The Indian retail sector is at a fascinating crossroads, blending rapid growth with complex challenges. A 9% hiring surge predicted for 2025, led by IT, retail, and telecom, highlights the sector's evolving workforce dynamics, fuelled by emerging technologies and expanding opportunities in non-metro cities like Coimbatore and Jaipur. Meanwhile, the UPI revolution continues to reshape consumer behaviour, with digital payment adoption spiking 33% even in regions beyond Tier II cities, signalling a shift towards cashless commerce across the country.
On the global front, Walmart's struggles with India’s regulatory landscape reflect the ongoing tug-of-war between foreign investment and local policies, where domestic giants like Reliance are gaining ground. As innovation drives retail’s future, construction tech startup ProjectHero’s HomeRun platform introduces quick commerce to the building materials space, setting a new precedent for convenience in niche markets.
Amidst this dynamic backdrop, More Retail’s omni-channel focus and planned IPO underscore the industry's pivot towards sustainable, tech-enabled growth. The big picture reveals an industry on the rise, with the retail market projected to grow from $32.68 trillion in 2024 to $47.24 trillion by 2029, a reflection of shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and global influences.
These trends not only redefine India’s retail ecosystem but also hint at a future where agility, digital transformation, and regulatory navigation will shape success. Explore the week’s key developments through the stories below.
Click on the headings below for insights on how these trends are shaping India’s retail landscape…
India's job market is expected to boom in 2025. A 9% hiring growth is predicted. IT, retail, telecom, and BFSI sectors will lead this growth. Emerging technologies will create new job opportunities. Cities like Coimbatore and Jaipur are becoming hiring hotspots. The hiring growth builds on the momentum from 2024.
2. India presents a tough battleground for US consumer giant Walmart
Walmart's Flipkart IPO faces delays amidst India's complex e-commerce regulations, potentially pushing it to 2026. Regulatory scrutiny targets foreign-backed platforms, hindering Walmart's expansion while benefiting domestic competitors like Ambani. A potential Trump administration could pressure India for concessions, impacting the future of US retail investment in the country.
3. ProjectHero Launches HomeRun: A 60-Minute Delivery Platform for Construction Materials
Construction tech startup ProjectHero, which has previously raised $3.6 million from investors like Ankur Capital, Omidyar Network, and Titan Capital, has unveiled HomeRun, a quick commerce platform promising 60-minute delivery of construction materials. Catering to contractors, professionals, and homeowners, HomeRun currently serves 800 SKUs across 76 pin codes in Bengaluru.
4. More Retail MD Vinod Nambiar: ‘Our business is thriving, and we’re a future-proof retailer’
More Retail is looking at going for an IPO in the next 12-15 months. Backed by Samara Capital and Amazon, the retailer has been sharpening its omni-channel play with a strong focus on profitability. It is also in talks with investors to raise a fresh funding round.
5. UPI transactions at retail stores witness a spike of 33% beyond Tier II regions: Report
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions at retail stores have witnessed a spike of 33%, underscoring the growing adoption of digital payments beyond Tier II regions in the country, a recent report has said.
6. Retail Industry Set to Surge from $32.68 Tn in 2024 to $47.24 Tn by 2029
The retail industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with growth projections indicating a rise from $32.68 trillion in 2024 to $47.24 trillion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.65 percent. This dynamic sector encompasses a wide array of enterprises, from e-commerce giants to traditional brick-and-mortar stores, all adapting to an ever-evolving landscape shaped by technological advancements, consumer behaviour, and market trends.
7. India's New Repairability Index: A Game-Changer for Consumer Durables? | All You Need to Know
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is developing a Repairability Index for consumer durables, similar to the energy efficiency star-rating system. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi explained that this index will assess how easily products can be repaired, focusing on the availability of spare parts and repair services. The aim is to help consumers repair and reuse products rather than discard them, promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
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