Nothing opens its first retail store in India

Nothing, the innovative hardware firm supported by Tiger Global, has officially inaugurated its first retail store in India, marking a significant milestone in its expansion strategy. Located in the bustling city of Bengaluru, this new store is poised to serve a substantial portion of Nothing's user base in the region. The two-story establishment is designed to showcase Nothing's diverse range of products and upcoming projects. Customers will have the opportunity to purchase hardware and a selection of merchandise, with options available for customizing certain items. "We aimed to create an engaging environment inspired by elements related to our brand. For instance, when a customer buys a product, they can see a production line where items are assembled. We also have machines on display that demonstrate testing processes such as USB port functionality and water resistance," explained Carl Pei, the co-founder and CEO of the company. This retail location will also feature offerings from CMF, Nothing's budget-friendly brand, which was launched last year. CMF is notably based in India and collaborates with local ODM Optiemus. Pei emphasized the distinct market positioning of both brands, indicating that Nothing targets a niche market with higher-priced items, while CMF aims for a broader audience, providing thoughtfully designed products that transcend typical off-the-shelf rebranding at similar price points. According to analyst firm IDC, India stands as Nothing's strongest market, boasting over 2% of the smartphone market share. The firm was recognized as the fastest-growing smartphone brand in the country in the second quarter of 2025, achieving an impressive 85% year-over-year growth in shipments. In the context of a burgeoning retail landscape in India, other tech giants are also establishing aspirational stores. For instance, Apple is set to unveil its sixth retail outlet this month in Borivali, Mumbai. This Bengaluru store represents Nothing's first foray outside its headquarters in London. The startup has plans for additional stores, with locations anticipated in Tokyo and New York, though specific opening dates have yet to be announced. Last year, Nothing secured $200 million in Series C funding at a valuation of $1.3 billion, led by Tiger Global, among other prominent investors. To date, the company has raised a total of $450 million.