Retail sales growth was disappointing in January amid sluggish demand

Mumbai: Retail sales in the country have seen a slight year-on-year increase in January of the current year. The Retailers Association of India (RAI) has reported a five per cent growth in retail sales across all categories. The Jud series benefited from the wedding season in January.

The survey report conducted by the association said there was less growth in retail sales in categories other than jewellery, food and grocery.

Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of the association, said the retail sales of the current year have been disappointing compared to January 2023.

Demand for jewellery, food and grocery remained high due to the wedding season, while demand growth in other categories remained slow.

Sales growth has been weak in the eastern and southern states. Demand for entertainment products remained weak in these states. Food, grocery and jewelery each saw a 9 percent increase in sales. Sales of sporting goods and beauty products increased by 8 percent and 6 percent, respectively.

A decline of 1 percent has been recorded in the sales of consumer durables. Apparel witnessed a growth of two per cent as January was the best month in terms of discounts.

Region-wise, sales in the western states increased by 6 percent while retail sales in the northern region increased by 5 percent.