India is undergoing a metamorphosis in the retail sector due to changing lifestyles and the increasing purchasing power of people. That is why entrepreneurs are actively looking for opportunities to delve into the spearheaded franchising movement to operate an existing business model without any extensive promotion.

Therefore, if you are confused with too many options, read along the list of top retail franchises in India that offer the most profitable returns to make an informed choice.

Below is the list of the 11 most profitable retail franchise business opportunities in India, along with the investment amount, profit Margin and other crucial details for each.

1. Lakme Salon

This retail franchise business in India works on a comprehensive 6P Entre PRO-neur Model to help with day-to-day operations. Furthermore, to ensure sustainability and an upward growth trajectory Lakme’s loyalty program has 3.25 lakh members to offer clientele. To encourage female entrepreneurship, it has tie-ups with leading financial institutions, offering credit options at competitive rates.

• Investment: ₹50 lakhs to ₹60 lakhs
• Franchise Fee: Not disclosed
• Area Required: Minimum 900 sq. feet
• Total No. of Stores: 400+
• Profit Margin: 18% to 25% margin
• Royalty/Commission Fee: 10% on sales

Required Documents and Licence:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN card of proprietor or business
• Photographs of proprietor
• Business TAN copy
• GST Registration Certificate
• NOC of shop or unit
• Address proof of shop or unit
• Franchise Agreement

How to Apply:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Lakme Salon. Then, click on BECOME A PARTNER available at the top right corner.

Step 2: Click on “Franchise process” option and select “Join us” to open the application form.

Step 3: Fill in the form with details such as your name, email ID, contact number and others accurately.

Step 4: Submit the form and wait for approval.

2. Subway

Subway aims to improve its Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) business model to 2000 franchise outlets across the country, making it the best retail franchise in India. With a mission to delight every customer with its fresh and made-to-order sandwiches to be number 1 in services and health aspects, it is a proven franchise at a competitive cost.

• Investment: ₹45 lakhs to ₹77 lakhs
• Franchise Fee: ₹5 lakhs
• Area Required: 
  • 170 sq. feet for a food court
  • 350 sq. feet for a restaurant
• Total No. of Stores: 500 franchise outlets in 68 cities
• Profit Margin: About 40 % to 50% per year
• Royalty/Commission Fee: 3.5% to 8%

Required Documents and Licence:

• Identity proof like Aadhaar, Voter or PAN card
• Lease or rental agreement
• GST registration certificate
• Standard franchise agreement
• Passport size photograph
• Utility bills like electricity receipt
• Cancelled cheque of an active bank account

How to Apply:

Step 1: Connect with Subway to collect the franchise brochure that contains the franchise offer and agreement. You can also download the application form online from the official website.

Step 2: Fill in the application form online or offline to receive the Franchise agreement for the location of your store.

Step 3: Submit it online by clicking on “Send”.

Alternatively, fill up your application form and send it to Subway's head office at Subway Systems India Pvt. Ltd. at B 11/1 Okhla Industrial Area Phase II, New Delhi: 110020. You can also mail your application form to sa_development@subway.com.

3. Jockey

With a sound distribution network of over 20 years in India, Jockey helps its franchisees with the training and exterior and interior designs of the store. Additionally, it extends state-of-the-art tools and support to ensure optimal professional development of the business.

• Investment: ₹45 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs
• Franchise Fee: NA
• Area Required: 1344 sq. feet for Exclusive Brand Outlet (EBO) with 28 ft. depth, 48 ft. frontage and 11 ft. height
• Total No. of Stores: 104+
• Profit Margin: 30% to 35% margin
• Royalty/Commission Fee: Not required

Required Documents and Licence:

• Identity proof like Aadhaar Card, PAN Card and Voter ID Card
• Address proof like Ration Card or electricity bill
• Photograph
• Contact number and email ID
• Academic qualification certificate
• Cancelled cheque for an active account
• Rent agreement
• NOC
• Sale deed or shop agreement
• Outlet trade licence
• GST number
• Income Tax Returns 
• Shop and Establishment Licence

How to Apply:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Jockey and scroll to the end of the page.

Step 2: Click on the "Franchisee" option from the options available under “About Us” section.

Step 3: Fill in your details, such as name, address, contact number, and email ID. 

Step 4: Fill in the FRANCHISE QUERY section as instructed. Then, verify yourself by entering the captcha correctly. Next, click on "Submit".

Alternatively, you can mail the franchise details to care@jockeyindia.com to get a reply within 24 hours from your area manager of company.

4. Domino’s

With 3000 company-owned stores in over 80 countries, Domino's is the largest pizza chain in the world. It is aiming to take the franchise store count in India to 3000 as well with its four types of franchise business models - traditional stores, non-traditional stores, licence issues, and transitional stores through Jubilant Food Works Limited.

