Written By: Bandana Gupta

India’s ethnic fashion market is growing fast, and Biba is one of the most popular brands today. Started in 1988 by Meena Bindra in New Delhi, the brand is loved for its bright, colorful, and modern ethnic wear. Meena Bindra began the brand from her home with a small investment, aiming to make ethnic wear stylish, comfortable, and affordable for every woman. Today, Biba has grown into one of India’s ethnic-wear franchise chains, with a strong retail presence and loyal customers.

How Biba Franchise brand expanded, evolved, and connected with modern India

Growing Across India

As demand for BIBA’s designs increased, the brand quickly expanded its stores, from small boutiques to big-format outlets. Each store was designed to feel warm, colorful, and inviting, making shopping an enjoyable experience rather than a task.

•  Craftsmanship That Stands Out

BIBA stays true to traditional Indian craftsmanship. 

Moreover, BIBA also chooses high-quality, comfortable fabrics and follows ethical, sustainable practices, earning trust from today’s conscious shoppers.

•  Fashion for Every Woman

It celebrates India’s diversity through its wide range of ethnic wear, kurtas, suits, lehengas, and modern fusion outfits. The brand now embraces inclusivity by offering more sizes and featuring models of different body types, promoting confidence for all women.

Made for Modern Lifestyle

Understanding what today’s woman wants, BIBA creates styles that blend comfort and fashion. Relaxed fits, breathable fabrics, and versatile designs work well for both daily routines and special occasions. Its online platform has also grown, offering easy shopping, style guides, and helpful fashion tips.

Why Biba’s Legacy Still Matters in 2026

 Biba continues to stay culturally and commercially relevant for two key reasons: the iconic legacy of the original 1960s/70s British fashion label and the strong, fast-growing presence of the modern Indian ethnic wear brand that carries the same name.

The British Biba (1960s–70s)

This original brand created trends that still influence modern fashion:

• Shopping as an Experience: Big Biba stores had bold décor, music, cafés, and even a nightclub, setting the model for today’s lifestyle stores.
• Affordable Style: It offered trendy, glamorous fashion at prices young women could afford, while still attracting celebrities.
• Strong Cultural Impact: Biba introduced unique colors, a signature aesthetic, and early beauty products for Black women, making it far ahead of its time.
• Ongoing Interest: A major 2026 exhibition in Edinburgh shows the brand’s lasting creative influence.

The Indian Biba (1980s–Now)

The modern Indian brand stays relevant through growth and innovation:

• Market Leader: Biba continues expanding across India, aiming for around 15% growth and adding new stores for both Biba and its value brand, Rangriti.
• Fresh Collections: From the “Wedding Edit” to designer tie-ups and Bollywood merchandise, Biba keeps updating its style for today’s shoppers.
• Modern Business Approach: Sustainability efforts, digital expansion, and strong confidence in India’s fashion market help the brand stay strong and future-ready.

Biba vs. Competitors: Can It Claim the No. 1 Spot in Women’s Fashion by 2026?

• Biba is one of India’s most popular and trusted ethnic-wear brands, but calling it “India’s most powerful womenswear fashion franchise” for 2026 may not be entirely accurate, given the market's size and competitiveness.
• The brand is a clear leader in women’s ethnic wear, with strong brand recall and a wide presence of 400+ stores across India.
• Biba is expanding aggressively with plans to open around 100 new stores in FY26 and aims for 15–20% annual growth.
• The company has also widened its portfolio with value brand Rangriti and a minority stake in designer label Anju Modi to enter the premium segment.
• Competition is strong:
• Fabindia – handcrafted, sustainable ethnic wear
• W for Woman & Aurelia—contemporary fusion and workwear

Zara & H&M – global fast-fashion players

In some broader apparel segments, W for Women reportedly holds a larger market share. The 2026 fashion market is driven by rising incomes, rapid ethnic wear growth, and increased focus on omnichannel and D2C strategies. Overall, Biba is a powerful and leading player in ethnic wear, but the title of “most powerful” in the entire women’s fashion market is competitive and hard to claim.

Brand Smackdown 2026: What It Takes for Biba to Compete in Terms of Price, Reach, and Perception

Know about the Risks and Challenges to start  a BIBA Franchise

1. Market & Competition Challenges

• Tough Competition: The ethnic wear market has many brands, big ones like Fabindia and W for Woman, plus many local stores. This makes it hard to stand out.
• Changing Fashion Trends: Styles change quickly. If trends shift, unsold stock can reduce profits.
• Online Store Pressure: Platforms like Myntra and Amazon offer discounts and more variety, affecting walk-ins at physical stores.
• Season-Based Sales: Ethnic wear sells more during festivals and weddings. Sales can slow down during other months.

