Consumer Demand

India's retail sector maintained a steady trajectory in August, recording a 10 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) pan-India growth, according to a business survey by the Retail Association of India. Building on July's strong recovery, stable consumer demand across key regions and categories indicates strong industry preparation for the upcoming festive peak, it said. For August this year, regional sales growth remained consistent across the country at 10 per cent, led by an 11 per cent growth in West India, which outperformed other zones. South India followed closely at 10 per cent, matching the national average while East India and North India delivered stable growth trajectories during the month, registering 8 per cent and 9 per cent growth, respectively, RAI said. According to the survey, essential and routine categories remained the primary growth drivers, with quick service restaurants (QSR) peaking at 15 per cent and food & grocery reaching 12 per cent during the previous ...

Fresh merchandise drives demand as retailers pare markdowns and shorten sale periods

Leading paint maker Asian Paints expects the business environment to remain dynamic in FY27 amid heightened competition, commodity price movements, supply-chain risks and geopolitical uncertainties, said its Managing Director and CEO Amit Syngle in the annual report. Syngle said the recent escalation in West Asia has added to uncertainty surrounding the global economy, particularly for import-dependent markets such as India. "The business environment will remain dynamic. Competitive intensity, commodity movements, external volatility and supply-chain risks will continue to require discipline," he said while addressing the shareholders. According to Syngle, the tensions in West Asia could have implications for energy costs, logistics and broader cost structures. Despite these near-term challenges, the company remains optimistic about its long-term prospects and believes it is entering the new financial year from a position of strength. "We enter the new financial year with a stronge

With household budgets under strain from rising prices, coupled with slow income growth due to a decelerating economy, the consumer goods sector is bracing for a demand slowdown

Voltas posted largely in-line revenue for Q3, but better-than-expected profitability, particularly in its UCP segment, prompted a reassessment of near-term margin trends among analysts.

Shrugging off past disruptions, the Indian retail industry is gearing up for 2026 with a solid foundation and is expected to see better margins, driven by a shift in demand from major metros to Tier II and III cities, all while maintaining its position as the world's third-largest retail market. The Indian retail industry, valued at approximately USD 1.1 trillion, is marked by rapid digital integration, expansion into smaller towns, and significant mall development, driven by strong domestic demand, tech-led disruption, and rising consumer expectations for quality and value. With policy interventions such as GST reforms and income tax relief, coupled with a good monsoon and higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP), the industry anticipates a silver lining in consumer demand. Moreover, the rise of the value retail boom and premiumisation, is expected to usher in a year of accelerated growth. However, the industry faces challenges such as growing rentals, fierce competition across digital

Consumer companies say that demand has already started to see some positive impact

Today's Best of BS Opinion looks at Bihar's fiscal test after NDA win, pushback against QCOs, Trump's tariff stance and India's options, India Inc earnings vs GDP, and a biography of Francis Crick

Once marked by the simple lighting of diyas and modest home decorations, Diwali today is synonymous with affluence and high consumer demand

F&B and apparel sectors led deal activity, with private equity accounting for 99 per cent of total value in September, according to Equirus Capital's latest report

In the first eight days of the festival, Maruti Suzuki delivered 165,000 vehicles, including 30,000 units on Day 1, making it the company's best single-day sales in 35 years

From low workers' wages to suspect GDP to scary rankings for pilot training schools to self-serving protectionism, today's pieces paint a sobering picture of what ails India economy and policy

Today's pieces look at the available space for more rate cuts, the sorry state of tribunals, why GST reforms are not really that, and how India can harness its vast non-export MSME sector

Consumer durables firms expect GST cut on air conditioners and large TV panels from 28% to 18% to lower prices, spur festive demand and improve sales in a price-sensitive market

India's FMCG market grew 13.9% in April-June, driven by rural demand, smaller packs, and e-commerce gains in metros, even as urban recovery narrowed the rural-urban gap

Prozo, which provides warehousing and fulfilment services, expects shipment to rise by 50 per cent compared to last year

Backed by Gaja Capital, Eggoz aims to expand its footprint, build supply chain tech, and compete in India's $12 bn egg market with traceable, hygienic products

Demand for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in rural India stood at 8.4 per cent in the March quarter, compared to 9.2 per cent in October-December of 2024

While Trent reported strong profit and revenue growth, several brokerages have slashed their target prices, citing slowing growth momentum and weak consumer sentiment

Effects of single-digit salary growth for 3 qtrs on consumer spending are now palpable