According to a new report by ANAROCK Group, India’s top 7 cities recorded 4.3 million sq. ft. of retail leasing in just six months (H2 2025). But here’s the interesting part — high streets are now competing strongly with malls, and in some areas, even outperforming them.

What’s Changing in Your Shopping Experience?

For years, malls were the go-to destination for shopping and entertainment. But now:

• High streets (like Bandra, Linking Road, CP, or Brigade Road) are seeing rising demand and rents
• Popular malls are running low on vacant space
• Brands are expanding wherever they find space — malls or high streets

Simply put: More brands are coming closer to where you live, not just inside malls

Why You’re Seeing More Cafes, Stores & Hangout Spots

The report highlights that people today don’t just want to shop — they want an experience.

That’s why:

• Apparel brands are leading store openings
• Entertainment zones (gaming, cinemas) are growing
• Cafes, restaurants, and food courts are expanding rapidly

So whether it’s a coffee date, movie night, or quick shopping trip — retail spaces are becoming lifestyle hubs.

Store Sizes Are Getting Smarter

Interestingly, most new stores today are:

• Between 1,000 to 5,000 sq. ft.

This means:

• More compact, efficient stores
• More brands fitting into the same area
• Better accessibility for customers

For you, this translates to more options in the same neighbourhood.

Where Is All the New Retail Coming Up?

Future retail supply is not evenly spread. Two regions are dominating:

• Delhi NCR
• Hyderabad

Together, they account for nearly 70% of upcoming retail developments

This means:

• Bigger malls
• New shopping destinations
• More entertainment hubs

Every City Shops Differently

India’s shopping habits vary city by city:

• Mumbai & MMR: Strong demand for fashion & entertainment
• Bengaluru & Hyderabad: Family entertainment & large anchor stores
• Chennai: Apparel & jewellery dominate

This is why malls and shopping streets feel different in every city

Why High Streets Are Suddenly Booming

Here’s the real twist:

• Premium malls in many cities are almost full
• New mall supply is limited
• Brands still want to expand

So what are they doing?

Moving to high streets

This has led to:

• Rising rents in prime locations
• More branded stores on roads you visit daily
• Better retail experience outside malls

What This Means for You

This shift directly impacts your daily life:

More shopping options near your home
Less dependence on large malls
Better dining and entertainment choices
New hangout spots in your neighbourhood
Potential rise in prices in premium areas due to higher rents

The Bigger Picture

India’s retail real estate is no longer just about “buying things” — it’s about creating experiences.

With:

• Rising incomes
• Growing middle class
• Increasing demand for lifestyle experiences

The sector is evolving into a destination-driven ecosystem, where malls and high streets both play a key role.

Conclusion

So the next time you step out and notice a new café, showroom, or store opening on your street — it’s part of a much bigger shift happening across India.

Malls aren’t going away — but high streets are making a strong comeback. And for consumers, that means more convenience, more choice, and better experiences.

Also Read: Realty Stocks Open Weak as Dalal Street Slides; Sector Faces Broad-Based Pressure

The post Malls vs High Streets: Where India Is Shopping More — And What It Means for You appeared first on Square Feat India.

However, Q2 2025 witnessed a 15% quarter-on-quarter dip in leasing due to supply constraints, suggesting that momentum could moderate if new retail space does not come online in time to meet demand.

H1 Retail Leasing Reaches Historic Levels

Retail leasing across India’s top 7 cities—Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, and Kolkata—reached 5.7 million sq. ft. in H1 2025, up from 3.3 million sq. ft. in H1 2024. The first quarter alone (Jan–Mar 2025) accounted for 3.1 million sq. ft, while Q2 leasing stood at 2.6 million sq. ft.

New mall supply also surged by 165% YoY, with 2.3 million sq. ft of new retail space added in H1 2025, driven by major completions in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Delhi NCR.

Table 1: Retail Market Performance – H1 2025 vs H1 2024

Source: JLL Research | Top 7 cities

City Trends: Bengaluru and Delhi NCR Lead, Jewellery Surpasses Entertainment

In Q2 2025 alone, Bengaluru and Delhi NCR accounted for 46% of gross leasing. Bengaluru showed high activity in jewellery and home furnishings, while Delhi NCR was dominated by food and beverage (F&B) retailers.

Quote:

“Jewellery emerged as the third leading retail category, overtaking Entertainment for the first time. From a 16% share in Q1 2025, Entertainment fell to 6% in Q2, while Jewellery rose to 9%,”
said Dr. Samantak Das, Chief Economist and Head of Research, JLL India.

Cities like Hyderabad and Mumbai recorded leasing activity around 0.5 million sq. ft each, while Chennai and Kolkata showed a mild quarter-on-quarter rise. Pune remained moderate in comparison.

Table 2: Category-wise Share in Q2 2025 Retail Leasing

Source: JLL Research

International Brands Accelerate Entry; Domestic Brands Still Dominate

While domestic retailers dominated 85% of Q2 leasing, the international share of 15% equated to around 0.4 million sq. ft. Notably, 13 new global brands entered India in Q2 2025 alone, with 7 in the F&B segment.

Quote:

“India’s strategic position for retail expansion is evident. With 13 new global entrants in Q2 alone, it reflects rising global confidence driven by India’s young demographics and evolving consumption,”
said Rahul Arora, Head – Office Leasing & Retail Services, JLL India.

Outlook: 5.9 Million Sq. Ft. of Supply Set for H2 2025

With an additional 5.9 million sq. ft of new retail space scheduled for the second half of 2025, mainly in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, India is on track to cross the 10 million sq. ft annual leasing mark for the first time.

Table 3: Upcoming Retail Supply in H2 2025 (Select Markets)

Source: JLL Projections

However, the ability of developers to deliver high-quality retail infrastructure on time will be key to sustaining leasing momentum. Delays or mismatches in location and design could limit opportunities for expanding brands.

Conclusion

India’s retail real estate market is scaling new heights with a record-breaking H1 2025 performance. However, the sector now faces the challenge of keeping up with demand through timely supply, as developer and retailer strategies adjust to a changing consumption and investment environment. Both global and local players are betting big on India’s consumer growth—and so far, the numbers support their optimism.

Also Read: Retail Real Estate Booms in India: 169% YoY Growth in Q1 2025 Leasing Activity

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