THE ROAD TO 100: TIMEZONE INDIA PRIORITIZES EXPERIENCE OVER EXPANSION

From metro cities to Tier II markets, Timezone India is redefining mall entertainment by creating destination experiences that drive footfalls, engagement, and long-term growth.

- BY VAISHNAVI GUPTA

As Indian malls transform from shopping destinations into experience-driven social hubs, family entertainment centres (FECs) have emerged as one of the fastest-growing categories in modern retail.

At the forefront of this evolution is Timezone India, which has steadily expanded its footprint across the country while redefining how consumers engage with entertainment.

From metro cities to emerging Tier II markets, Timezone has built a robust network of gaming and entertainment destinations that cater to families, children, teenagers, and corporate groups alike. Today, the company operates 74 Timezone venues and 19 Play and Learn centres across India, taking its total footprint to 93 locations.

Experiences Are the New Retail

The role of malls in India has undergone a significant shift over the past decade. While retail once dominated mall spaces, experiences are increasingly becoming the primary reason consumers visit these destinations.

"Today's generation is not going to malls to buy things; they are going to malls to do things," said Abbas Jabalpurwala, CEO, Timezone India.

"Anything barcoded can be purchased online. Experiences like entertainment, cinema and food are what people increasingly seek out, and that's exactly where Timezone comes in."

The company's venues are designed as complete entertainment destinations, offering a mix of arcade games, bowling, laser tag, VR attractions, bumper cars, party rooms and food offerings. At flagship locations such as Inorbit Mall Malad, visitors can spend hours engaging in multiple activities under one roof.