While India offers fertile ground for franchise growth, many successful local brands remain unfamiliar outside its borders. Blinkit, a quick-commerce platform, and Zudio, a fast-fashion retailer, are gaining major traction in India. But in Canada and other Western markets, they remain relatively under the radar.
In this article, Stuart Wood from BusinessesForSale.com explores how both franchises have gained ground at home, their backstories, business models, and financials. For Canadian franchisees and franchisors, there’s plenty to learn, even if you’re not eyeing Indian investments directly.
Rapid rise: A look back
Founded in 2013 and 2016 respectively, Blinkit and Zudio are relatively young. Blinkit has redefined online retail logistics through its network of “dark stores”, small, hyperlocal fulfillment hubs located roughly every 2km in urban India. Zudio, owned by retail giant TATA Group, has carved a niche by offering trendy apparel at budget-friendly prices in Tier-2 cities like Jaipur and Pune.
India’s quick-commerce sector surged by 280% between 2022 and 2024, with Blinkit emerging as a leader in ultra-fast delivery. Zudio, though backed by a corporate heavyweight, has distinguished itself through smart retail positioning and consistent in-store experience.
Business models that break the mould
Blinkit doesn’t follow the traditional franchising playbook. Instead, franchisees become “Partners,” running local dark stores that handle order processing and delivery. Unlike fixed-fee franchises, earnings are commission-based and directly tied to monthly turnover—offering high potential upside, but also tied to store performance.
Zudio’s FOCO (Franchise Owned, Company Operated) model is more conventional in structure but still unique in execution. Franchisees manage the day-to-day operations and staff, while TATA subsidiary Trent oversees inventory, branding, and strategic operations. This model ensures consistent branding and customer experience across locations.
Investment requirements
Getting started with Blinkit typically costs between 1.5 and 3.5 million INR, which translates to around CAD $25,200 to CAD $58,800 (based on mid-2025 exchange rates). The relatively modest buy-in has helped fuel Blinkit’s wide adoption across urban India.
Zudio requires a more substantial initial investment—between 10 million and 30 million INR, or CAD $167,000 to CAD $502,500. This covers franchise fees, security deposits, setup, and inventory. But for investors with larger budgets, Zudio offers brand strength, a national footprint, and operational support from one of India’s most respected conglomerates.
Lessons for global franchisors
What makes Blinkit and Zudio worth watching? Their success stems from identifying unmet demand in urban India and addressing it with scalable, cost-efficient models. Blinkit capitalized on logistical gaps in fast delivery, while Zudio met the fashion needs of underserved cities with standardized offerings and value pricing.
Both brands offer models that could inspire global franchisors. Blinkit mirrors on-demand services like Uber Eats or DoorDash, but with hyper-localized control. Zudio reflects the retail appeal of Canada’s own Joe Fresh – affordable, stylish, and operationally streamlined.
If you’re operating in Canada and thinking about next-generation franchising, these brands offer intriguing models worth considering—whether for inspiration or future partnership.
