In 2025, appliances and electronics specialists in India delivered robust value growth, with retail sales reaching INR 4.64 trillion and a year-on-year increase of 11%. This rate of growth outpaces broader macroeconomic indicators, such as real GDP, which rose by 7%, and occurred despite moderate economic headwinds and some consumer caution. The category’s strong momentum is fuelled by heightened demand for home appliances, consumer electronics, and premium gadgets, especially in urban and semi

Direct selling in India maintained positive growth in 2025, with current value sales reaching INR 244.1 billion, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. While this represents a slight moderation compared with 2024, it reflects a maturing channel alongside intensifying competitive pressure from online retail. Despite this, India continues to stand out regionally for its resilience, supported by sustained demand for wellness, personal care, and household products.

Retail in India is experiencing robust expansion, with retail value increasing by 10% in current terms in 2025, reaching INR 76.16 trillion. This performance reflects sustained consumer spending power and a favourable macroeconomic backdrop, supported by 7% real GDP growth and inflation at 2%.

Apparel and footwear specialists in India recorded moderate current value growth in 2025, reaching INR 5.7 trillion, representing a 7% year-on-year increase from 2024. While this marks a slight improvement from the previous year, it remains below the stronger expansion seen in 2023. Demand is stabilising on the back of improving urban sentiment, festive and wedding-related purchases, and the continued expansion of organised retail formats, although cautious consumer behaviour and subdued confide

In 2025, hypermarkets maintained strong current value growth, reaching INR 755.8 billion and registering a 19% increase over the previous year, outperforming broader economic trends in the region. This performance reflects solid demand for essential goods, supported by urban consumption and a gradual recovery in discretionary spending, despite continued consumer caution in response to elevated food prices and rising household expenses. Although growth has moderated compared to the immediate post

Supermarkets in India is delivering continued growth, with current value sales reaching INR1.14 trillion and an annual increase of 8%. This represents a moderation compared to the double-digit expansion of previous years, reflecting a more mature but still robust trajectory. The performance stands out in the regional context, as India’s supermarkets benefit from urbanisation, rising disposable incomes in major cities, and a growing preference for organised retail formats that offer variety, hygi

Convenience retailers in India achieved moderate but resilient growth in 2025, with current value sales rising to INR48.86 billion, up 7% from the previous year. This growth is driven by the return of routine commuting and increased urban mobility, which supports demand for on-the-go snacks, beverages, and ready-to-eat foods. The expansion of proximity formats in metropolitan areas and the integration of foodservice elements, such as fresh bakery and hot beverages, further elevate the consumer o

Small local grocers in India delivered steady, though slightly softer, growth in 2025, with sales reaching INR 33.24 trillion, up 9% from the previous year. While overall value growth remains robust, it is marginally slower than in prior years, signalling a maturing and increasingly price-driven retail landscape. This performance reflects a resilient but more challenging operating environment, particularly when compared to the broader regional and global context where organised retail and quick-

Health and beauty specialists in India delivered strong current value growth in 2025, building on the positive momentum established in 2024. Value reached INR 3.13 billion, up 11% from the previous year. This performance stands out in the regional and global context, as India maintained double-digit growth while many other Asia Pacific markets experienced moderating expansion rates. Growth was underpinned by rising disposable incomes, with real GDP growth at 7% and inflation moderating to 2%, th

Home products specialists in India recorded robust current value growth of 10% in 2025, with total sales reaching INR 2.84 trillion. This performance is supported by continued urbanisation, higher disposable incomes, and evolving consumer lifestyles, as reflected in the country's strong real GDP growth of 7% and moderating inflation at 2% in 2025. India’s consumer expenditure as a percentage of GDP also rose to 62%, signalling an environment conducive to discretionary spending on home products.

General merchandise stores in India recorded accelerated growth in 2025, with value sales rising from INR 346.12 billion in 2024 to INR 401.9 billion, representing a 16% increase. This performance significantly outpaces the broader economic context, where real GDP growth stands at 7%, supported by relatively low inflation of 2%. The strong uplift is driven by expanding disposable incomes, continued urbanisation, and the growth of an urban middle class, particularly across tier 1 and tier 2 citie

In 2025, retail e-commerce in India posted robust double-digit growth, reaching INR 7.25 trillion, a 21% increase from the previous year. This strong performance is driven by favourable economic conditions, notably real GDP growth of 7% and low inflation at 2%, which support consumer confidence and stabilise household sentiment. The rise in consumer expenditure to 62% of GDP, combined with a working-age population exceeding one billion, creates a highly supportive environment for digital commerc

