Retail Trend in India
Globally, retail is the largest private industry. However, in India, it is in its nascent stages. The total retail market is estimated at Rs 900,000 Crores. Organized retail at around 5% is estimated at Rs 28,000 Crores. The organized retail share as per the estimates made by most consultants is estimated to reach a level of 10% by 2010. In absolute terms this would amount to Rs 110,000 Crores. Retail is India’s largest industry, accounting for over 10 percent of the country’s GDP and around eight percent of employment.
Retailing in India is gradually inching its way to becoming the next boom industry. The whole concept of shopping has altered in terms of format and consumer buying behavior, ushering in a revolution in shopping. Modern retail has entered India as seen in sprawling shopping centers, multi-storied malls and huge complexes offer shopping, entertainment and food all under one roof. India represents an economic opportunity on a massive scale, both as a global base and as a domestic market. Indian Retail sector consists of small family-owned stores, located in residential areas, with a shop floor of less than 500 square feet.
Retailing in India is at a nascent stage of is evolution, but within a small period of time certain trends are clearly emerging which are in line with the global experiences. Organized retailing is witnessing a wave of players entering the industry. These players are experimenting with various retail formats. Yet, Indian retailing has still not been able to come up with many successful formats that can be scaled up and applied across India. Some of the notable exceptions have been garment retailers like Madura Garments & Raymond’s who was scaled their exclusive showroom format across the country.
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