Nothing opens its first retail store in India

Nothing, the buzzy London-based tech upstart that’s been shaking up the hardware scene with its minimalist, futuristic designs, is making a bold move into brick-and-mortar retail—starting with India. The company, backed by heavyweight investor Tiger Global and helmed by former OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, is opening its first-ever flagship store in Bengaluru, a city that’s become a hotbed for Nothing’s growing fanbase in the subcontinent.

This isn’t just another shop on the block. The two-story space is designed to be an immersive, almost theatrical experience—think Apple Store meets Willy Wonka’s factory. Customers will get to see the magic behind Nothing’s products, from the assembly line where devices “come to life” to the testing rigs that simulate real-world stress (USB port endurance, water resistance, you name it). It’s a transparent, playful nod to the brand’s ethos of stripping tech down to its essence while keeping it fun.

“We wanted to create a fun space,” Pei told TechCrunch. “It’s inspired by all the parts that are related to the brand. For instance, the factory: if you buy a product, there’s like a production line where the product comes out. We also show machines where phones go through testing, like USB port testing or water resistance testing. So we just wanted to bring that world together.”

The store will showcase products from both Nothing and its budget-friendly sibling, CMF, which the company spun off last year. CMF, headquartered in India and backed by a joint venture with local ODM Optiemus, targets a broader, more price-sensitive audience. While Nothing leans into the premium, design-forward niche, CMF aims to democratize good design without compromising on quality. “CMF is more [targeted towards] mass. You know it’s mass, but it’s not like just off-the-shelf rebrand products that usually what occurs in this price point. They are also products that we put a lot of care into,” Pei explained.

India isn’t just a market for Nothing—it’s its stronghold. With over 2% market share in smartphones, according to IDC, and an eye-popping 85% year-over-year growth in shipments in Q2 2025, the country is where Nothing’s ambitions are most tangible. It’s no surprise, then, that the company is doubling down with a physical presence in Bengaluru, where a significant chunk of its Indian userbase resides.

But Nothing isn’t the only hardware player betting big on India’s retail future. Apple, for instance, is set to open its sixth store in the country this month in Borivali, Mumbai, further cementing the subcontinent’s status as a key battleground for global tech brands.

This Bengaluru store marks Nothing’s first step outside its London headquarters, but it’s just the beginning. The company has its sights set on Tokyo and New York for future expansions, though timelines remain under wraps. For now, the focus is on creating a space that’s as much about community and experience as it is about commerce.

Nothing’s rise hasn’t been without its challenges. The company raised $200 million in Series C funding last year at a $1.3 billion valuation, led by Tiger Global, with participation from GV, Highland Europe, EQT, Latitude, I2BF, and Tapestry. To date, Nothing has raised $450 million, fueling its ambitions to disrupt the tech industry with its unique blend of design, transparency, and accessibility.

As the lines between online and offline retail continue to blur, Nothing’s foray into physical stores signals a broader trend: even digital-native brands are recognizing the value of tangible, immersive experiences. For a company that’s built its reputation on transparency and innovation, this move feels like a natural evolution—one that could redefine how we think about tech retail in the years to come.

Tags: Nothing, Carl Pei, Tiger Global, Bengaluru, India, CMF, retail store, hardware, smartphones, tech startup, immersive experience, Apple, Borivali, Mumbai, Tokyo, New York, Series C funding, $1.3 billion valuation, Optiemus, ODM, design-forward, mass market, tech retail, innovation, transparency, community, offline retail, digital-native brands, tech industry disruption.

Viral Sentences:

• Nothing’s first store is like Willy Wonka’s factory meets Apple Store—pure tech magic.
• Carl Pei’s latest move? Bringing the factory floor to your shopping experience.
• India isn’t just a market for Nothing—it’s their kingdom.
• CMF is democratizing design without compromising on quality.
• Nothing’s Bengaluru store is just the beginning—Tokyo and New York, watch out!
• Tech retail is getting a Nothing makeover, and it’s anything but boring.
• From online disruptor to offline innovator—Nothing’s evolution is just getting started.
• With $450 million raised, Nothing is ready to take on the world, one store at a time.

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