In the first quarter of 2024, India’s retail sector experienced robust leasing activity, with approximately 1.1 million square feet of retail space leased across organized retail centers and prominent high streets. According to a report by JLL, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Bengaluru collectively dominated the market, accounting for nearly 70% of the total leasing activity.
Key Sectors in Retail Leasing
Fashion and Apparel: Mid-Segment Brands Lead
The fashion and apparel sector emerged as the dominant player in retail leasing, contributing 40% to the overall volume. Mid-segment brands claimed the largest share at 40%, followed closely by value segment brands at 38%.
Food and Beverage: Emphasis on Experiential Dining
The food and beverage segment accounted for 21% of the leasing activity, with experiential dining brands capturing a significant 38% share within this segment.
Diverse Tenant Mix
Apart from fashion and F&B, leasing activities encompassed jewelry, lifestyle products, automobiles, and banking services, showcasing a diverse tenant mix in India’s retail markets.
Focus on Top 7 Cities
The leasing trends were particularly concentrated in India’s top 7 cities: Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune, underscoring their pivotal role in driving retail development across the country.
Emerging Retail Dynamics
Shift towards Lease-Based Developments
Looking ahead, approximately 78% of the upcoming retail supply, totaling about 45 million square feet, is expected to be lease-based. This approach allows developers greater control over tenant mix and property management, thereby enhancing the quality of retail offerings and rental potential.
Expansion into New Micro-Markets
The surge in retail developments has prompted retailers to explore new micro-markets, bringing them closer to emerging consumer bases and underscoring the urbanization trends in India.
International and Domestic Retail Landscape
Dominance of Domestic Brands
Domestic brands led the retail leasing activity in Q1 2024, securing a substantial 76% share of the market.
International Entrants
Seven international brands debuted in India during the quarter, with Delhi NCR and Mumbai emerging as preferred launch locations, particularly within the beauty and cosmetics category.
Future Outlook and Market Dynamics
Demand for Prime Retail Spaces
Prime retail spaces with high footfall continue to be in strong demand nationwide, appealing to both international and national retailers seeking well-curated tenant mixes and superior infrastructure.
Addressing Market Challenges
While vacancy rates remain low (around 6%) in top-quality retail centers, average retail developments face higher vacancy rates (approximately 20%). Efforts are underway to revitalize underperforming retail spaces through repurposing or transformation to meet evolving market demands.