The Retail Insights Summit 2025: Voices of Innovation, held on February 1, 2025, at Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Rohini, was a premier gathering of industry experts, thought leaders, and professionals from the retail sector. The summit served as a platform for discussions on emerging retail trends, technological advancements and evolving consumer behavior in a rapidly transforming economic landscape.
With India’s economy reaching $3 trillion, the retail sector contributing approximately 10% of the GDP, and an average consumer age of 27, the industry is witnessing an unprecedented shift towards digitization, omnichannel experiences, and AI-driven strategies. The summit provided valuable insights into how businesses can adapt to these changes and remain competitive in the digital age.
The event featured two insightful panel discussions, each focusing on critical aspects of modern retail, along with expert keynote addresses at the onset and at the end.
Keynote Address: The Evolution of Retail & E-commerce
The summit commenced with a lead address by Mr. Rohit Aneja, TedEx Speaker, who provided a comprehensive overview of India’s retail landscape.
Key Highlights from the Keynote Address:
- India’s $3 Trillion Economy: Retail accounts for 10% of the total GDP, making it a major driver of economic growth.
- Digitalization of the Retail Sector: The rapid adoption of e-commerce, mobile payments, and AI-driven insights is transforming retail operations.
- Omnichannel Presence: Retailers must integrate their physical stores with online platforms to enhance customer experience and engagement.
- Challenges for Small Retailers: With e-commerce giants dominating the market, traditional small retailers must adopt digital tools to compete effectively.
- Technology Driving Consumer Needs: Innovations such as Click & Pay, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) are reshaping shopping experiences.
Panel Discussion 1: Decoding Consumer Behavior & Omnichannel Retailing
Overview
The first panel discussion focused on the evolving behavior of consumers in the digital era and how retailers can leverage omnichannel strategies to provide seamless customer experiences.
Panelists:
- Nitin Puneyani, Assistant General Manager – Buying & Merchandising, Reliance Retail
- Savio Nunes, Sr. Vice President (Operations), Landmark Group
- Anurag Pandey, Regional Head, Ecommerce, More Retail
- Vivek Agarwal, Visiting Faculty and Corporate Trainer (Moderator)
Key Discussion Points:
- Understanding Consumer Behavior in a Digital-First World
- With India’s youth averaging 27 years, shopping habits are shaped by personalized recommendations, digital experiences, and social commerce.
- Consumers expect a seamless transition between online and offline shopping.
- The Power of Omnichannel Retailing
- A successful omnichannel strategy integrates physical stores, websites, mobile apps, and social media.
- Click & Collect, same-day delivery, and mobile payments are crucial for meeting modern consumer demands.
- The Future of Small Retailers in the Digital Age
- Small retailers face competition from large e-commerce platforms.
- They must embrace digital payments, online marketplaces, and AI-driven inventory management to stay relevant.
- Technological Innovations Shaping Retail
- AI, data analytics, and predictive modeling help retailers understand customer needs.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are enhancing in-store experiences and bridging the gap between physical and digital retail.
- Challenges in Maintaining ROI in Physical Stores
- The rise of e-commerce is affecting footfall in traditional retail stores.
- Retailers must focus on experiential shopping, personalized services, and integrated loyalty programs to maximize ROI.
Conclusion:
The discussion reinforced the importance of leveraging technology, embracing omnichannel strategies, and adapting to changing consumer behaviors to thrive in the competitive retail industry.
Panel Discussion 2: Sustainable Retail Practices & Future Trends for 2025
Overview
The second panel discussion centered around the sustainability of retail businesses, challenges in supply chain management, regulatory frameworks, and the rise of e-commerce.
Panelists:
- Sanjeev Hans, Lead RO North – Retail Operations
- Udit Babbar, CEO, Shivay Enterprises (Sustainability & Repurpose)
- Deepak Choudhary, CEO, Audi Delhi West
- Navratnesh Dabra, Visiting Faculty and Corporate Trainer (Moderator)
Key Discussion Points:
- Organized vs. Unorganized Retail
- Organized Retail (15% share): Includes malls, supermarkets, and online stores that benefit from advanced supply chains and digital strategies.
- Unorganized Retail (85% share): Small kirana stores and local vendors face challenges in digital adoption and regulatory compliance.
- Digitization and government policies are needed to support unorganized retailers in transitioning to structured business models.
- Supply Chain Challenges & Outdated Technologies
- Fragmented supply chains and outdated inventory management systems lead to inefficiencies.
- AI-driven logistics, cloud-based inventory solutions, and automated warehouses can streamline supply chain operations.
- Regulatory Framework & Compliance Issues
- GST regulations, labor laws, and fair trade practices are shaping the future of retail.
- Many small businesses struggle to comply with complex regulations, affecting their operations.
- The Rise of E-commerce & Its Impact on Traditional Retail
- The exponential growth of e-commerce is shifting consumer habits toward convenience-based shopping.
- Traditional retailers must implement hybrid models, including online delivery and click-and-collect services, to stay competitive.
- Real Estate Challenges in Retail
- High rental costs and rising real estate prices make physical store expansions difficult.
- Alternative solutions such as pop-up stores, shared retail spaces, and co-branded outlets were discussed as cost-effective alternatives.
Conclusion:
This panel highlighted the importance of regulatory support, technological advancements, and innovative retail models to ensure sustainable business growth in the future.
Special Address: Measuring Customer Experience for Business Success
The summit concluded with a special address by Ms. Vibha Sarin Prabhakar, Chief Experience Officer at Shriram Automall, focusing on how customer experience plays a crucial role in retail success.
Key takeaways included:
- Personalization, AI-driven insights, and predictive analytics are essential for improving customer experiences.
- Measuring customer satisfaction and engagement levels can help businesses fine-tune their strategies for better profitability.
Final Thoughts
The Retail Insights Summit 2025 provided a rich platform for discussions on the future of retail, emerging trends, and business strategies. The key takeaways from the event include:
- Technology is the biggest driving force in modern retail.
- Omnichannel retailing is essential for businesses to survive in the digital era.
- Small retailers must embrace digitization to compete with e-commerce giants.
- Supply chain innovations, regulatory frameworks, and real estate challenges must be addressed for sustainable growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Retail’s Growth in India’s Economy
- Tech-Driven Shopping & Omnichannel Evolution
- Small Retailers Must Adapt to Digitalization
- Sustainable Retail & Regulatory Compliance
- A dynamic summit shaping the future of retail innovation!
The insights and discussions from this summit will shape the future of retail, helping businesses navigate challenges and harness new opportunities in the evolving market.