The Retailers Association of India (RAI) successfully hosted the Retail India Summit & Expo (RISE) 2025 on November 11 in New Delhi. The event united top industry leaders, innovators, and retail service providers for strategic discussions on the evolving retail landscape.
Focusing on Technology and Retail Transformation
This year’s summit emphasised Retail Strategy, Digital Transformation, and Digital Payments, showcasing how technology continues to reshape customer experiences and business operations.
Sessions also explored Retail Real Estate, SaaS Solutions, and the growing role of Banks and NBFCs in retail growth. Discussions on supply chain, D2C models, and in-store innovation highlighted how smart systems and digital integration are driving retail efficiency.
Innovation at the Expo
The RISE 2025 Expo presented a range of cutting-edge solutions across digital tools, in-store experiences, and retail real estate. Exhibitors showcased advancements in AI, virtual reality, and merchandising technologies designed to enhance consumer engagement and operational excellence. These innovations underscored retail’s ongoing evolution to meet the expectations of today’s experience-driven shoppers.
Leaders’ Insights: The Future of Indian Retail
Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of RAI, noted that retail in North India continues to expand steadily. He said,
“Technology is moving from trial to daily use. Digital payments are routine, inventory systems are smarter, and SaaS tools are streamlining operations. Growth beyond metros is accelerating in cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, Ludhiana, and Dehradun.”
He added that collaboration among retailers, fintechs, and logistics players will define the next growth phase.
Rajesh Jain, Chairman – RAI Delhi Chapter & MD of Lacoste India, emphasized that consumers are more value-driven yet quality-conscious. “Technology is now invisible but indispensable,” he said, noting how personalization at scale is redefining physical retail.
Lalit Agarwal, MD of V-Mart Retail Ltd., highlighted the rise of the mass-premium shopper. He remarked that consumers in Tier 2 and 3 cities are “buying smarter” and expect affordability with quality.
Anupam Bansal, Director of Liberty Shoes Ltd., added, “Footwear retail reflects consumer confidence. Shoppers are choosing functional fashion that blends comfort, durability, and sustainability.”
Key Discussion Tracks
The summit featured multiple panels addressing the future of retail:
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Customer-First Growth in a Tougher Market explored how leaders balance price, purpose, and people.
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The Smart Store Playbook highlighted technologies like RFID and connected POS systems for frictionless shopping.
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Payments, Platforms & Possibilities examined how seamless commerce and integrated payments drive loyalty and scalability.
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Marketing That Moves People focused on AI-driven personalization, CRM, and storytelling in a connected world.
Collaborating for the Next Retail Wave
RISE 2025 brought together voices from top retail brands, including Relaxo Footwear, Rage Coffee, Cinépolis India, Forever New, and V-Mart Retail. As the Indian retail landscape transforms, the event reaffirmed the industry’s focus on innovation, collaboration, and adaptability to thrive in an ever-changing market.
