Introduction
Indian retail industry has emerged as one of the most dynamic and fast-paced industries due to the entry of several new players. Total consumption expenditure is expected to reach nearly US$ 3,600 billion by 2020 from US$ 1,824 billion in 2017. It accounts for over 10% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and around eight% of the employment. India is the world’s fifth-largest global destination in the retail space.
India ranked 73 in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s Business-to-Consumer (B2C) E-commerce Index 2019. India is the world’s fifth largest global destination in the retail space and ranked 63 in World Bank’s Doing Business 2019.
India is the world’s fifth largest global destination in the retail space. In FDI Confidence Index, India ranked 16 (after US, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, China, Japan, France, Australia, Switzerland, and Italy).
Investment Scenario
The Indian retail trading has received Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity inflow totalling US$ 2.12 billion during April 2000–March 2020 according to Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
With the rising need for consumer goods in different sectors including consumer electronics and home appliances, many companies have invested in the Indian retail space in the past few months.
India’s retail sector attracted US$ 970 million from various private equity funds in 2019.
Walmart Investments Cooperative U.A invested Rs 2.75 billion (US$ 37.68 million) in Wal-Mart India Pvt Ltd.
Government Initiatives
The Government of India has taken various initiatives to improve the retail industry in India. Some of them are listed below:
- Government may change Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rules in food processing in a bid to permit E-commerce companies and foreign retailers to sell Made in India consumer products.
- Government of India has allowed 100% FDI in online retail of goods and services through the automatic route, thereby providing clarity on the existing businesses of E-commerce companies operating in India.
Road Ahead
E-commerce is expanding steadily in the country. Customers have the ever-increasing choice of products at the lowest rates. E-commerce is probably creating the biggest revolution in retail industry, and this trend is likely to continue in the years to come. Retailers should leverage digital retail channels (E-commerce), which would enable them to spend less money on real estate while reaching out to more customers in tier II and tier III cities.
It is projected that by 2021, traditional retail will hold a major share of 75%, organised retail share will reach 18% and E-commerce retail share will reach 7% of the total retail market.
Nevertheless, long-term outlook for the industry looks positive, supported by rising income, favourable demographics, entry of foreign players, and increasing urbanisation.
Note: Conversion rate used in April 2020, Rs 1 = US$ 0.013123
References: Media Reports, Press Releases, Deloitte report, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion website, Union Budget 2019–20, Consumer Leads report by FICCI and Deloitte – October 2019
