The survey reveals that West India experienced the highest sales growth at 7 per cent
Indicating a rise in consumer spending, the retail sector has witnessed a 5 per cent growth in January 2025 compared to the same period of the previous year, according to the 58th retail business survey by the Retailers Association of India (RAI). The survey highlights key trends shaping various retail segments across different regions of the country.
The survey further reveals that West India experienced the highest sales growth at 7 per cent, while North and South India each recorded a 5 per cent increase. On the other hand, East India managed to register a growth of around 4 per cent.
“RAI’s survey shows 5 per cent retail growth in January, led by food and grocery at 13 per cent. QSR and CDIT grew by 6 per cent, indicating a rise in consumer spending in these categories. The Union Budget 2025’s income tax exemption limit of Rs 12 lakh provides relief to retailers after last year’s slowdown,” stated Kumar Rajagopalan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RAI.
Rajagopalan added that consumer choices, however, vary widely. Retailers must adapt to these shifts, understand evolving preferences, and build the right operating model to stay competitive. In terms of categories, food and grocery registered the highest growth of 13 per cent, followed by consumer durables showing growth of 6 per cent compared to the January 2024 period last year. Quick service restaurant (QSR) also recorded growth of 6 per cent on a YoY basis during the month.