• Investment: ₹30 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs
• Franchise Fee: ₹10 lakhs
• Area Required: Minimum600 sq. feet for the kitchen area and 500 sq. feet for seating and storage
• Total No. of Stores: 1701
• Profit Margin: 10% to 15% margin
• Royalty/Commission Fee: 5.5% of the sales

Required Documents and Licence:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Address proof
• Character Certificate (PCC)
• Financial documents
• Owned or leased property-related papers 
• Business registration
• Existing business proof
• Report of business turnover of last 3 years
• Sub-franchise Agreement
• Audit report (if a company)
• FSSAI Licence
• GST registration number
• Insurance policy documents
• EPF or ESIC
• Photographs of property (left, right and front view)

How to Apply:

Step 1: Fill up the application form and wait for a reply from the company. 

Step 2: Once the application gets approved, you will receive the documents from the company and will be called for an interview over call.

Step 3: You will receive financial information and other important instructions. Next, you will receive orientation and training related to your roles and responsibilities.

Step 4: Sign the documents to become a Domino’s franchise owner.

5. Lenskart

Given the IMARC Groups' prediction that the eyewear market in India will reach US$ 15.2 billion by 2028 with a CAGR of 9.6% between 2023 and 2028, Lenskart holds a distinctive place as a retail store franchise in India. Further, it provides training modules, personnel recruitment and branding support to the franchisees.

• Investment: ₹30 lakhs to ₹35 lakhs
• Franchise Fee: ₹2.36 lakhs
• Area Required: 2000-2500 sq. feet
• Total No. of Stores: 500+ stores across 120+ cities
• Profit Margin: 
  • Prescription Frames: 25%
  • Sunglasses: 25%
  • Contact Lens: 13%
• Royalty/Commission Fee: About 13% to 30% of the monthly gross sale

Required Documents and Licence: NA

How to Apply:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Lenskart and click on “Lenskart Franchise” option available at the top of the page. 

Step 2: Fill up the franchise form available on the right-hand side of the page with information like Name, Email, Phone Number and City. 

Step 3: Select between “Owned” or “Rented/Leased” to answer “What property type will you open the store at?”. Then click on “SUBMIT REQUEST”.

6. VLCC

With experience over 23 years, VLCC extends a diverse range of partnership support, including site and staff selection, training, automation, seminars and workshops, and many more. Moreover, it has tie-ups with TEMPTU, Schwarzkopf PROFESSIONAL, National Skill Development Corporation and others for academic collaborations and certifications.

• Investment: ₹18 lakhs to ₹32 lakhs
• Franchise Fee: ₹3 to ₹15 lakhs
• Area Required: 
  • 800 to 1000 sq. feet for Salon
  • 1100 to 1250 sq. feet for Slimming Centre
  • 1800 to 2200 sq. feet for Slimming, Beauty and Fitness Centre
• Total No. of Stores: 350+
• Profit Margin: More than 40% margin
• Royalty/Commission Fee:
  • ₹35000/month or 14% of the monthly turnover for the Salon, whichever is higher
  • ₹35000/month or 14% of monthly turnover for Slimming Centre, whichever is higher
  • ₹60000/month or 14% of monthly turnover for Slimming, Beauty and Fitness Centre, whichever is higher

Required Documents and Licence:

• Aadhaar Card
• Photograph of the proprietor
• Franchise Agreement
• PAN card of the proprietor or business
• Address proof of the proprietor or business
• Business TAN copy
• GST Registration Certificate
• NOC of the unit or shop
• Address proof of the unit or shop

How to Apply:

Step 1: Visit the franchise enquiry page of VLCC and scroll to the form section. Fill it in with your personal and contact details. This includes name, current occupation, email ID, contact number, State and city you want to open the franchise in.

Step 2: Click on “Submit” and wait for the review of your application and financial capacities. 

Step 3: Once done, you will have an interview with the concerned authority. Then, sign the Franchise Agreement.

Step 4: Finalise the location and interior decoration. Next, recruit and start training the employees to open your VLCC franchise unit.

7. Pepperfry

Pepperfry, boosting the largest range of furniture and home products in India, has two franchise business models- Pepperfry Accelerator Program (PAP) and Pepperfry Venture Program (PVP). In addition, it extends assistance in employee recruitment, convenient software, and seamless supply chain management.

• Investment: ₹15 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs
• Franchise Fee: ₹2 lakhs
• Area Required: 
  • 450 sq. feet for Pepperfry Accelerator Program (PAP)
  • 1050 sq. feet for Pepperfry Venture Program (PVP)
• Total No. of Stores: 145+
• Profit Margin: 20% to 25% margin
• Royalty/Commission Fee: No required

Required Documents and Licence:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card of proprietor or business
• Address proof of proprietor or business
• Business TAN copy
• NOC of unit or shop
• Unit or shop address proof
• GST Registration Certificate
• Franchise Agreement

How to Apply:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Google Franchise Form. Then, fill it in with details such as your name, email ID, contact number and others correctly.

Step 2: Talk with the allotted franchise specialist for proper guidance. 

Step 3: Shortlist your property and sign the LOI.

Step 4: Recruit staff to launch your franchise store.

8. G-Fresh Mart

G-Fresh Mart, one of the best grocery store franchises in India, extends diverse business opportunities with consultancy for grocery marts. It facilitates daily life requirements, including fresh produce, frozen foods, dairy products, and other household essentials across multiple price segments. In addition, you get to choose from its two franchise business models – Modern Business Partners and Rural Business Partners.

