The Retailers Association of India (RAI) successfully hosted the inaugural Visakhapatnam Retail Summit (VRS) 2025 at Novotel, bringing together prominent retailers and thought leaders from across Andhra Pradesh. The summit served as a collaborative platform to discuss retail opportunities in Tier-2 cities and the evolving dynamics of consumer behavior beyond metropolitan markets.
In his opening remarks, RAI CEO Kumar Rajagopalan highlighted the sector’s contribution to employment and GDP, and noted that Andhra Pradesh’s expanding retail infrastructure, new malls, and investor-friendly policies are fueling growth in emerging urban hubs.
Panel discussions and keynote sessions explored the future of retail in non-metro regions under themes like “Profitability Beyond the Metro” and “The Smart Store Revolution.”
Industry leaders shared their insights:
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Avnish Anand, Director of Neeru’s and RAI Hyderabad Chairman, said Andhra Pradesh offers a unique mix of local flavor and global ambition, with Visakhapatnam emerging as a transformative hotspot.
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Mavuri Venkatramana, Chairman & MD of CMR Group, emphasized rising consumer expectations for quality, variety, and seamless retail experiences.
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Kankatala Mallikharjuna Rao, MD of Kankatala Textiles, noted a growing appetite for curated, premium offerings and a blend of tradition with innovation in Tier-2 cities.
Notable brands such as BigBasket, Creamstone, Vishal Peripherals, and others participated, reflecting the state’s vibrant and diverse retail landscape.
The summit concluded with a networking session aimed at fostering deeper partnerships and knowledge exchange among regional players.
