GST boost for brick-and-mortar retail expansion

Execution challenges for physical stores are expected to reduce after the implementation

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime will be a shot in the arm for the brick-and-mortar retail industry, which has faced major competition from online e-commerce players in the past few years.

Besides the uniform tax, the execution challenges for physical stores are expected to reduce significantly after the implementation of the GST, which has brought optimism for retailers to expand aggressively.

“Today e-commerce companies get an advantage in terms of taxation,” said Kishore Biyani, chief executive officer (CEO), Future Group, which is present across all retail formats from supermarkets to fashion retail business. “The GST will create a