Kochi Retail Summit 2026 Highlights Retail Growth and Digital Change
The fourth edition of the summit brought retail leaders together to discuss digital growth, changing consumer habits and new opportunities in Kerala.
The Retailers Association of India (RAI) held the fourth Kochi Retail Summit on 28 October 2026. The event took place at Radisson Blu Kochi in association with the Kerala Management Association (KMA). It brought together professionals from across the retail sector.
The summit gave retailers, brand owners and technology providers a platform to share ideas and build partnerships. Discussions focused on brand positioning, social commerce, visual commerce and retail innovation. Experts also explored new technologies and digital growth strategies.
Kerala’s Retail Market Offers New Opportunities
Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India (RAI), highlighted Kerala’s potential for retail growth.
“Kerala is a particularly interesting retail market because the distinction between urban and rural consumption is less pronounced than in many other states. With a large Malayali diaspora worldwide, consumers are familiar with international shopping trends and have high expectations of quality, choice, and service. Retailers understand these expectations and are adapting. Combined with strong regional businesses and growing opportunities beyond the major cities, this makes Kerala an exciting market for retail growth. At RAI, we look forward to supporting this growth by connecting retailers with industry knowledge, new opportunities and each other.”
His remarks highlighted the changing needs of Kerala’s consumers. As a result, retailers must focus on quality, choice and service. They must also explore opportunities beyond major cities.
Regional Brands Adapt to Changing Consumer Habits
Younger consumers are changing how brands connect with shoppers. They discover products online, follow creators and explore new trends. They also seek brands that reflect their interests and local culture.
Swaroop Krishnan, CEO & Co-founder, My Designation, discussed these changes. He highlighted the need for brands to build lasting customer relationships. To do so, businesses must offer products and experiences that meet consumer expectations.
Deepak Aswani, Chairman, Aswani Lachmandas Group, also discussed the changing retail landscape.
“Kerala has a long tradition of successful family-run and regional retail businesses, many of which have grown through relationships built over generations. What is interesting today is how those relationships are evolving. Customers have greater choice, they compare prices and products across platforms, and they expect the same quality of service whether they shop locally or from a national brand. For regional retailers, this creates both competition and opportunity. Our understanding of the local customer remains a strength, but we must keep improving the shopping experience, product selection and convenience. Businesses that can combine that understanding with a willingness to change will be better placed to grow.”
His comments highlighted the need for regional retailers to keep pace with changing expectations. Local knowledge remains a key strength. However, businesses must also improve product selection, convenience and the shopping experience.
Fashion Retail Balances Tradition and Innovation
Fashion preferences in Kerala are also evolving. Consumers are exploring new styles and designs while staying connected to their cultural roots. This trend is especially visible during festive seasons.
Dr Aysha Ruby, CEO, Ruby Vesture Exports & Founder, Reveil, shared her views on these changes.
“Fashion consumers in Kerala are becoming increasingly open to experimenting with styles, fabrics and contemporary designs, while continuing to value the traditions that are deeply rooted in our culture. This is particularly evident during festive seasons, when consumers seek clothing that reflects their personal style while remaining connected to their cultural identity. Comfort, versatility, quality and responsible choices are becoming increasingly important in purchasing decisions. For fashion businesses, the opportunity lies in understanding these evolving expectations and creating collections that combine craftsmanship, contemporary design and value. I believe the future of regional fashion retail will depend on how effectively we bridge tradition and innovation while responding to the changing lifestyles and aspirations of today’s consumers.”
Her views highlighted new opportunities for fashion businesses. Retailers can respond by combining traditional influences with contemporary designs. They can also focus on comfort, quality and responsible choices.
Retail Leaders Share Industry Insights
The summit featured experts from Kerala’s retail and business sectors. Speakers included Deepak Aswani, Chairman, Aswani Lachmandas Group; Shibu Philips, Director, Shopping Malls, Lulu Group India; Mathew Joseph, CEO and Co-Founder, Fresh 2 Home; and Naveedh Valiya Valappil, Co-Founder, Make Your Own Perfume (MYOP).
The discussions covered regional retail, shopping experiences and changing consumer needs. They also highlighted opportunities for businesses to adapt to new market trends.
Overall, the Kochi Retail Summit 2026 strengthened the dialogue between retailers, industry bodies and business partners. RAI and KMA aim to continue these discussions. Through ongoing collaboration, they seek to support the growth of Kerala’s retail sector.
