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07 March 2023
By Indian Retailer

The evolution of the Indian Retail bazaar has been shaped by various factors, including changes in consumer behavior, technological advancements, regulatory reforms, and demographic shifts. Here's a brief overview of the major phases in the evolution of Indian retail:

  • Pre-Independence Era: Before India earned independence in 1947, the retail market was dominated by small, independent mom-and-pop stores that catered to the local community's daily needs.
  • License Raj: In the post-independence era, India adopted a policy of protectionism, which led to the emergence of a regulated and fragmented retail market. The government granted licenses to a few players to operate in the retail sector, leading to the formation of large-scale departmental stores.
  • Liberalization: In the 1990s, India began opening up its economy, and the retail sector saw a major transformation. The government removed many of the regulations that hindered the growth of the retail industry, leading to the entry of multinational players like Walmart and Tesco.
  • E-commerce: The advent of e-commerce in the early 2000s disrupted the traditional retail market in India. E-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon quickly gained popularity, particularly among urban consumers, offering a convenient and hassle-free shopping experience.
  • Modern Retail: Over the last decade, modern retail has emerged as a key player in the Indian retail bazaar. Organized retail chains like Reliance Retail, Aditya Birla Group, Spencer's Retail and the future group (acquired by Reliance Retail in 2020) have invested heavily in building a pan-India presence, offering a range of products under one roof.

Overall, the Indian retail bazaar has come a long way, and its evolution has been driven by a combination of global trends, local factors, and changing consumer preferences.

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