The market size of the retail industry in India is likely to have exceeded US$600bn in CY13. India is different with regard to other developed economies in that a large proportion of the retail market in the country is unorganised, with a proliferation of mom and pop stores. The organised sector represented just 16% of total retail sales in India in CY12 as against 85% in the US (though for China the organized sector is a lower 20% as well).
Food and grocery is the largest retail category in India, representing 60% of total spend, with clothing being second with 10% of total retail sales. Since food and grocery is not generally easily amenable to online purchases and the fact that electronics and general merchandise (more…)