India’s retail sector is growing momentarily and is expected to reach a staggering $1.6 trillion by 2030. According to a recent report by Redseer Strategy Consultants, while essential goods will continue to form the bulk of consumer spending, the next phase of expansion is expected to be driven by discretionary purchases. As one of the fastest-growing retail destinations in the world, India is witnessing a dynamic shift driven by a young, aspirational population, rising disposable incomes, and a booming digital ecosystem. The surge in organized retail formats, ranging from luxury malls to hyperlocal high streets, is transforming how consumers engage with brands.
However, despite this promising outlook, the supply side remains highly fragmented, with no single dominant player, and is likely to remain so in the foreseeable future, the report said. As a result, smaller, regional, and unbranded brands are expected to make up over 70% of the market.
At the heart of India’s retail renaissance lies Delhi-NCR—a region rapidly redefining the contours of urban consumption. Its strategic location, diverse demographics, and robust infrastructure make it a magnet for both domestic and international retail brands. The development in the region is paving the way for cutting-edge malls, experiential high-street destinations, and integrated mixed-use developments that blend shopping, dining, entertainment, and co-working. Cities like Gurugram and Noida, in particular, have emerged as epicenters of retail reinvention, with projects that unite global design sensibilities with the local consumer pulse.
Harinder Singh Hora, Founder Chairman, Reach Group, says “Retail in India is evolving at two distinct paces. In Tier 1 cities, it has become part of a larger, integrated urban lifestyle—blending effortlessly with office, hospitality, and residential spaces. Consumers here seek more than just shopping; they look for experiences that offer convenience, digital integration, and lifestyle alignment. In contrast, Tier 2 cities are on the cusp of transformation. The growing appetite for organized retail, driven by increasing incomes and aspirations, signals a shift from traditional markets to more structured, experience-led retail formats. While Tier 1 leads with innovation, Tier 2 is ripe with opportunity—each reflecting unique demands, but together shaping the future of India’s retail landscape.”
Prakash Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director of Ocus Group says, “India’s retail sector is undergoing a phase of accelerated growth, driven by rising consumer aspirations, shifting shopping behaviors, and aggressive brand expansion. High-street retail is strengthening its growth, supported by evolving investor sentiment and strong leasing activity in key urban markets. Gurugram is emerging as a retail hotspot, and micro-markets like Dwarka Expressway are gaining momentum. Sector 99, in particular, is attracting attention for its prime visibility, strategic connectivity, and promising long-term value. As global brands deepen their presence, we believe that the demand for premium retail spaces will only increase, offering immersive experiences and community-centric environments.”
Siddharth Katyal, CEO, Bhumika Group, says, “Retail today isn’t transactional; it’s transformational. Especially in cities like those across NCR, which have become hubs of global brands, people don’t just step out to buy things; they expect more than just shelves and stores. At Bhumika Group, we’re leaning into that shift. Our retail projects are designed like lifestyle destinations with curated brand zones, alfresco dining, and spaces that make you want to stay and explore. Our focus is to craft destination spaces that blend curated retail, leisure, F&B, and culture.”
Moreover, a new wave of retail is emerging in India, seamlessly blending local flavour with global appeal. From artisanal pop-ups positioned within luxury malls to curated marketplaces that showcase both homegrown labels and international names, hybrid retail spaces are becoming the new norm. Brand collaborations, seasonal concept stores, and immersive installations are transforming traditional shopping areas into dynamic, story-driven environments. It’s no longer just about what you buy but how and where you experience it—and India’s retail landscape is catching on fast.
Ashwani Kumar, Pyramid Infratech, says, “The rise of the high street is reshaping the retail landscape across urban India. Well-designed high-street developments are flourishing, particularly in emerging corridors like Dwarka Expressway and Southern Peripheral Road, where accessibility and a smart tenant mix are driving footfall. These retail zones offer not just convenience but long-term value for both investors and brands. As urbanization accelerates and incomes rise, especially in metro cities, we see high-street retail gaining even more momentum as the preferred choice for modern shoppers.”
Therefore, as India marches toward its $1.6 trillion retail future, the lines between shopping, lifestyle, and community continue to blur. Cities like Gurugram are setting the tone, where retail is no longer a destination but a part of everyday urban living. Whether through curated high streets or tech-savvy mixed-use hubs, the retail story in India is being rewritten, and it’s one of aspiration, evolution, and immense opportunity.
