By Neha Mehrotra
Arjun Sharma, a seasoned leader with diversified interests spanning retail, hospitality, organic farming, and private equity, stands at the helm of transformative ventures that have shaped India’s business landscape. As the Chairman of Select Group, Mr. Sharma has been instrumental in curating world-class experiences through flagship projects like Nexus Select CITYWALK, India’s first shopping centre REIT in collaboration with Blackstone.
Beyond retail, Mr. Sharma is also a driving force in hospitality as Chief Vision Officer of Heritage Village Resorts, crafting award-winning luxury experiences. A man of many talents, he balances his business acumen with personal passions for golf, art, yoga, and meditation, embodying a philosophy of holistic growth and purposeful living. In this exclusive interview, Arjun Sharma shares insights into his dynamic journey, the driving force behind his ventures, and his vision for the future of luxury and inclusive business practices in India.
1. How do you see people’s spending capacity shifting, particularly in the post-pandemic era?
The pandemic has significantly reshaped consumer spending habits, leading to a more cautious and discerning approach. People are now prioritising value, quality, and purpose in their purchases, moving away from impulsive or superficial spending. While essential and wellness-focused categories have seen a surge, there is also a strong desire for indulgence in meaningful experiences like travel, dining, and entertainment after the long period of restrictions.
Interestingly, a dual trend has emerged—on one side, there is a growing emphasis on affordability and practical luxury; on the other, affluent consumers are willing to spend on high-value, unique offerings that align with their aspirations and values. Businesses that can strike a balance between affordability, exclusivity, and personalisation are poised to grow in this new environment. This shift also presents an opportunity to reimagine retail and hospitality offerings to cater to more conscious and experience-driven consumers.
2. What trends do you see in the luxury market?
The luxury market is undergoing a significant transformation as consumers’ preferences and priorities evolve. Traditional markers of luxury, such as exclusivity, high price points, and brand heritage, remain relevant but are being complemented by new expectations. Consumers are now seeking a blend of personalisation, authenticity, and emotional connection with the brands they choose. One of the most notable trends is the rise of experiential luxury. Instead of merely purchasing products, consumers are investing in experiences that resonate with their lifestyle and values. Luxury dining, wellness retreats, boutique travel experiences, and exclusive events have gained popularity, reflecting the shift from “owning” to “experience” luxury.
Another major trend is sustainability in luxury. Affluent consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are gravitating toward brands that demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. High-end fashion and lifestyle brands are embracing eco-friendly materials, ethical practices, and transparency to align with these values, as sustainability becomes a non-negotiable for many buyers.
3. There has been a recent surge in global brands entering India; how do you ensure Nexus Select Citywalk remains the preferred launch pad for these brands?
Nexus Select Citywalk has always been a preferred launch pad for global brands like Zara, H&M, Tim Hortons, Foot Lockers, etc. by consistently offering a curated, diverse retail mix that appeals to a wide range of consumer preferences. The mall stays attuned to market trends and consumer behaviours, ensuring that its offerings meet the demands of modern shoppers. Its focus on creating an experiential shopping environment with events, cultural activities, and services like personal shoppers enhances the overall experience for consumers and provides brands with an opportunity to engage more deeply with their audience.
Nexus Select Citywalk’s integration of physical and digital experiences, such as home delivery and concierge services, caters to the convenience of the modern consumer. Through these strategies, it continues to be a leading choice for global brands looking to establish a presence in India. The mall has successfully attracted marquee international brands, including the first Apple store in Delhi. It is now set to open its doors to Dior Beauty, Gucci Beauty and Nespresso. This not only enhances the mall’s prestige but also signals to other global brands that Nexus Select Citywalk is a prime location for their entry into the Indian market.
4. The modern luxury consumer is not just seeking products but is investing in lifestyle experiences. How do you plan to capitalize on this trend through your diverse portfolio that spans hospitality, retail, and even organic farming?
Recognising the evolving expectations of the modern luxury consumer, we at Select Group have deliberately repositioned ourselves to not only provide premium products but to curate transformative lifestyle experiences. The shift from material consumption to experience-driven luxury has been evident, and we are fully committed to embracing this paradigm. Our diversified portfolio reflects this vision. Through initiatives like Vardan Agrotech, we are responding to the increasing consumer demand for health, sustainability, and conscious living.
