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Key Points

In April, retail sales in India experienced a 4% increase according to a survey by the Retailers Association of India (RAI). The most significant growth was observed in North and West India, highlighting regional differences. Quick service restaurants (QSR) led the charge with an impressive 11% growth, showcasing a shift in consumer preferences. Despite global trade uncertainties, the domestic demand remains steady, with cautious optimism from retailers.

Key Points: India's Retail Sales Rise 4% in April Says RAI Survey

  • Retail sales rose 4% in April reflecting strong demand
  • Highest growth in North and West India with QSR leading categories
  • RAI anticipates continued retail sector expansion and innovation impact
2 min read

April saw a 4% rise in retail sales in India: Survey

India's April retail sales climbed 4%, with QSR leading at 11% growth, per RAI.

"Customers buying with a purpose are experiencing new product introductions. - Kumar Rajagopalan"

New Delhi, May 27

A 4 per cent yearly increase in retail sales was reported in April compared to the same month of 2024, the Retailers Association of India (RAI) said, basis its survey.

The survey points to steady domestic demand at a time when global trade conditions remain unsettled.

Regional data showed that North and West India recorded the highest year-on-year growth at 6 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively.

East and South India recorded a 2 per cent rise each.

Among categories, quick service restaurants (QSR) led with 11 per cent growth, while beauty, wellness and personal care and food and grocery grew 6 per cent each.

Sports goods and consumer durables, and electronics grew at a slowest rate of 1 per cent each, according to the RAI survey.

The survey also highlights a cautious but steady outlook among retailers, with no significant drops in consumer spending.

In March 2025, a 6 per cent yearly rise in retail sales was reported.

Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of RAI, said: "Retailers report that footfalls into stores are reducing. However, customers who come to the stores are buying with a purpose and are also experiencing new product introductions. Retailers who have innovative products or aspirational products are performing very well in the market."

Retailers Association of India (RAI) serves as the voice of Indian retailers, working collaboratively with stakeholders to foster the growth of the retail industry.

Separately, in February this year, a joint report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the Retailers Association of India (RAI) asserted that India's retail sector is set to experience massive growth, with the market projected to reach Rs 190 trillion by 2034.

This projected growth was attributed to factors, including India's unique demographic trends such as rising affluence alongside a vast middle class, a large middle-aged adult population, and workforce participation by women.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya M.
Good to see retail growth despite global uncertainties! But 1% growth in consumer durables is worrying. Are people postponing big purchases due to inflation? 🤔 The QSR boom shows how eating out culture is growing in India!
R
Rahul K.
North and West leading as always! Shows where the purchasing power is concentrated. But East and South need more attention from retailers - 2% growth is too low. Maybe better regional pricing strategies would help?
A
Anjali S.
The beauty and wellness sector growth makes sense - Indians are becoming more conscious about self-care. But I hope this doesn't mean people are neglecting essentials. Food and grocery growth is healthy at 6% 👍
V
Vikram P.
Interesting that footfalls are reducing but sales are up. Shows Indians are becoming smarter shoppers - we go to malls only when we need something, not just for timepass like before. Digital influence maybe?
S
Sunita R.
Rs 190 trillion by 2034 sounds ambitious but achievable if women's workforce participation keeps increasing. More working women = more disposable income = more retail growth. Simple economics! 💪
A
Arjun D.
While the numbers look positive, I'm concerned about small retailers. These surveys mostly track organized retail. What about our local kirana stores? Are they getting squeezed out in this growth story?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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