Chennai, August 29, 2024: At the esteemed ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, the Retailers Association of India (RAI) organized the historic “Chennai Retail Summit 2024,” which brought together prominent decision-makers and business leaders from around the Indian retail sector. The “Changing World of Retail” theme of this year’s summit gave retail executives and service providers an interesting forum to discuss new trends, exchange ideas, and hone tactics in a retail environment that is always changing.
Speakers at the summit included Chockalingam S, co-founder and director of Opn Advertising Pvt. Ltd.; Balachandar R, director of Junior Kuppanna; C K Kumaravel, co-founder and chief medical officer of Naturals Salon; Saurabh Kumar, chief executive officer of Kaleesuwari Group’s retail division; Gautam Saraogi, chief executive officer of Go Fashion (India) Ltd. (Go Colors); and Madhumitha Udaykumar, co-founder and chief operating officer of The Indus Valley.
Speaking about the Chennai Retail Summit, Kumar Rajagopalan – Chief Executive Officer, Retailers Association of India (RAI), said, The Chennai Retail Summit emphasizes Chennai’s advantages as a market that was among the first in India to adopt the chain store concept. From Tier 1 to Tier 3, retailers in the area have effectively negotiated the intricacies of contemporary retail while adhering to their cultural heritage. The region stands out in an industry characterized by significant changes, including time poverty and the increasing need for hyperlocal solutions. It manages to maintain heritage while welcoming modernity.
Sonali Lalvani, CEO, Toniq Retail Brands, said, “The modern retail environment demands agility and an in-depth understanding of consumer behaviour. As retail shifts from traditional brick-and-mortar to omnichannel experiences, brands that prioritise seamless customer journeys and personalized interactions will thrive in this competitive market.“
Anand Bharadwaj, Co-Founder, Sweet Karam Coffee, said,“In today’s retail landscape, it’s not just about selling a product; it’s about creating a story that resonates with consumers along with the right value-added experiences. As we see a shift toward local and authentic preferences, brands that can harness the power of tradition with a contemporary twist and blend it with modern retail practices will find themselves leading the way.”
C K Kumaravel, Co-Founder & CMD, Naturals Salon, said, “The future of retail lies in the ability to innovate using technology while staying true to your brand’s core values. In the beauty and wellness sector, this means continuously evolving our services to meet the changing needs of our customers while maintaining the essence of what makes us unique. The key is to listen, adapt, and always put the customer first.”
