Apparel and clothing experienced a 6 per cent year-over-year (YoY) increase and footwear posted relatively lower growth figures at 2 per cent YoY in March 2025. Furniture and furnishing recorded a 5 per cent growth, while sports goods saw a modest 4 per cent rise compared to March 2024.
Regional data shows that north and west India recorded the highest year-on-year growth at 8 per cent each. East and south India followed with a 5 per cent rise.
The figures point to steady domestic demand at a time when global trade conditions remain unsettled, the RAI said in a press release.
Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of RAI, said: “Retail businesses in India reflects growth. However, double digit growth is still eluding the sector. Customers are spending cautiously but are willing to spend on aspirational and innovative products. Discretionary spending keeps shifting from one category to another and hence no category has been witnessing steady growth month on month.”
The survey also highlights a cautious but steady outlook among retailers, with no significant drops in consumer spending. While concerns remain about the wider impact of global trade tensions, current trends suggest that domestic consumption is largely unaffected.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (KD)
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