India Retail Sales Grow 7% Year-on-Year in April 2026: RAI Business Survey
Consumer durables, electronics, food and grocery lead growth as retailers focus on inventory planning and operational efficiency
The Retailers Association of India (RAI) reported that retail sales across India increased by 7% year-on-year in April 2026, based on findings from Round 70 of its monthly Business Survey.
The survey reflects continued stability in consumer demand across multiple regions and product categories.
West India Leads Regional Growth
Among regions, West India recorded the highest retail growth at 9%, followed by South India at 8%.
North India and the Pan-India average both registered 7% growth, while East India reported 5% year-on-year growth.
Consumer Durables and Electronics Record Highest Growth
Across retail categories, consumer durables and electronics posted the strongest performance with 11% growth.
Other category-wise growth figures include:
- Food & Grocery: 9%
- Apparel: 8%
- Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs): 8%
- Footwear: 7%
Retailers Focus on Cost Management and Inventory Planning
According to the survey, retailers continue to operate in a market environment characterised by cautious consumer spending and rising operating costs.
While discretionary purchases remain selective, essential product categories continue to support retail demand. Businesses are also placing greater emphasis on inventory planning, value-oriented offerings and operational efficiencies to manage margins.
RAI CEO Comments on Market Conditions
Kumar Rajagopalan, Executive Director and CEO, RAI, said:
"Retail in India has witnessed a modest 7% growth in April ‘26. Decent but not exciting. Global cost pressures are real, and they are showing up in how businesses are operating across categories. India has navigated these pressures better than many others. Consumers still want to spend — that intent is there, and that matters. But retailers are being careful, and rightly so."