The Retailers Association of India (RAI) and the Malabar Chamber of Commerce collaborated to successfully conduct the Kerala Retail Summit 2024 on October 9, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza Kochi. The event drew together a distinguished group of retail stalwarts, industry professionals, and thought leaders. This esteemed occasion provided a crucial forum for participants from a range of retail specialties, encouraging education, connections, and insightful conversation about the region’s ever-changing retail environment.
The summit included an extensive program that included talks on a variety of subjects, such as cutting-edge branding techniques, the effects of social media and visual commerce, and new developments in technology. With keynote addresses by well-known figures and expert panel discussions led by industry experts, the summit’s goal was to give attendees the transformational ideas and important insights they would need to propel sustainable growth in the retail sector going forward.
The CEO of the Retailers Association of India (RAI), Kumar Rajagopalan, stated in reference to the Kerala Retail Summit 2024 that Kerala “holds great potential for retail, with its population being highly receptive to modern retail formats and innovations.” The consumers of the state are well-read and progressive, providing a solid base for expansion. Retailers should take use of these chances to improve consumer experiences and expand Kerala’s retail environment by concentrating on branding tactics, retail innovation, and technology.
Deepak Aswani, Chairman of the Retailers Association of India (RAI), Kochi Chapter, and MD Aswani Lachmandas Group, said, “Kerala’s retail landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by a unique blend of traditional values and modern consumer expectations. Retailers who understand and adapt to this shift are well-positioned to thrive in this dynamic environment. It’s an exciting time to be part of Kerala’s retail journey as we embrace innovation and growth.”
Mathew Joseph, Chief Operating Officer, FreshToHome, said, “Retail today is shaped by consumers who prioritise both quality and transparency. As the market evolves, businesses that stay focused on delivering trust and value will succeed. It’s about aligning innovation with customer expectations and continuously adapting to the changing landscape.”
Nityanand Kamath, President, Malabar Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director, Ace Group of Companies, said, “Kerala’s retail sector is at a pivotal point where tradition meets modernity, offering unique growth opportunities. Businesses that recognise the value of blending local strengths with global trends will be best positioned to succeed. We should focus on fostering innovation while staying true to the roots that make Kerala’s retail landscape so distinctive.”
The Kerala Retail Summit 2024 hosted in-depth panel discussions on a range of topics, including Hyperlocal Retail, The Dynamics Between Small and Big Retailers, Technological Trends, Visual Commerce, Branding Strategies, and Digital Payments. Deliberating at the summit were some prominent faces of the retail industry in the region.
