UK smartphone maker deepens India presence with retail push and leadership expansion
UK-based smartphone brand Nothing has announced plans to open its first flagship retail store in India later this year, marking a significant step in its deepening engagement with one of its fastest-growing markets. The announcement coincides with the company’s decision to establish the global headquarters of its sub-brand, CMF, in India.
The move underscores India’s growing importance to the brand, which already manufactures several of its key products — including the Phone (3) series and wearables — domestically. By adding a flagship store, Nothing aims to provide customers with a hands-on retail experience, bridging the gap between online sales and physical touchpoints.
Co-founder Akis Evangelidis revealed the plans in a post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasising that the company’s manufacturing in India is not only serving local demand but also fuelling exports to international markets. “With CMF, we are also in the process of establishing our global headquarters here, strengthening our leadership team with local talent, and anchoring our operations in the place where we see the strongest momentum,” he wrote.
Industry watchers see the retail push as an effort to elevate Nothing’s brand positioning in India, mirroring moves by global tech giants. Apple, for instance, recently opened flagship stores in Bangalore and Pune ahead of the iPhone 17 launch, reinforcing India’s emergence as a priority market. Analysts expect Nothing to follow suit, likely choosing metro cities such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore for its first store.
The physical store is expected to showcase Nothing’s growing portfolio of minimalist-designed tech products, offering customers the opportunity to experience them first-hand and purchase directly. For fans of the brand, the store also promises to become a community hub, aligning with Nothing’s strategy of building consumer loyalty through distinctive design and immersive experiences.
With India now firmly positioned as both a manufacturing hub and a leadership centre, the company’s latest steps reflect its broader ambition to become a global challenger in the premium smartphone and lifestyle tech space.
