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.

Indian retail sector booms: 5.3 million sq. ft leased in top 7 cities during first 9 months (Jan-Sept) of 2024

The Indian retail market demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2024, with gross leasing reaching 5.3 million sq. ft across the top seven cities during the first nine months. Led by Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai, demand was particularly strong for fashion and apparel, which accounted for 37% of leasing activity. Despite limited new retail space, the influx of domestic and international brands signals a growing optimism in the sector, with expectations to exceed 6.5 million sq. ft by year-end.