At Heritage Village Resort Goa and Heritage Village Resort Manesar, we’ve integrated exceptional dining experiences that go beyond simply offering food. Our award-winning restaurants, Bonita and Mama Miso offer exceptional Global and Pan-Asian cuisine and are a prime example of how we have blended culinary excellence with a sense of place and culture, creating a memorable experience. Whether it’s indulging in gourmet dishes or enjoying unique wellness offerings, we ensure that every touchpoint at our properties speaks to the refined tastes and evolving aspirations of today’s luxury consumer. By intertwining hospitality, retail, and sustainable agriculture, we’re not just selling products or services — we’re offering a complete, elevated lifestyle.
5. As someone with deep roots in the travel and hospitality industry, what’s your take on the growing trend of travel centred around sports? More specifically, where people are travelling to destinations or properties solely to play a sport or watch live matches?
Sports tourism is gaining momentum as travellers seek active and engaging experiences. This trend presents opportunities for destinations to develop infrastructure and events that cater to sports enthusiasts. By hosting tournaments and offering specialised facilities, properties can attract a niche segment of travellers, enhancing their appeal and diversifying their clientele.
For example: Golf tourism in India is emerging as a significant opportunity, driven by the global appeal of golf and the country’s growing base of domestic golfers. India offers diverse landscapes, from coastal courses in Goa to mountain greens in the Himalayas, making it an attractive destination for international golfers. Key factors for growth include upgrading infrastructure, hosting professional tournaments, and integrating wellness offerings with golf experiences.
6. Congratulations on the success of the 2nd Annual Select Group Golf Invitational! Could you take us through the vision and purpose behind the event? What were the key objectives you hoped to achieve through the event?
The Select Group Golf Invitational was conceived as more than just a golf tournament; it was designed to serve as a platform that cultivates meaningful connections, fosters relationships, and aligns with our broader vision of promoting both sports and wellness. Golf, with its rich tradition of camaraderie, competition, and concentration, serves as the perfect medium to bring together like-minded individuals who share an appreciation for excellence and refined experiences.
Our primary objective was to create an event that reflects the values we hold dear at Select Group—a commitment to quality, wellness, and creating exceptional experiences. By uniting golf enthusiasts, professionals, and industry leaders, we sought to celebrate the spirit of the game while providing a unique opportunity for networking and collaboration. The event was carefully curated to emphasise not only the skill and passion behind the sport but also the broader lifestyle that comes with it—one that includes health, fitness, and meaningful interactions. We wanted our guests to leave the event not only with fond memories of a well-played tournament but also with a deeper connection to the Select Group and the values we represent.
7. An avid golfer, do you see potential in India becoming a global golfing destination? What infrastructure and marketing strategies would be needed to achieve that?
India possesses the natural landscapes and cultural richness to become a sought-after golfing destination. To realise this potential, developing world-class courses, training facilities, and hosting international tournaments are essential. Collaborative efforts between the government and private sector to promote golf tourism can position India prominently on the global golf map. To capitalise on this potential, India must improve accessibility, develop luxury golf resorts, and promote destination-based golf tours. The recent golf event Select Group Golf Invitational at Heritage Village Resort in Manesar exemplifies how premium properties can drive golf tourism, positioning India as a top destination for experiential golf vacations.
8. What’s next for Arjun Sharma? Are there any untapped industries or projects you’re excited to explore in the near future?
Looking ahead, the future holds a wealth of exciting possibilities as we continue to evolve and innovate. Our focus will remain on sectors that resonate with the changing landscape of consumer behaviour, particularly in areas like sustainable living and wellness, which are rapidly gaining traction across the globe. We’re very excited about the potential of integrating technology with lifestyle experiences in ways that haven’t been fully explored yet. From enhancing the consumer experience through AI-driven services to incorporating smart technologies in hospitality, I believe that the right blend of innovation and personalisation can create new, dynamic experiences for our customers. Our goal is to continue leading the way in delivering not just products or services but complete experiences that add value, convenience, and a sense of purpose to our customers’ lives.
In retail, we are working closely with our partner Blackstone to further develop and expand the Nexus Select Trust, making it a larger and bolder platform in the years to come. Nexus Select Citywalk is part of Nexus Select Trust, India’s first listed REIT and a joint venture between us and Blackstone. In terms of our hospitality portfolio, we are now looking to expand the division by adding a second hotel in Goa and also looking at building a hotel in Jaipur and simultaneously looking for more such opportunities in this segment.
