Archies Limited has announced the launch of 'Archies Express', a new retail format designed to connect with today's fast-evolving, style-conscious consumers. The company plans to open 20 Archies Express stores across India in the current financial year, marking a significant step in its retail transformation journey.

Strategic Retail Format Launch

The new Archies Express format represents the brand's evolution for a younger audience while maintaining its core philosophy of connection and self-expression. The format places stronger focus on lifestyle accessories, trendy collectibles, stationery, and everyday expression-led products, reflecting changing consumer preferences towards personalization, immediacy, and design-led purchases.

Leadership Vision and Market Positioning

Commenting on the launch, Varun Moolchandani and Hanisha Gandhi, Executive Directors at Archies, emphasized the brand's commitment to evolving with changing times. They highlighted that today's consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, seek products that blend style, function, and personal expression. The new format aims to create a retail experience that is faster, more accessible, and deeply relevant while maintaining the warmth and nostalgia associated with the Archies brand.

Store Design and Product Strategy

The Archies Express stores feature a modern, minimalist, and vibrant design language, distinct from traditional Archies outlets. The curated product mix focuses on fast-moving, high-appeal categories including:

• Contemporary gifting essentials
• Lifestyle accessories
• Stationery products
• Soft toys and chocolates
• Fragrances and seasonal collections

The format is designed to encourage discovery and impulse buying while offering an engaging, feel-good in-store experience.

Expansion Strategy and Business Model

Archies' expansion strategy will focus on a balanced mix of metros and high-potential Tier 2 cities, with strong emphasis on mall-based formats in high-footfall locations. The new retail identity follows a cost-efficient, scalable model with lower capex per store, enabling faster rollouts and quicker breakeven.

Archies Express is designed to complement the brand's existing stores, strengthening overall retail presence rather than replacing the traditional format. This approach aligns with the company's long-term growth strategy, focused on optimized operations, efficient inventory planning, and strong unit-level economics.

Company Background

Archies Limited operates a chain of stores selling greeting cards and gifts for the past 45 years. The company retails photo albums, baby books, jewellery and accessories, gift hampers, perfumes, stuffed toys, and other gifts. With a network of 1000+ sales points including company owned stores, retailers, franchise and distributors, Archies has established mastery over its distribution network with conscious focus on targeting malls and prime retail spaces.

Archies Limited has announced the resignation of its Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Jagdish Moolchandani, effective from the close of business hours on March 28, 2026. The resignation was formally submitted on February 26, 2026, with health issues cited as the primary reason for departure.

Regulatory Filing Details

The company has informed both the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited about this key management change under Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The formal intimation was filed by Company Secretary and Compliance Officer Chiranjivi Ramuka on February 26, 2026.

Executive Profile and Resignation Details

Mr. Moolchandani, who holds Director Identification Number (DIN) 00016718, has served in the dual capacity of Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer. His resignation letter, addressed to the Board of Directors, specifically states that he is resigning "due to health reasons which require my immediate and sustained attention."

Compliance and Documentation

The company has fulfilled its regulatory obligations by providing comprehensive documentation including detailed annexures outlining the resignation particulars and the complete resignation letter as required under SEBI regulations. Mr. Moolchandani has confirmed that there are no other material reasons for his resignation beyond those mentioned in his resignation letter.

In his formal resignation communication, Moolchandani expressed gratitude to the Board, management, and colleagues for their support and cooperation during his tenure with the company. The resignation follows proper corporate governance procedures, with all necessary intimations filed with stock exchanges and regulatory authorities as required under applicable laws.

Leadership Transition

The departure represents a significant change in the company's senior leadership structure as it transitions to new financial leadership. The resignation was processed in accordance with the terms of appointment and applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.