The Retailers Association of India (RAI) successfully hosted the Kolkata Retail Summit (KRS) 2025 on December 2 at Hyatt Regency, Kolkata. Also known as the Retail Convention of Eastern India, this edition brought together retailers, service providers and industry leaders. The summit encouraged collaboration, explored new growth opportunities and highlighted the rapid rise of omnichannel retail in the region.
A Platform for Insight, Innovation and Networking
KRS 2025 delivered engaging discussions, practical insights and valuable networking. Participants explored the latest trends reshaping India’s retail landscape. The summit reinforced its role as a key platform for retailers aiming to innovate and build strong partnerships across Eastern India’s expanding retail ecosystem.
Leaders Reflect on Eastern India’s Dynamic Retail Shift
Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India (RAI), noted that Eastern India is entering a defining phase. He emphasised rising consumer demand, strong leasing activity across high streets and malls and rapid improvements in logistics. According to him, cities like Kolkata are witnessing the emergence of new retail formats. As brands blend heritage with innovation, the East is evolving into a future-ready retail hub.
Sagar Daryani, Co-Founder & CEO, Wow! Momo Foods Pvt. Ltd., and Chairman of RAI’s Kolkata Chapter, highlighted that consumers in the East are increasingly experimental. They welcome new ideas across food, fashion and digital-first brands, as long as authenticity remains intact. He added that successful brands in the region scale not only products but also identity and emotion.
Iffat Jahan, Director at Metto Supermarket Pvt. Ltd., stated that the East has moved beyond catching up. It is now a market others can learn from. Consumer behaviour is shifting toward convenience-led retail. Trust, accessibility and relevance matter more than store size. Digital payments and home delivery, she explained, are becoming everyday norms.
Rohit Kedia, Co-Founder & Director of Style Baazar, remarked that the biggest opportunity lies between aspiration and affordability. Tier 2 and 3 consumers want variety, not only value. Regional retailers understand local culture, festivals and family-driven buying patterns, giving them a strong competitive edge.
Ravee Shanker, CMO, Krishna Bhumi Arcade, said retail today is about creating destinations. Shoppers want immersive experiences, curated spaces and lifestyle-led environments. Malls are evolving into community hubs where food, culture and entertainment blend seamlessly.
Panels Decode Consumer Trends, Experience and Collaboration
KRS 2025 featured several forward-thinking panel discussions.
One session, “The New Consumer Playbook: What Shoppers in the East Really Want,” examined shifting expectations and emerging buying habits. Another discussion, “Experience is Everything: From Storefront to Storytelling,” highlighted how immersive spaces and authentic brand narratives are reshaping engagement.
A third panel, “The Power of Partnership: Retailers, Brands, and Technology Working Together,” underscored the importance of collaboration and integrated solutions. The summit concluded with “Retail 2025 and Beyond: Building for the Next Generation,” which focused on innovation, adaptability and customer-centric growth.
Industry Voices Share Knowledge and Future Outlook
Notable speakers included Aninda Das (Infinity Group), Sagar Daryani (Wow! Momo), Ankur Agarwal (Medkart Pharmacy), Deepak Kumar (Wah! Puchka), Dipraj Das (Craft Coffee), Rohit Kedia and Shreyans Surana (Style Baazar), Suman Mukherjee (Barbeque Nation) and Surbhit Lihala (Keventer Agro Ltd.), among others.
A Premier Hub for Retail Collaboration
KRS continues to serve as an essential platform for retailers and service providers. The 2025 edition offered panel discussions, fireside conversations and curated networking opportunities. Attendees explored partnerships, engaged with po
