Industry data shows that Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) led the growth charts with double-digit expansion in July, underlining India’s rising preference for eating out and on-the-go dining
Indicating key trends shaping various retail segments across different regions of the country, a survey has revealed an 8 per cent increase in retail sales for July 2025 compared to the same month last year. The figures suggest that the sector is gaining momentum ahead of the all-important festive season.
The 64th retail business survey by the Retailers Association of India (RAI) emphasised that retailers are balancing optimism around steady consumer sentiment with a degree of caution, given evolving tax structures, global uncertainties, and changing consumption patterns.
Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) led the growth charts with double-digit expansion in July, underlining India’s rising preference for eating out and on-the-go dining. Apparel, jewellery, sporting goods and furniture each grew by 9 per cent year-on-year, pointing to resilient discretionary spending. In comparison, footwear and beauty and wellness clocked 5 per cent growth, while consumer durables & IT saw 6 per cent.
“For the past three months, growth has held steady at 7 to 8 per cent, which is higher than what we were seeing at the start of the year. This suggests that consumers are spending a little more on discretionary products, and retailers will be watching closely to see if this continues through the festive season,” highlighted Kumar Rajagopalan, Chief Executive Officer of RAI.
Region-wise analysis revealed a uniform growth pattern across India, as east, west and south India reported 8 per cent YoY growth, while north India lagged marginally behind with 7 per cent growth on a YoY basis. Rajagopalan added that global uncertainties remain a factor, and Goods and Serives Tax (GST) reforms are still under discussion, so their impact is yet to be seen.
