INFLATION DAMPENS CONSUMER SPENDING, RETAIL SECTOR RECORDS MODEST 5% GROWTH IN DECEMBER

INFLATION DAMPENS CONSUMER SPENDING, RETAIL SECTOR RECORDS MODEST 5% GROWTH IN DECEMBER

Retailers Association of India (RAI) has released its 57th Retail  Business Survey, reporting a 5% growth in the retail sector from 2 December 2024 to 29  December 2024 compared to the same festive time period last year (4 December 2023 to 31  December 2023). The survey highlights key trends shaping various retail segments across  different regions of the country. 

Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India (RAI), said, “RAI’s survey shows 5%  growth in December. Inflation and other payment obligations for EMI etc. are continuing to weigh  on discretionary spending. The wedding season provided some boost to categories like apparel and  jewellery, but overall consumption remains subdued. Notably, QSR is showing early signs of  recovery, offering a glimmer of optimism for the sector. With the Union Budget around the corner,  the retail industry hopes for measures that address inflation and boost consumer confidence.” 

INFLATION DAMPENS CONSUMER SPENDING, RETAIL SECTOR RECORDS  MODEST 5% GROWTH IN DECEMBER

The survey further reveals that South India experienced the highest sales growth at 6%, while  West and North India each recorded a 5% increase. East India showed a growth of only 4%.  

In terms of categories QSR registered the highest growth of 10%, followed by apparel, food &  grocery and sports goods each showing growth of 7% compared to December 2023 period last  year.