Latest Case Studies

McDowell's No.1 is one of India's most recognised liquor brands. Even people who have never bought it know the name. Owned by United Spirits Limited and backed by Diageo, it enjoys massive distribution and decades of trust. But consumer behaviour has changed. Today's buyers care about image, premium experiences, and aspirational brands. So the question is: Can McDowell's evolve with the market, or is it relying too much on past success? Before diving into the article, I would like to inform you that the research and initial analysis for this piece were conducted by Ayushi Arora. She is a current student in IIDE's PG Program in Digital Marketing and Business Strategy, August Batch 2025.  If you found this helpful, feel free to reach out to Ayushi Arora to send a quick note of appreciation for her fantastic research, she will appreciate the kudos!

HubSpot is no longer just the inbound marketing brand many marketers first learned about. What began as a content-led marketing platform has evolved into a global customer platform powering marketing, sales, service, and AI-driven growth for businesses worldwide. But the market is changing fast. Search traffic is shifting, AI tools are rising, and software buyers now expect automation, outcomes, and simplicity together. So the real question is: Can HubSpot stay ahead in the AI era, or is the category becoming too crowded? Before diving into the article, I would like to acknowledge that the research and initial analysis for this piece were conducted by Gajendra Prajapat, a current student of IIDE’s PG Program in Digital Marketing and Business Strategy, Gajendra Prajapat, August Batch 2025. His detailed research and strategic insights played an important role in shaping this analysis. If you found this article helpful, feel free to reach out to him with a quick note of appreciation for his excellent work, he would truly appreciate the kudos.

redBus is one of India's most recognised travel-tech brands. For millions of users, online bus booking still begins and ends with redBus. What started as a straightforward solution to a deeply frustrating offline ticketing experience has grown into a category leader serving over 223 million travellers every year in India alone, and 466 million tickets sold globally. But the market is shifting fast. Consumers now expect faster apps, smarter pricing, real-time support, loyalty rewards, and seamless end-to-end travel experiences not just a seat on a bus. So the real question for 2026 is this: Can redBus continue leading the category it created, or is the competition finally closing the gap? Before diving into the article, I would like to acknowledge that the research and initial analysis for this piece were conducted by Dinesh Kumar, a current student of IIDE’s PG Program in Digital Marketing and Business Strategy, August Batch 2025. His effort and in-depth research played an important role in shaping this analysis. If you found this article helpful, feel free to reach out to her with a quick note of appreciation for his excellent work, he would truly appreciate the kudos.

Urban Ladder started with a deceptively simple idea: buying furniture should not feel like a compromise between design, budget, and waiting three weeks for delivery. What followed was twelve years of building an online-first brand from scratch, surviving the IKEA entry shock of 2018, and ultimately landing inside one of the most powerful retail ecosystems in India. The Reliance acquisition in 2020 looked like a rescue at the time. In 2026, it looks more like a relaunch. But the market Urban Ladder operates in today is not the same one it grew up in. Wakefit completed its IPO in December 2025. Pepperfry was sold in a distress acquisition. IKEA is opening a new Gurugram store this year with Noida already on the roadmap for 2028. And from February 2026, the government's Furniture Quality Control Order has come into force, reshaping compliance standards across the entire industry. The question was never whether Urban Ladder would survive. That battle is behind it. The real question now is whether it can lead. Before diving into the article, I would like to acknowledge that the research and initial analysis for this piece were conducted by Bhumika Sarna, a current student of IIDE’s PG Program in Digital Marketing and Business Strategy, August Batch 2025. Her effort and in-depth research played an important role in shaping this analysis. If you found this article helpful, feel free to reach out to her with a quick note of appreciation for her excellent work, she would truly appreciate the kudos.

Merck & Co., Inc. is one of the most respected names in healthcare. From life-saving cancer treatments to global vaccine programs, the company has built trust that few pharmaceutical brands can match. But the real question is: Is Merck still growing because of innovation, or relying too heavily on past success? In 2026, the pharmaceutical industry is changing fast. AI is reshaping drug discovery, governments are tightening pricing rules, and competition is becoming more aggressive. That is exactly why Merck’s SWOT analysis matters today. Before diving into the article, I would like to acknowledge that the research and initial analysis for this piece were conducted by Simran Sehgal, a current student of IIDE’s PG Program in Digital Marketing and Business Strategy, August Batch 2026. Her research and strategic insights played an important role in shaping this analysis.  If you found this article helpful, feel free to share your appreciation for her excellent work.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. feels like one of those brands the market is still trying to figure out. A few years ago, Nissan was ahead of many competitors in electric vehicles through the Nissan LEAF. Today, the company is dealing with restructuring, financial pressure, and rising global competition. It is not exactly failing, but it is not clearly winning either. So the real question is: Can Nissan turn its legacy and technology into a comeback, or is the brand slipping into long-term decline? Before diving into the article, I would like to acknowledge that the research and initial analysis for this piece were conducted by Sanjusha Sikri, a current student of IIDE’s PG Program in Digital Marketing and Business Strategy, August Batch 2025. Her effort and in-depth research played an important role in shaping this analysis.  If you found this article helpful, feel free to reach out to her with a quick note of appreciation for his excellent work, she would truly appreciate the kudos.