Growth of  India’s E-retail Market

Syllabus :GS 3/Economy 

In News

• India’s e-retail market is expected to triple to $170–$190 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) by 2030 driven by an expanding shopper base and innovative business models.

India’s retail industry

• It  is one of the fastest-growing globally and India is a key market for international retail giants, driven by its large middle class and untapped potential. 
• The urban Indian consumer’s increasing purchasing power is fostering demand for branded goods across various categories.

Drivers of Growth

• Favorable Demographics: India’s large, young population, rising middle class, urbanization, and changing lifestyles are major contributors to retail growth, supported by favorable government policies.
  • User adoption is spreading to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, with 60% of new shoppers since 2020 coming from smaller cities.
  • The Northeast region shows higher e-retail penetration, with 1.2 times higher shopper adoption than other parts of India.
• Increase in Income and Purchasing Power: India ranks amongst the top economies  in GDP by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), with rising income levels and improved purchasing power, alongside a significant reduction in extreme poverty.
• Change in Consumer Mindset: A shift from traditional retail to online platforms has led to increased convenience, wider product selection, price sensitivity, trust in online transactions, and greater reliance on technology and fast delivery.
• Brand Consciousness: Consumers in India are becoming more brand-conscious, influenced by economic, cultural, and technological factors.
• Easy Consumer Credit and Quality Products: The growth of unsecured retail loans alongside a rise in quality products, has further boosted consumer spending.

Current Status

• India is currently the world’s second-largest e-retail market and had over 270 million online shoppers in 2024.
  • India now trails only China, which boasts a staggering 920 million digital buyers.
• The market is valued at $60 billion in 2024, with a growth rate of 10–12%, down from over 20% due to macroeconomic pressures.
• Categories like grocery, lifestyle, and general merchandise are expected to drive 70% of incremental growth by 2030, with penetration levels rising two to four times.
  • Quick commerce (Q-commerce), accounting for 10% of total e-retail GMV, is forecast to grow over 40% annually.

Challenges 

• India’s e-retail market surged in 2024, but its annual growth rate has slowed due to broader economic challenges, including rising inflation, stagnant wages, and weakened consumer spending, particularly in urban markets.
• Many consumer brands have reported sluggish revenue growth, struggling to adapt to changing spending patterns.

Various initiatives

• The government has introduced policies to improve the business climate and simplify the process for foreign companies to establish fully owned subsidiaries, further boosting the retail sector’s growth.
• Government of India has allowed 100% FDI in online retail of goods and services through the automatic route, thereby providing clarity on the existing businesses of E-commerce companies operating in India.

Conclusion and Way Forward 

• The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted consumer preferences, blending online and offline shopping experiences. 
• Retailers are using innovative strategies, integrating e-commerce with traditional methods, and experimenting with new revenue models to enhance customer value. 
• E-commerce is growing rapidly, offering consumers more choices at lower prices, and is expected to continue revolutionizing the retail industry.
• Retailers should focus on digital channels to reduce real estate costs and reach more customers in Tier II and Tier III cities.

Source :IE