Consumerism in India is growing rapidly in the retail industry. The retail sector - both organized and unorganized, strives hard to cater to the vast range of the Indian consumers. Here are some interesting trends.

1. Consumerism and Retail Trends In India
Consumerism essentially means the growing wants and needs of an individual for goods
and services. India is one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world. The
consumer’s standard of life is going higher and hence his needs are escalating as well.
Consumerism in India, is in a new high, and refuses to show signs of budging anymore. The
Indian consumer, due to his exposure, of the global market, strives to get the best of the goods
in his home land.
Consumer tastes and preferences are definitely changing. Even children have their own
preferences. The retail sector- both organized and unorganized, strive hard to cater to the vast
range of the Indian consumers. The retail sector in India, with its present pace, is expected to
grow at a rate of 25%- 30% annually.
Rance Computer Pvt. Ltd.
Developers of retail software and restaurant software
131, C R Avenue, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700073, INDIA Phone: +91-(33)-4066-4277 www.rancelab.com

2. Being the fifth largest retail industry in the world, the trends of the retail industry in
India is quite remarkable. The consumer group can literally be divided into three clear groups:
1. The first group comprises of consumers who are extremely brand conscious and
depend upon the high end retail stores to satisfy their needs;
2. The second group is another extreme who satisfy their consumer needs from outlets
that do not hold popular brands and are also much cheaper;
3. The third group however follows the middle path- they satisfy their consumer needs
either from high end retail outlets or the less popular retail outlets, as and when
necessary.
Food is one of the most in demand need in the Indian market. Simple things like groceries,
fruits and vegetables are sold in both organized as well as unorganized retail outlets.
Therefore, at one end we have the comfortable air conditioned super markets while at the
other hand the typical ‘sabzi mandi’ too serves the Indian consumer.
The next item on demand is clothing. With the advent of international and national brands
and easy accessibility to designer wear, the very face of the retail clothing industry has
changed. A need to be street smart and fashionable is another requirement that has
revolutionized this industry. Here too, we find the high end stores displaying international
brands and designer wear, climb the success ladder with great gusto, as well as the stalls on
the street side selling cheap clothes too making a niche for themselves. It is the same story
with accessories, shoes and cosmetics, electronics, sporting goods as well.
The Indian retail industry gives an opportunity to everybody to shine- whether they are family
stores, or departmental stores, or convenience stores, retailers, or malls or specialty stores-
such is the varied range of consumers in India.
Despite challenges like the tax structure, lack of
infrastructure, shortage of trained manpower, etc. the
Indian retail industry is expected to generate an expected
turnover of US$ 833 billion by the year 2013.
The growth of India in the economic sector has resulted in
Indians willing to invest in a life of luxury. Such a wish is
the major cause behind India’s growing consumerism and
retail trends.
Rance Computer Pvt. Ltd.
Developers of retail software and restaurant software
131, C R Avenue, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700073, INDIA Phone: +91-(33)-4066-4277 www.rancelab.com