Reliance Retail is in discussion with London-based luxury department store Fortnum & Mason to bring the retail chain into India, according to The Economic Times. 

A source said Reliance is considering multiple options for the market, including opening physical stores and an e-commerce site. The 315-year-old British retailer is known for offering premium gifting, food and hospitality services. 

“At the moment there are no concrete plans in place,” a spokesperson from Fortnum & Mason told The Economic Times. “F&M is always looking at ways to expand opportunities for people in the region to have access to its brand and products, and they will continue to do so.”

The India launch, if it happens, would be a further step in Fortnum & Mason’s plan to expand its presence in Asia. The report follows the British retailer making its digital launch on China’s Tmall Global under the partnership with local e-commerce accelerator Pattern. The brand opened its first fully-owned and operated shop and restaurant in Asia at Hong Kong’s K11 Musea in 2019.  

Besides its famous 181 Piccadilly location, the brand currently has smaller outposts St Pancras International, The Royal Exchange, and Heathrow Terminal 5..

Last week, Reliance Retail signed a long-term franchise deal with American fashion brand Gap to distribute Gap’s products in India through a mix of brand stores and digital commerce platforms. Its sister company, Reliance Brands, has also recently forayed into the F&B sector through the partnership with UK coffee chain Pret A Manger.