India’s retail market is projected to cross $1.6 trillion by 2030, with organised retail expected to hold over 35% market share. This growth is powered by a rising middle class, digitally connected Gen Z consumers, and a shift toward experience-led shopping.
From quick commerce and omnichannel strategies to premium mall formats and high-street revivals, retailers are adapting to a more discerning consumer base. Apparel and F&B continue to dominate revenue share, while wellness, entertainment, and lifestyle brands gain traction across urban clusters.
The Rise of Tier 2 Retail
Cities like Faridabad, Indore, and Kochi are seeing a surge in organised retail formats, with developers investing in Grade A malls, mixed-use hubs, and curated high streets. These markets mirror metro consumption patterns, but offer lower entry barriers and faster growth.
Mohit Goel, Managing Director, Omaxe Group, says, “When we look at NCR, the direction of growth is very clear: organised retail is strengthening, and Faridabad is beginning to reflect the same fundamentals. The report puts the national organised retail footprint at about 134 million sq ft, and the consumption pattern is consistent; apparel accounting for 30–35% of revenues and F&B for 20–25% across malls and high streets. We’re seeing that exact mix play out in Faridabad as more national and international brands come in. From a developer’s standpoint, this tells us the market is maturing and ready for more structured, high-quality retail spaces.”
What Consumers Want
Today’s urban shoppers are not just buying products, they are buying experiences, values, and identity.
- Apparel (30–35%) and F&B (20–25%) remain dominant, but categories like home décor, wellness, and tech accessories are rising.
- Brand storytelling, sustainability, and digital integration are key drivers of loyalty.
- Mall formats are evolving to include co-working zones, pop-up stores, and cultural programming.
What’s Next for India’s Retail Evolution
Walk into a mall in Kochi or a high street in Faridabad, and the shift is unmistakable. Shoppers aren’t just browsing shelves, they are attending pop-up tastings, scanning QR codes for styling tips, and sharing their finds on social media. Retail is no longer a pit stop; it’s a curated experience.
As incomes rise and digital habits deepen, consumers are seeking more than products. They want spaces that feel personal, where a brand’s story, aesthetic, and values align with their own. Whether it’s a luxury mall with art installations or an outlet village that blends value with vibe, the formats are evolving fast.
Hyperlocal delivery is becoming frictionless, and AI-driven personalization is quietly reshaping how people discover, try, and buy. The days of one-size-fits-all retail are fading; what’s emerging is a landscape where every touchpoint feels intentional.
For developers and brands, the takeaway is clear: invest in experience, not just square footage. Build for emotion, not just efficiency. As Tier 2 cities mature, the old metro/non-metro divide is dissolving — and in its place, a pan-India retail culture is rising, one that’s aspirational, expressive, and unmistakably modern.
