Indian retail market pegged to reach at $1.3 trillion by 2025; data, technology key for retailers to minimise costs: Study

Mumbai: Notwithstanding a slowdown in consumption due to the sluggish economy, the Indian retail market is estimated to reach $1.3 trillion by 2025, helped by multiple structural, socio-demographic and economic drivers, says a recent study. According to a study jointly released by Boston Consulting Group and Retailers Association of India titled R’etail 4.0: Winning the 20s’, the retail market stood at $0.7 trillion in 2019. [caption id=“attachment_4216037” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. Reuters[/caption] “India’s long-term consumption and retail growth drivers are expected to provide a strong foundation for future growth. Indian retail market is estimated to reach $1.1-1.3 trillion mark by 2025, reporting a CAGR of 9-11 percent from 2019,” it said. The report noted that data and technology-driven disruptions along with supply-side innovations will shape the future of the retail landscape. “With the onset of digital revolution, it is imperative for retailers to embrace data and technology to shape consumer shopping preferences and minimise costs prompting retailers to up their game. Also, increased margin pressures, retail space crunch, rising costs are putting considerable strain on business models thus pushing retailers to innovate to win in the next decade,” it said. According to Abheek Singhi, Managing Director and Senior Partner, BCG the Indian retail market is still fragmented and offers an opportunity for the top five retailers to more than double their share from less than five percent to over 10 percent in the next decade. “Winning in the 20s will require retailers to rethink their value proposition and operating model. Precipitating and participating in ecosystems will be a key driver of success,” he added. The report further stated that e-commerce grew strongly, but penetration and share have varied across categories. “Mixed pathways gained prominence as against pure channel-specific customer journeys. Most significantly, small neighborhood stores have adapted well to the new reality, amidst competition from e-commerce and modern trade,” the report said. It further said that consumer needs will evolve gradually but distinctly across multiple dimensions such as personalisation, trust in brands as well as omni-channel affinity.