PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Strategic expansion into tier-2 and tier-3 markets set to unlock new growth potential
In the forecast period, general merchandise stores in India (department stores) is set to maintain the growth trend seen in 2024, with solid annual increases in outlet numbers, along with double-digit current value increases. However, with greater online penetration in the country, and significant access amongst consumers, some research and purchasing is likely to continue to shift to online portals.
Regional retail chains will leverage their local expertise to challenge national players
Department stores in India is witnessing a significant resurgence of regional chains, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, even as the intensifying race in e-commerce puts pressure on well-established national players. The category mix is often tweaked in such locations, with outlets in smaller cities having a more limited selection of Western wear (unlike metro cities), and more ethnic wear.
Predictive AI systems might revolutionise inventory control and minimise retail waste
Indian department stores are increasingly adopting AI to revolutionise inventory management for greater efficiency. As highlighted by The Economic Times in early 2025, AI investments are rising in Indian retail for operational optimisation.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the General Merchandise Stores industry in India with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
If you're in the General Merchandise Stores industry in India, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The General Merchandise Stores in India report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of General Merchandise Stores in India?
- Which are the leading retailers in General Merchandise Stores in India?
- How is the rise of e-commerce and the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
- How has the impact of COVID-19 and national lockdown impacted consumer demand?
- Which formats have benefited the most from stockpiling and enforced home seclusion?
- How will the wider economic impact of COVID-19 shape the retail landscape in the future?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
General Merchandise Stores in India - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Hyperlocal AI personalisation transforming shopping into a cultural experience
Changes at the top, and sustainability programmes become fundamental to business strategies
Private label becoming a strategic revenue driver for department stores
Strategic expansion into tier-2 and tier-3 markets set to unlock new growth potential
Regional retail chains will leverage their local expertise to challenge national players
Predictive AI systems might revolutionise inventory control and minimise retail waste
Retail in India - Industry Overview
Retail in 2024: The big picture
Price, and level of involvement in the buying process are leading parameters when choosing a retail channel
Evolving consumer preferences make an omnichannel presence imperative to drive strong demand
What next for retail?
Informal retail
Opening hours for physical retail
Seasonality
Diwali season
End of season sale
DISCLAIMER
The following categories and subcategories are included:
General Merchandise Stores
- Department Stores
- Variety Stores
General Merchandise Stores
The aggregation of department stores and variety stores.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
- Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders
- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
- Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions
This report originates from Passport, our General Merchandise Stores research and analysis database.
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