It would not surprise anyone that we all own a basic white T-shirt and at least one pair of denim jeans. This evergreen pairing has stood the test of time, but its elements rarely do. Industry data reveals that 87% of materials and fibers used to mass produce beloved and classic basics end up in landfills or incinerators. 

But if we have learned anything from our universal climate change woes, it is to start small and lead with intention. Landmark Group, the UAE-based multinational retail conglomerate, is guided by a similar ethos. The retail giant’s Chairwoman, Renuka Jagtiani, is the custodian and driving force behind a new era of value retail that transcends discounted prices and technicolor garment ranges. 

Landmark Group, with its diverse portfolio of brands, has consistently been at the forefront of adapting to changes in consumer behavior and technological shifts, while promoting a circular lifestyle. At the heart of Jagtiani’s vision is a philosophy of value—one that transcends price alone, touching on quality, utility, and sustainability.

CREATING TRUE VALUE IN RETAIL

“Value is the thread which actually builds Landmark for the future,” Jagtiani said, emphasizing that her commitment to value goes far beyond low prices. “It’s not about selling things cheap. It’s not about the product alone. Value is about value in a product, from what you put into it to how much you charge.” For Jagtiani, value is woven into every facet of Landmark’s operations, from product design and sourcing to pricing and customer experience.

“The product needs to be worth it from the point of view of the price, the quality, and utility,” she explained. This dedication to creating products that make life easier on the pocket while ensuring quality and longevity has become a cornerstone of the company’s approach. Landmark Group’s ability to merge affordability with high standards has allowed the brand to thrive in a competitive market.

SHIFTING CONSUMER TRENDS IN THE POST-PANDEMIC ERA

The retail industry has endured significant shifts, particularly after the pandemic. Jagtiani observed that consumers are spending less on traditional retail categories and increasingly prioritizing experiences and gadgets. However, she also acknowledged an interesting uptick in spending on the home, viewing it as a unique and private customer experience in a post-pandemic world.

“There is, in some ways, a better spend on the home because being home is also part of a private and unique customer experience,” she stated. This reflects a broader societal trend where people are investing in creating comfortable, personal spaces, which aligns with Landmark’s ability to cater to home and lifestyle needs.

EMBRACING E-COMMERCE AND GLOBAL TRENDS

The rise of e-commerce has also significantly impacted how consumers engage with brands. According to Jagtiani, customers are no longer just purchasing online—they are informed, knowledgeable, and seeking products both locally and globally. “Customers are more informed because they know what is available, where to find it, and how they can access it,” she pointed out, underlining the importance of digital literacy in today’s retail landscape.

The evolution of retail in the UAE is also no longer restricted by geographic boundaries. “What you see elsewhere is what you see here in the UAE,” Jagtiani remarked, highlighting the fluid movement of global consumer trends. Landmark Group’s diverse product offerings and willingness to experiment are a testament to tailoring global retail trends for local spaces and diasporas. 

SUSTAINABILITY: THE NEXT FRONTIER FOR RETAIL

A key initiative that aligns with Landmark Group’s long-term goals is its investment in sustainability. A prime example is the company’s Circulife plant, the region’s first textile recycling facility, representing a significant step in the UAE’s circular economy journey. “The impact of the retail fashion and home industry on the environment is profound,” Jagtiani remarked, explaining that the urgency to build sustainable practices that championed the establishment of Circulife.

The Circulife plant is a response to the growing issue of waste accumulation in landfills and is part of Landmark’s broader sustainability strategy. “This is in perfect alignment with the UAE Circular Economy Policy, which strives to achieve sustainable governance and the optimal use of natural resources,” Jagtiani noted. The plant not only recycles textiles but also contributes to the circularity of products, enabling materials to be repurposed into new products, thus reducing waste and supporting the UAE’s sustainability agenda.

Landmark Group’s sustainability vision is built on the foundation of circularity and climate-positive practices, with a commitment to achieving these goals across its value chain by 2050. Jagtiani revealed that the company took early steps toward sustainability, such as Splash’s sustainable collection over a decade ago, and continues to introduce initiatives that reduce environmental impact across various product lifecycles and operations.

The company’s commitment extends to sourcing sustainable materials, with Landmark being the largest buyer of Better Cotton in its markets. Additionally, it strives to meet 14% of its energy needs through solar power in the UAE, has implemented energy-efficient systems across its facilities, and piloted biofuels and electric vehicles. Landmark’s efforts to foster circular customer journeys include reusable bags, e-receipts, and product take-back programs.

A COLLABORATIVE FUTURE FOR THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Looking to the future, Jagtiani sees the circular economy as a transformative force in the retail and fashion industries, not just in the UAE, but across the Middle East. “Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and it cannot be achieved in silos,” she said emphatically, advocating for a collective approach among businesses to embrace greater circularity. Landmark’s Takeback program in the UAE encourages customers to return their old textiles—clothes, sheets, shoes—so they can be recycled and repurposed at Circulife.

Jagtiani believes that businesses can significantly impact the environment while creating long-term value for customers, investors, and communities by fostering a culture of sustainability. Our aspiration is to collaborate with our fellow retailers and the wider textile sector in the region and together embrace greater circularity,” she concluded.

In the ever-evolving retail landscape, Renuka Jagtiani’s aims are far from singular and purely commercial. The scale and diversity of Landmark Group’s footprint in the region’s dynamic retail scene is a prime example of a holistic value chain. The value brands under the Landmark Group umbrella move beyond the one-size-fits-all notion and push for a sustainable marketplace that caters to everyone’s evolving wants and needs.