Modernisation in Indian retailing: Managerial and policy perspectives

Abstract

The structure of a country’s retail sector has an enormous influence on marketing strategy and marketing activities of firms. The Indian retail sector has arrived at a very critical stage. Stores in modern formats have emerged in the metropolitan cities but the bulk of the retail sales happen through traditional retail formats. The development of modern retailing is of great interest to marketing scholars, practitioners and policy makers. This paper analyses the developments in retailing in India. A literature survey of retailing in India and some newly industrialized countries is carried out. Factors stimulating modernization are discussed and some implications for managerial action and policy are derived.