In 2025, fragrances in India recorded robust double-digit value growth of 15%, with retail sales reaching INR66.4 billion. This performance was supported by a growing population, which reached 1.46 billion, providing a vast and expanding consumer base. The market experienced a pronounced shift in consumer perception, with fragrances transitioning from special occasion items to everyday lifestyle accessories. Driven by rising aspirational consumption among Gen Z and younger millennials, personal

In 2025, hair care in India demonstrated robust 9% current value growth to reach sales of INR399.7 billion. This performance was driven by urbanisation, rising disposable incomes and a growing national population that reached 1.46 billion. A key factor in this expansion is the shift towards holistic wellness, with consumers increasingly adopting advanced, multi-step regimens similar to skin care routines. Salon professional hair care experienced particularly dynamic growth, rising by 10% to reac

In 2025, oral care in India recorded 4% current value growth to reach INR171.5 billion. This performance reflects a mature landscape where overall volume gains remained modest, with value expansion driven primarily by premiumisation and product innovation. Operating within a population of 1.46 billion, players face the challenge of saturation in core products, necessitating differentiation beyond basic hygiene. Within the category, toothpaste held the largest share, posting retail sales of INR13

Beauty and personal care in India delivered a standout performance in 2025 with a 9% increase in retail sales, which highlighted the market’s dynamism and attractiveness. Growth is underpinned by rising disposable incomes, a rapidly expanding middle class, and a strong shift towards daily routines, with consumers increasingly seeking science-led efficacy, ingredient transparency, and wellness-driven innovation across both mass and premium formats. The environment is further shaped by the acceler

Colour cosmetics in India delivered robust double-digit value growth of 14% in 2025, reaching INR156.1 billion. This performance outpaced many regional and global peers, capitalising on an expanding national population of 1.46 billion. The strong growth was fuelled by rapid product innovation, high engagement among younger demographics and broadening access to both international and domestic brands through an increasingly omnichannel retail landscape.

Skin care in India recorded robust double-digit value growth of 13% in 2025, reaching retail sales of INR322.1 billion. This strong performance was supported by an expanding population of 1.46 billion and a distinct consumer appetite for clinically positioned, ingredient-led products. The market is increasingly shaped by the convergence of dermatology, diagnostics, and digital education. Dermatologist-founded and clinically positioned players, such as The Derma Co., Dr. Sheth's, and Minimalist,

Bath and shower in India recorded a positive value growth of 4% in 2025, reaching retail sales of INR353.7 billion. While this represents a slight slowdown indicative of a maturing landscape, underlying demand remains supported by a population of 1.46 billion and rising disposable incomes. Bar soap remained the largest category by value, generating INR308.6 billion with a 3% growth rate. Its enduring scale is driven by affordability and deep rural penetration. However, urban and younger consumer

In 2025, men’s grooming in India achieved strong value growth of 9%, with retail sales reaching INR186.3 billion. This expansion continues a trajectory of high single-digit and double-digit value growth observed since 2020. The market benefits from a growing population base, which reached 1.46 billion in 2025, alongside rising disposable incomes among young urban professionals. These demographic factors ensure a broadening consumer base and intensify demand for sophisticated grooming products. F

Depilatories in India experienced robust growth of 11% in 2025 to reach INR34.7 billion , driven by evolving consumer preferences, expanding e-commerce distribution, and continued innovation from digital-first brands. This double-digit value growth highlights India’s strong momentum as at-home hair removal routines become increasingly entrenched in daily personal care, particularly among younger consumers and urban households.

Deodorants in India recorded a strong performance in 2025, reaching a value of INR63.5 billion following a 10% growth rate. This expansion was driven by rapid urbanisation, a rising middle class and a total population of 1.46 billion, providing a substantial consumer base that is increasingly open to premium offerings. Deodorant sprays remained the largest contributor to value sales, reaching INR49.2 billion. This format maintained its dominance due to established usage habits, affordable price

In 2025, sun care in India achieved high double-digit value growth, with sales increasing by 33% to reach INR25.8 billion. This rapid acceleration positioned it as the fastest-growing beauty and personal care category in the country, outperforming the broader Asia Pacific region. The momentum is underpinned by a population of 1.46 billion, alongside ongoing urbanisation and rising spending power in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. Furthermore, heightened consumer awareness regarding UV damage, healthy

Baby and child-specific products in India recorded robust double-digit value growth in 2025, with sales increasing by 10% to reach INR73 billion. This performance was driven by rising disposable incomes, expanding urbanisation, and a growing population that reached 1.46 billion. Demand was particularly strong for everyday essentials, as parents showed a greater willingness to invest in premium products for infants and young children. Baby and child-specific toiletries formed the largest category