Mall Space Demand Surges, Supply Struggles to Keep Up for Third Year

India’s shopping mall sector is witnessing unprecedented demand, with leasing activity exceeding new supply for the third consecutive year. Vacancy rates have dropped to 7.8 percent, and rental prices are rising as top malls operate at near-full capacity.

The Rise of Premium Retail Spaces: Brands Prioritize Experience-Driven Stores

India’s retail landscape is evolving rapidly, with brands focusing on premium, experience-driven shopping destinations. With 60 new malls set to open by 2025 and industry growth projected at 9% annually, retailers are integrating advanced technologies like AI, AR/VR, and omnichannel strategies. Industry leaders emphasize the growing importance of interactive and storytelling-based retail environments to attract high-end consumers and enhance brand engagement.

Mall Vacancy Levels Down to 8.3% in H1 2024 amid Robust Leasing, Limited Supply

According to ANAROCK’s H1 2024 Retail RELEAP report, mall vacancy rates have dropped to 8.3%, the lowest in six years, as demand continues to outstrip supply. Over 3 million square feet of retail space was leased in the first half of 2024, with a significant demand for smaller spaces and a growing presence of exclusive watches and jewellery stores. The highest upcoming retail supply is expected in NCR, MMR, and Hyderabad, accounting for over 85% of new space.

Main Streets Lead Retail Leasing Growth in Q3 2024; Rentals Surge Amid Tightening Vacancies

Cushman & Wakefield’s Q3 2024 Retail MarketBeat report highlights a strong retail leasing performance, with main streets driving the majority of the 1.6 million square feet leased across top cities. Rental rates surged in high-demand areas like Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, and Chennai, while tightening vacancies in Grade-A malls point to increasing demand for premium retail space.