Retailers in the country garnered 4 per cent sales growth in the month of February compared to the same period last year – a tad lower, sequentially, as against January (5 per cent), as per the latest data released by the Retailers Association of India. Though this growth was led by food & grocery and consumer durables segments, it also indicates a continued muted consumer sentiment.
“Retail performance in India shows a modest 4 per cent year-on-year gain for February 2025. Categories such as food and grocery, QSR, and consumer durables have reported specific upticks. Retailers are increasingly focused on protecting margins, with improved stock management becoming a clear priority. In the context of global tariff shifts and economic uncertainty, the sector is showing signs of steady adjustment rather than expansion,” said RAI CEO Kumar Rajagopalan.
East lags behind
RAI’s retail business survey revealed that retailers in north India reported sales growth of 5 per cent in February 2025 compared to the year-ago period, while those in west India recorded 4 per cent sales increase. Retail businesses in southern India reported a growth of 4 per cent, while the eastern part of the country saw a mere 2 per cent growth.
In terms of categories, food & grocery registered the highest growth of 11 per cent. Consumer durables and QSR each recorded a growth of 5 per cent as against the year-ago period. Apparel and clothing, and jewellery categories reported a growth of 4 per cent each. Footwear (3 per cent) and sports goods (2 per cent) witnessed slower growth. Meanwhile, furniture & furnishing, and beauty and wellness categories reported a growth of a mere 1 per cent in February 2025 compared to same period last year.