If you have ever shopped for affordable footwear or fashion accessories online and landed on Carlton London, you have probably wondered — is this actually a British brand or just an Indian brand with a foreign-sounding name?
The honest answer: Carlton London has British roots but is owned and operated by an Indian company in India today.
Let’s break down everything you need to know.
Carlton London — Brand Overview at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Brand Name | Carlton London |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Origin | East End of London, United Kingdom |
| India Entry | 2003 (Metropolitan Mall, Gurgaon) |
| Indian Owner | Carlton Retail Private Limited (CRPL) |
| Headquarters (India) | Gurugram, Haryana, India |
| Products | Footwear, apparel, handbags, belts, jewellery, fragrances |
| Business Model | Internet-first e-commerce fashion brand |
| Positioning | Affordable London-style high-street fashion |
Carlton London Brand Origin — The London Beginning
Carlton London was first established in the East End of London in 1992, originally specialising in trendy workwear for fashion-conscious men and women. From its early days as a footwear-focused label, it gradually expanded its range to include handbags, apparel, and accessories — all built around the aspirational identity of London high-street fashion.
The brand was formed as a renowned manufacturer of ladies’ fashion shoes and has since evolved into a complete British lifestyle brand, adding apparel, handbags, belts, wallets, sunglasses, perfumes, and jewellery to its catalogue.
The “London” in the brand name is not simply marketing decoration — it reflects the genuine geographical and design origin of the brand’s identity and aesthetic philosophy.
Who Owns Carlton London in India?
Here is where the full story becomes clear. Carlton London is a brand owned by Carlton Retail Private Limited (CRPL), which brings the latest fashion and styles inspired by London’s high streets to consumers in India.
Carlton Retail Private Limited is a company registered and headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, India. The company operates as an internet-first brand offering apparel, footwear, and accessories for both men and women across the Indian market.
In simple terms — the brand name and aesthetic are British, but the company running it in India is entirely Indian-owned and Indian-operated.
When Did Carlton London Enter India?
In 2003, Carlton London entered India through its flagship store at Metropolitan Mall, Gurgaon — promising to deliver high-street London fashion to Indian consumers. Over the following two decades, Carlton London transformed from a physical retail presence into a primarily digital-first fashion business, now widely available across India’s leading e-commerce and fashion marketplaces.
Carlton London vs Carlton Luggage — Two Completely Different Brands
Many shoppers mistakenly confuse two entirely separate brands that share similar names:
| Feature | Carlton London | Carlton (Luggage) |
| Products | Fashion, footwear, accessories | Travel bags, suitcases |
| Founded | 1992, East End London | 1976, London |
| Indian Entity | Carlton Retail Pvt. Ltd. (CRPL) | VIP Industries Ltd. |
| Market | Affordable fashion e-commerce | Premium travel accessories |
| Connection | None — completely different company |
The Carlton luggage brand was established in London in 1976 and was later acquired by VIP Industries Ltd., India’s leading luggage manufacturer. It now operates in over 60 countries globally. These two brands — Carlton London and Carlton luggage — have absolutely no connection to each other despite the similar names.
What Does Carlton London Sell in India?
Carlton London today covers a wide product range well beyond its original shoe-focused identity:
- Footwear — Heels, boots, loafers, sandals, formal shoes, casual sneakers, flip-flops
- Handbags — Tote bags, sling bags, shoulder bags, clutches
- Apparel — Clothing for men and women
- Accessories — Belts, wallets, sunglasses
- Lifestyle — Fragrances and jewellery
Pricing stays in the affordable-to-mid range, making the brand genuinely accessible for everyday Indian shoppers who want London-inspired styles without premium price tags.
Final Verdict — Indian Brand or British Brand?
Carlton London is a British-origin brand that is now Indian-owned and India-operated through Carlton Retail Private Limited, headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana. The brand’s identity, name, and design philosophy are clearly rooted in London fashion culture, but the business ownership, infrastructure, and day-to-day operations are entirely Indian.
For all practical purposes — Carlton London functions as an Indian brand delivering London-inspired fashion to millions of consumers across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Carlton London an Indian brand?
A: Carlton London was originally founded in London in 1992 but is currently owned and operated in India by Carlton Retail Private Limited, a Gurugram-based Indian company. It functions as an Indian brand with British design inspiration.
Q: Who owns Carlton London in India?
A: Carlton Retail Private Limited (CRPL), headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, owns and operates the Carlton London brand in India.
Q: Is Carlton London a luxury brand?
A: No. Carlton London is positioned as an affordable-to-mid-range fashion brand, offering London-inspired styles at accessible price points for everyday Indian consumers.
Q: Where can I buy Carlton London products in India?
A: Carlton London products are available across India’s major e-commerce and fashion marketplaces as well as through the brand’s own official online store.
Q: Is Carlton London the same as Carlton luggage?
A: No. Carlton London sells fashion, footwear, and accessories and is owned by Carlton Retail Private Limited. Carlton luggage is a completely separate brand owned by VIP Industries Ltd. The two have no connection to each other.
Q: When did Carlton London enter India?
A: Carlton London first entered India in 2003 with its flagship store at Metropolitan Mall, Gurgaon, and has since grown into a major digital-first fashion brand across Indian e-commerce platforms.