Led by food and grocery, retail sales have marked a six per cent rise in March on a year-on-year (YoY) basis
The retail sales have marked a six per cent rise in March on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, as per the 60th Retail Business Survey by the Retailers Association of India (RAI), indicating steady domestic demand at a time when global trade conditions remain unsettled.
Regional data shows that North and West India recorded the highest year-on-year growth at eight per cent each. On the other hand, East and South India clocked a five per cent growth in March 2025 as compared to the same period a year ago, respectively.
“Retail businesses in India reflect growth. However, double-digit growth is still eluding the sector. Customers are spending cautiously but are willing to spend on aspirational and innovative products. Discretionary spending keeps shifting from one category to another and hence no category has been witnessing steady growth month on month,” highlighted Kumar Rajagopalan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RAI.
As far as the category-wise sales growth is concerned, the food and grocery segment led with 11 per cent growth during the month on a YoY basis. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) grew by nine per cent and the apparel and clothing segment managed to register a six per cent growth.
The survey also highlighted a cautious but steady outlook among retailers, with no significant drops in consumer spending. While concerns remain about the wider impact of global trade tensions, current trends suggest that domestic consumption is largely unaffected.
