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.