maybe getting that perfect Insta pic 📸. But while metro cities enjoy international brands and high-end boutiques, small-town shoppers have often been stuck with limited choices and questionable quality.
Enter Citykart, the fastest-growing value fashion chain that’s changing the game for tier-2, 3, and 4 cities across India. What started as one store in Lucknow in 2016 has now exploded into 137 locations, with plans to add 40–50 stores every year.
So, what’s the secret sauce behind this mega success? Let’s break it down. 👇
The Agarwal Brothers: Masters of the Retail Hustle
Behind Citykart’s rapid rise are Sudhanshu and Rohit Agarwal, two brothers who saw a gap in the market and seized the opportunity.
- Sudhanshu Agarwal, the visionary behind Citykart, spotted a fashion gap in small towns while traveling across India. Recognizing the lack of quality and affordability in these markets, he left his Vice President role at Vishal Mega Mart to build something better. With a data-driven approach and a mindset of “Less talk, more action”, Sudhanshu took charge, ensuring Citykart became a reliable fashion destination. A Delhi University graduate, he built an empire from scratch, proving that determination and strategy trump excuses.
- On the other side, Rohit Agarwal, the merchandising maestro, brought his expertise in product selection and sourcing to the table. With an education from Symbiosis University, he refined his skills in fashion, fabric, and pricing. Managing a network of 250+ vendors, Rohit ensures that every item at Citykart meets high-quality standards while remaining affordable. His belief in passion and consistency as the key to success is reflected in Citykart’s rapid growth and customer loyalty. Together, the Agarwal brothers have revolutionized value fashion for small-town India, creating aspirational yet accessible shopping experiences for millions.
These two didn’t just create another fashion chain, they built a brand that understands small-town shoppers and delivers what they actually want.
More Than Just Clothes: Citykart’s Winning Formula
Citykart’s mission isn’t just about selling fashion, it’s about making great style accessible without burning a hole in your wallet. Here’s how they do it:
- Best Quality Apparels – No shady, see-through fabrics here!
- Reliable Prices – Affordable but never cheap-looking.
- Free Gifts – Because who doesn’t love freebies?
- Latest Fashion Trends – Staying stylish without breaking the bank.
- Aspirational Shopping Experience – Not just buying, but enjoying the process.
- Fastest-Growing Apparel Chain in small-town India.
And with over 1.25 crore loyal customers, they’re clearly doing something right.
Big Moves, Bigger Money: The Funding Frenzy
Of course, scaling up requires serious cash. And Citykart? They got it.
- Raised ₹538 crore in a funding round led by TPG NewQuest and A91 Partners.
- ₹120 crore in fresh capital + ₹418 crore from secondary share sales.
- Now valued at ₹1,400 crore. 🤯
- Investor Investcorp fully exited with a 4X return (happy investors = more future funding).
- India SME sold part of its stake, while TPG NewQuest became the biggest investor.
Their topline has grown by 70% in two years and is set to cross ₹1,300 crore in FY26. The expansion plans include Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Assam, with a 50-store per year goal.
Safe to say, Citykart is NOT slowing down anytime soon.
Awards & Street Cred 🏆
If you thought Citykart was just another random retail chain, think again. These guys have industry recognition to prove their worth.
- “Excellence in Retail Marketing” – Dainik Jagran, 2022.
- “Most Admired Fashion Retailer” – Images, 2020.
Everyone’s watching them grow.
What’s Next: IPO Dreams & Global Ambitions
With revenue shooting up like a SpaceX rocket 🚀, an IPO is on the horizon, but not until profitability reaches peak levels. Founder Sudhanshu Agarwal made it clear: “We’re focusing on sustainable growth before considering an IPO.”
Their goal?
To make Citykart a global brand with India-first aspirations.
Maintain high quality and low prices; small-town shoppers deserve it.
To build more in-house brands for affordability AND style.
Final Thoughts: Why Citykart Works?
Citykart didn’t just jump on the retail bandwagon; they studied their customers, understood their aspirations, and built a brand that delivers real value.
And let’s be honest, big cities already have Zara and H&M. Citykart is here to make sure small-town India doesn’t miss out on great fashion. With smart leadership, serious funding, and a customer-first mindset, this brand is set for legendary status.
So, next time you need a trendy outfit without the premium price tag, you know where to shop. 😉🛍️
Shop Now: Citykart or visit a store near you.
