In March 2026, retail sales in India saw a 10% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Retailers Association of India's (RAI) monthly Business Survey. This growth marks a steady trend, with retail sales consistently rising between 9% and 10% over the past six months. Regional performance was robust, with both West and North India leading at 11%, followed by the South at 10%, and the East at 9%. The food and grocery sector topped the sales categories with a 14% increase, while apparel and jewellery followed closely at 13% and 12%, respectively. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) also maintained strong growth at 11%. However, consumer durables faced challenges, achieving only 1% growth as consumers postponed significant purchases. Looking ahead, rising costs in energy, logistics, and real estate are expected to put pressure on profit margins, even as sales figures increase. Kumar Rajagopalan, Executive Director and CEO of RAI, noted that the retail landscape is evolving, with consumers becoming more deliberate in their purchasing decisions. Retailers who align their offerings with this shift are likely to thrive in FY2027, which will favor precision over scale.