Retail Sales See 6% Growth in March 2025: RAI Survey

India’s retail sector posted a 6% year-on-year growth in March 2025, reflecting steady domestic demand despite ongoing global trade uncertainties, according to the 60th Retail Business Survey by the Retailers Association of India (RAI).

The data reveals a mixed but optimistic picture for the industry. North and West India led the regional performance charts with 8% growth each, while East and South India saw a more modest 5% rise. Category-wise, food and grocery topped the charts with an 11% increase in sales, followed by quick service restaurants (QSR), which grew by 9%.

“Retail businesses in India reflect growth. However, double-digit growth is still eluding the sector,” said Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of RAI. “Customers are spending cautiously but are willing to invest in aspirational and innovative products. Discretionary spending keeps shifting across categories, which makes consistent month-on-month growth a challenge.”

The survey also points to cautious optimism among retailers, with no significant decline in consumer spending reported. While concerns persist around global economic headwinds, domestic consumption appears resilient, helping maintain a stable growth trajectory.