London-based technology company Nothing, co-founded by Carl Pei, is taking bold steps to deepen its presence in India. After quickly establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing smartphone brands in the country, the company has announced that its first flagship retail store will open in India by the end of 2025. Alongside this retail milestone, the company confirmed that the Nothing Phone (3) is being manufactured domestically in India and is now being exported to global markets.
The announcements were made by Akis Evangelidis, co-founder and president of Nothing India, who highlighted India’s growing importance not only as a manufacturing hub but also as a base for global operations through its design-driven sub-brand, CMF.
1. Phone (3): Made in India, Exported to the World
The Nothing Phone (3), unveiled in July 2025, is the company’s first flagship smartphone to be manufactured entirely in India. Production is handled at the brand’s facility in Chennai, employing more than 500 staff members, of which approximately 95% are women, reflecting Nothing’s focus on inclusive workforce development.
This marks a significant shift from simply producing for the Indian market to using India as a global export base. Units made in Chennai are already being shipped to international markets, positioning India as a crucial pillar in the company’s global supply chain.
For Nothing, the move emphasizes the broader philosophy of “building from India for the world,” showing confidence in the country’s manufacturing ecosystem and its role in meeting international demand.
Summary Table
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Phone (3) |
Manufactured in Chennai, employing 500+ workers (95% women); exported globally. |
Flagship Store |
First Indian flagship store to open later in 2025 (location TBA). |
CMF by Nothing |
Moving global headquarters to India; marketing operations already based there. |
India Strategy |
From manufacturing base to global design and leadership hub. |
Official Site |
2. First Flagship Store in India by 2025
Another major announcement is the opening of Nothing’s first flagship retail store in India, planned for later in 2025. While the company has not yet disclosed the exact location, industry observers expect it will be in one of India’s major metro cities, such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, or New Delhi.
The flagship store is designed to be more than just a sales outlet. Like other leading global technology brands, Nothing plans to create an immersive retail experience where customers can explore products hands-on, engage with brand specialists, and experience the design philosophy that has set Nothing apart in the crowded smartphone market.
By investing in a physical retail presence, Nothing joins the ranks of companies like Apple, which have recently expanded flagship outlets in India. This demonstrates a commitment to India as not just a production center but also a consumer market with strong brand loyalty potential.
3. CMF by Nothing: Global Headquarters in India
The expansion goes beyond the flagship store and Phone (3). Nothing’s sub-brand, CMF by Nothing, is also anchoring itself in India. CMF, which stands for Color, Material, Finish, was launched in 2023 to deliver design-focused, affordable products with the same aesthetic sensibility that defines Nothing’s core brand.
Now, CMF is in the process of establishing its global headquarters in India. Evangelidis confirmed that the company has already shifted marketing operations to the country and is strengthening its leadership team with local talent. By doing this, Nothing is turning India into the strategic center for CMF’s worldwide operations.
This move highlights India’s role not just as a consumer market but as a creative and managerial hub that will shape the future of Nothing’s product strategy and design direction.
4. Why India Matters to Nothing
India has been a critical growth market for Nothing since its inception. In 2025, the company recorded a 146% year-on-year growth in smartphone shipments during the second quarter, making it the fastest-growing smartphone brand in the country for six consecutive quarters.
This rapid rise is fueled by three interconnected factors:
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Local Manufacturing: Producing in Chennai gives Nothing both cost efficiency and supply chain resilience.
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Strong Demand: India’s consumer market has shown remarkable appetite for premium-looking devices at competitive prices.
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Global Strategy: By establishing CMF’s headquarters and opening a flagship store, Nothing is embedding India into its brand identity.
Together, these developments suggest that India will continue to play a central role in Nothing’s future growth, shaping its operations both locally and globally.
5. Looking Ahead
While details such as the flagship store’s exact opening date and location remain undisclosed, the announcements point toward a larger vision: to make India not only a market and manufacturing hub but also a global command center for future growth.
As CMF establishes its headquarters in India and the Chennai facility ramps up exports, Nothing is poised to position India at the core of its international business. The upcoming flagship store will further cement the company’s brand visibility and consumer trust in one of the world’s most competitive smartphone markets.
FAQs
Q1. When will Nothing’s first flagship store open in India?
A. The store is expected to open later in 2025. The exact city and date have not been announced.
Q2. Is the Phone (3) made in India?
A. Yes. The Phone (3) is produced at Nothing’s Chennai facility and is also being exported globally.
Q3. What is CMF by Nothing?
A. CMF is a sub-brand launched in 2023, focusing on design-driven products built around Color, Material, and Finish, with more affordable pricing compared to flagship devices.
Q4. Why is India important to Nothing?
A. India is one of the fastest-growing markets for Nothing, with rapid sales growth, strong local manufacturing capabilities, and a large talent pool that supports both global operations and design.
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