RAI’s RISE 2025 Unites Retail Leaders to Drive Innovation

Industry visionaries gather at RISE 2025 to shape the next chapter of India’s retail growth

The Retailers Association of India (RAI) successfully hosted Retail India Summit & Expo (RISE) 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together leading retailers, technology providers, and innovators to explore how strategy, digital transformation, and collaboration are redefining the country’s retail ecosystem.

The Retailers Association of India (RAI) concluded its flagship event, the Retail India Summit & Expo (RISE) 2025, held on November 11 in New Delhi. The annual summit convened a distinguished lineup of retail pioneers, service providers, and innovation leaders to deliberate on the future of the retail sector in a fast-evolving, technology-driven environment.

The event centered on pivotal themes including retail strategy, digital transformation, and digital payments, highlighting the role of technology in reshaping both consumer engagement and business operations. Key sessions delved into retail real estate, SaaS solutions for retail management, and the expanding influence of banks and NBFCs in enabling retail growth. Other focus areas included supply chain optimization, D2C business models, and advanced in-store technologies, each underlining how innovation is enhancing efficiency and consumer experience.

The Expo accompanying the summit showcased a broad array of innovations—from AI and virtual reality applications to advanced retail fittings and merchandising tools. These exhibits reflected how Indian retailers are adopting smart technologies to enrich customer journeys and create efficient, immersive retail spaces.

“Retail in North India has grown at a steady pace,” said Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of RAI. “Consumers are more mindful and tech adoption has moved from experimentation to everyday use. Digital payments are now routine, inventory systems smarter, and SaaS tools more integrated. Growth is no longer confined to metros—cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, Ludhiana, and Dehradun are becoming vibrant retail centers. The next phase depends on how effectively retailers, fintechs, and logistics partners collaborate. RISE plays a vital role in fostering this ecosystem.”

Rajesh Jain, Chairman – RAI Delhi Chapter & MD, Lacoste India, added: “North India reflects the pulse of Indian retail. Customers today value experience and authenticity over excess. Technology, while subtle, has become essential—helping retailers deliver personalized experiences without losing the human touch that defines physical retail.”

Lalit Agarwal, MD, V-Mart Retail Ltd., observed: “The new retail story is about democratized aspiration. Tier 2 and 3 consumers are shopping smarter and demanding premium experiences within reach. Growth will be driven not just by expansion but by efficiency, inventory intelligence, and localized engagement.”

Anupam Bansal, Director, Liberty Shoes Ltd., remarked: “Footwear mirrors consumer sentiment. Today’s shopper values comfort, durability, and sustainability. This shift is pushing retailers to move from transactional selling to building long-term customer relationships.”

The summit’s expert sessions explored practical strategies for navigating an increasingly competitive marketplace. Key panels included:

• Customer-First Growth in a Tougher Market – CEOs discussed balancing price, purpose, and profitability while maintaining customer relevance.
• The Smart Store Playbook – Demonstrated how RFID, POS integration, and connected systems enhance in-store efficiency.
• Payments, Platforms & Possibilities – Examined the power of unified commerce and seamless payment ecosystems in shaping loyalty.
• Marketing That Moves People – Showcased how creativity, CRM, and AI-powered personalization are redefining brand storytelling.

Notable speakers included Aakash Koparkar (Relaxo Footwear), Ankur Bhatia (Chogori India Retail Ltd.), Ashim Ashok Patil (i-TEK RFID), Bharat Sethi (Rage Coffee), Devang Sampat (Cinépolis India), Dhruv Bogra (Forever New Clothing), and several others representing India’s most dynamic retail brands.

As India’s retail landscape continues to evolve, RISE 2025 reaffirmed the sector’s collective focus on innovation, agility, and collaboration, ensuring that Indian retail remains resilient and future-ready in an ever-changing global marketplace.

The Retail India Summit & Expo (RISE) serves as RAI’s definitive networking and knowledge-sharing platform, connecting retailers with technology providers, logistics players, and solution partners. It remains an essential destination for industry professionals seeking inspiration, innovation, and partnerships to drive growth and enhance customer experience.