• Investment: ₹12 lakhs to 13 Lakhs
• Franchise Fee: ₹2.10 lakhs + 18% GST
• Area Required: 600 sq. feet to 10000 sq. feet
• Total No. of Stores: NA
• Profit Margin: NA
• Royalty/Commission Fee: 
  • No required for the first 6 months, and if revenue is below ₹10 lakhs
  • 1% on the monthly revenue if it is more than ₹10 lakhs
• Required Documents and Licence: NA

How to Apply:

Step 1: Visit the official website of G-Fresh Mart. Then click on “Apply Franchise” available at the top.

Step 2: Fill in the application form with details such as your name, contact number, area, property type, location etc.

Step 3: Click on “Submit” and wait for the representative to contact you.

9. InXpress

InXpress are re-sellers who have expertise in offering shipping solutions for small-scale and medium-scale businesses. The founder of InXpress franchise is John Thompson who started this in 1999. As of today, InXpress has over 400 franchisees, spread over 27 countries of the world, and handling 30000 customers.

• Investment: ₹5 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs
• Franchise Fee: ₹2 lakhs
• Area Required: Minimum 900 sq. feet
• Total No. of Stores: 350
• Profit Margin: 20% of the amount paid by each customer
• Royalty/Commission Fee: Approximately 10%

Required Documents and Licence:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card of proprietor or business
• Photographs
• Proprietor or business address proof
• Business TAN copy
• GST Registration Certificate
• NOC of the shop or unit
• Address proof of the shop or unit

How to Apply:

Step 1: Visit the official website of InXpress and click on "Franchise Opportunities", available at the top.

Step 2: Click on “Download brochure” option to avail the application form. Fill in the fields accurately, including your name, contact details and your message. Then, hit on “Submit.”

Step 3: You will receive a call from the Head Branch Manager within 48 hours. 

Step 4: The regional manager will inform you about the franchise model and your role in detail.

10. Dr Lal PathLabs

Dr Lal PathLabs offer two types of franchise models- Diagnostic centre and Sample Collection lab. Moreover, it extends the necessary guidance regarding the technology and software to the unit holder. This includes "STARLIMS", one of the best Laboratory Information Management Software (LIMS) to execute different pathological tests accurately.

• Investment: ₹3 lakhs to ₹4 lakhs
• Franchise Fee: ₹50000
• Area Required: 
  • 3500 sq. feet for Diagnostic Centre
  • 200-250 sq. feet on the ground floor with a toilet facility for Sample Collection Unit
  • Total No. of Stores: 231
• Profit Margin: 20% to 30% for medical diagnostic labs
• Royalty/Commission Fee: 25% to 30% commission fee

Required Documents and Licence:

• Identity Proof like Aadhaar/PAN card
• Financial documents like bank statements, balance sheets and Income Tax Returns
• GST registration certificate
• Academic and professional qualification proof like a medical laboratory technology degree
• Business plan including target market, proposed location and estimated financials
• Franchise Agreement
• Licences from local authorities such as FSSAI, BMW, NABL, trade licence, etc.
• Non-disclosure agreement
• Clearance certificate from local authorities such as Pollution Control Board, Fire Department, etc.

How to Apply:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Dr Lal PathLabs. 

Step 2: Click on “BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP” option available at the top of the page.

Step 3: Select “Become A Franchise” and go through the eligibility parameters and other terms. Then click on “Apply” button.

Step 4: Fill in all the details as instructed and click on “Submit”.

11. Delhivery

Founded in 2011, Delhivery specialises in comprehensive services, including freight, logistics technology, express shipping, cross-border shipment, e-commerce shipment and more. Besides, it extends two franchise models- Cosmos and Constellation which are backed by its nationwide network. Currently, it operates at 135 locations across the country.

• Investment: ₹50000 to ₹5 lakhs
• Franchise Fee: ₹10000
• Area Required: 500-1000 sq. feet
• Total No. of Stores: 1300 delivery centres through the Constellation program
• Profit Margin: About 15% margin
• Royalty/Commission Fee: 10% on the minimal number of outlets

Required Documents and Licence:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Driving Licence
• Voter ID Card
• Utility bills like electricity receipt
• Bank account details of the company
• Cancelled cheque
• Rent agreements
• GST number
• Sale deed
• Registration number
• Photograph, mail ID and contact number
• GST registration
• Fire Licence 
• VAT registration

How to Apply:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Delhivery and click on “PARTNER” option on the home page.

Step 2: Choose the program as per your requirement and click on “PARTNER       PROGRAM.”

Step 3: Fill in the form, review it and click on “Submit.” 

Once applied for this retail store franchise in India, you will get a call from the organisation within a few days for the necessary requisite formalities, details, and permissions.

With over 10,000 registered franchises, this sector is expected to witness a growth of 25-30% at a compounded annual rate over the coming 3 to 5 years. However, before you invest in any retail franchise in India, understand the market components. Perform a comparative analysis of these brands and know your target audience, as this will help grow your business. Apart from these, enquire about the training and support offered by the franchisor and go through the terms and conditions to measure the standard of the company.