Retail Leaders Gather at Chennai Retail Summit 2025
The Retailers Association of India (RAI) hosted the Chennai Retail Summit 2025 at ITC Grand Chola, bringing together leading voices from the Indian retail industry. Themed “Changing World of Retail,” the summit became a dynamic exchange platform for discussing industry trends, growth strategies, and transformation in retail.
Chennai’s increasing importance as a retail innovation hub was on full display. The summit included a keynote by industrialist Mr. R. G. Chandramogan, Founder of the Hatsun Group, and a special address by Ba. Ramesh, Joint Managing Director of Thangamayil Jewellery, adding depth to the dialogue on future-ready retail.
Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of RAI, remarked, “Tamil Nadu has always led modern retail in India. Its depth of retail activity extends beyond major cities, and with a tech-savvy consumer base and strong infrastructure, the region is ideally positioned for growth. Retail also plays a critical role in employment across supply chains, logistics, and customer services. Tamil Nadu continues to offer a powerful example of retail innovation and adaptability.”
Prominent industry leaders who participated included R. Balachandar (MD, Haribhavanam Restaurants), Balachandar R (Director, Junior Kuppanna), Suhail Sattar (Director, Hasbro Clothing - Basics), C.K. Kumaravel (Co-Founder, Naturals Salon & Spa), and Palaniswamy Vanjimuthu (Director, Boomerang Ice Cream). Their inputs offered strategic insights on navigating evolving markets and consumer behavior.
Panel sessions explored vital retail themes such as:
- “Scaling Up Smartly” – Sustainable growth strategies
- “Tradition Meets Innovation” – Bridging generational retail transitions
- “Beyond the Metros” – Growth potential in smaller cities
- “Retail Tomorrow” – Technology and consumer trends shaping the next decade
Balachandar R of Junior Kuppanna emphasized the importance of maintaining customer relationships while recognizing regional differences:
"Retail in Tamil Nadu is deeply relationship-based. Success lies in being format-consistent while understanding the unique needs of each city."
Suhail Sattar of Hasbro Clothing and RAI Chennai Chapter Chair added:
"Tamil Nadu’s retail consumers are younger and more brand-aware. Balancing style with practicality across touchpoints is now essential."
Sunil Sanklecha, Founder of Nuts ‘N’ Spices and Vice Chairman of RAI Chennai Chapter, observed:
"Trust and consistency remain core. Yet, retailers are evolving through tech, improved logistics, and a new generation of expectations, all while continuing to be major job creators."
The summit underscored Tamil Nadu’s crucial role in India's retail growth story—grounded in tradition, yet rapidly embracing change.