2. Operational & Financial Risks

• High Costs: Opening and running a store requires a big investment and ongoing expenses like rent, salaries, and electricity.
• Inventory Problems: Having too much stock causes losses, while too little means missed sales. Franchisees also depend on BIBA’s supply chain.
• Location Matters: Poor location means low footfall and low sales.
• Brand Reputation Dependence: If anything affects BIBA’s image, franchise stores also get impacted.
• Staff Turnover: Retail staff often change jobs quickly, making hiring and training a constant task.

3. External & Systemic Issues

• Economic Slowdowns: When the economy slows, people spend less on clothes, affecting sales.
• Supply Chain Delays: Slow or delayed deliveries from the company can cause stock shortages.
• Sustainability Expectations: More customers want eco-friendly fashion, and keeping up with these expectations can be challenging.

INVESTMENT AND ROI SNAPSHOT

Why a Biba Franchise Is a Great Business Choice

1.Strong Brand Name

Biba is a trusted ethnic wear brand with 240+ stores and a loyal customer base. Franchise owners benefit from instant recognition and ready-made trust.

2. Big Market Presence

With stores across 70+ cities, Biba enjoys high visibility and steady customer footfall—making it easier to generate consistent sales.

 3.Full Support for Franchisees

Biba helps with location selection, store setup, staff training, marketing, and operations. You get complete guidance from day one.

4. High Demand for Ethnic Wear

Ethnic wear makes up over 70% of India’s women’s fashion market. Festivals, weddings, and Indo-western trends keep demand strong all year.

5. Proven Business Model

Since 2004, Biba’s franchise system has shown reliable performance with strong returns and efficient supply chains.

6. Wide Product Range

From kurtas to lehengas, fusion wear, and accessories, Biba offers products for every occasion, helping increase customer spending.

7. Good Profit Margins

Biba stores typically earn 25%–45% gross margins, especially during the festive and wedding seasons.

8. Reasonable Investment

With an investment of ₹30–₹50 lakhs, Biba offers a scalable model suitable for both metro and non-metro markets.

9. Online + Offline Advantage

Biba’s presence on Myntra, Flipkart, and its own website supports store sales and expands customer reach.

10. Attractive Revenue Share

Franchise owners keep around 70% of revenue, offering strong earning potential.

11. Loved Across Generations

Biba’s mix of traditional styles and modern fashion appeals to women of all ages, keeping the brand in high demand.

How the Biba Franchise Application Really Works (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Submit Your Enquiry

Fill out Biba’s official franchise form with details like store size, location, frontage, rent, and contact info. This starts the conversation.

2️. Location Check

Biba reviews your proposed store location. They may ask for photos, a site visit, or basic lease details to see if the area fits their requirements.

3️. Choose the Business Model

Biba offers different models based on your city and investment:

• Exclusive Brand Outlet (EBO)—You buy the stock
• Consignment/Stock Deposit – Lower risk, shared inventory
• Franchise Model – Upfront fee + royalty Terms like royalty, deposits, and marketing costs will be shared with you.

4️. Sign Agreement & Set Up the Store

After finalizing terms, you sign the agreement. You’ll handle interiors based on Biba’s design rules. Biba provides the merchandising plan and initial stock.

5. Training & Store Launch

Biba trains your staff, sets up POS systems, helps with visual merchandising, and supports your store launch. Ongoing marketing and online integration also follow.

Smart Risk Management for Your Franchise Success

Risk: Slow retail sales or high rent can cut profits. Fix: Pick proven high-footfall locations and negotiate flexible or step-down rent terms.

Risk: Hidden fees or unclear franchise terms. Fix: Demand a full term sheet upfront, including royalty, marketing fees, and return/unsold stock policies, before signing anything.

Final Takeaway: Why Biba Is a Winning Franchise Bet

A Biba franchise in 2025 is a strong, high-potential opportunity for anyone aiming to enter India’s fast-growing fashion retail space. With its trusted brand name, rising demand for ethnic wear, and a solid, repeatable business model, Biba offers franchise partners both steady profits and long-term growth.

If you want a fashion franchise that delivers high ROI and strong brand pull, Biba is a choice you shouldn’t miss.

Biba Franchise FAQs

What is the total investment for a Biba franchise? You’ll need around ₹30–₹50 lakhs. This covers the franchise fee, interiors, stock, and basic working capital.

Who founded Biba? Biba was started by Meena Bindra in 1988 in New Delhi.

How much profit can a Biba franchise make? Most stores earn 25%–35% profit margins, with the investment usually recovered in 18–24 months.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.