Contact Komal Data, Divisional Director, Mumbai
komal.datta@benoy.com
India’s retail sector is going through a period of evolution. As the Indian economy grows stronger, we are seeing operators favouring mixed-use models, more demand for premium and luxury retail, and a stronger emphasis on local context. But this comes with expectations: high design quality, strong service, integration of experiential elements.
Divisional Director, Komal Datta, has played a pivotal role in expanding Benoy’s presence in the region and expanding our portfolio. Here she reflects on the latest trends facing the retail market in India right now.
Return to Future Thinking
Benoy’s designers have a deep respect and appreciation for India’s rich heritage. Drawing on a legacy of excellence in the science of retail design, we remain committed to creating spaces that resonate with India’s evolving aspirations. By blending international exemplary design with local character, we hope to design a built environment that is not only forward looking but also inspires and delights.
There is a remarkable surge of pride and optimism about the nation’s future. This is driven by a predominately young population eager to shape a progressive and dynamic India, and seeking cutting-edge innovations and designers that celebrate their heritage, while enhancing their daily lives.
1. Mixed-use and integrated developments
Developers in India are increasingly favouring mixed-use models (combining retail, residential, hospitality, offices, entertainment). We now rarely design standalone malls. This blurring of boundaries between uses, circulation and amenities creates more dynamic 24 hour spaces.
2. Public realm and open space integration
Customers in all the major urban centers across India are looking for more connection with their natural surroundings. Outdoor plazas, landscaped courtyards, walkable pathways, amphitheatres; marrying the indoor & outdoor; integrating green corridors, biophilic design within retail centres enhance well-being and bring life to these “social spaces”.
3. Emphasis on placemaking, culture and local identity
Rooting the design within the local context, creating a sense of place with a focus on the community, art and heritage has never been more important to our clients and customers.
4. Experience-led retail
Retail must give a reason for people to visit. Just selling goods is no longer enough. Malls and stores are leaning heavily on F&B, immersive entertainment, wellness, pop-ups, art installations, event spaces for local festivals to attract footfall.
5. Luxury and premium retail expansion
As the Indian economy grows stronger, we are seeing more demand for premium and luxury retail, flagship stores, experiential brand boutiques. But this comes with expectations: high design quality, strong service, integration of experiential elements.
6. Community-focused neighbourhood hubs
There is also growing interest in retail that is more local/neighbourhood-based: smaller malls or “centre-of-gravity” clusters that serve daily needs, not just big regional malls. Convenience, proximity, walkability matter more, especially given traffic considerations in the major cities.
7. Building differentiation
The significant growth in India’s retail sector also bring about the challenges of bringing in differentiation in the retail developments from their competitors. Exemplary design, service, offer and experience — identifying the unique selling point that would draw customers, and more importantly bring them back again and again, is crucial to remain at the forefront in a fast-evolving retail landscape.
A vision for the future
Here at Benoy, we believe that history shapes identity, and it’s our responsibility to build upon this legacy to give future generations a profound sense of belonging. Benoy’s collaborative approach has been particularly impactful in our India work. By leveraging talent from our global studios, our international designers collaborate with Indian design firms in the cities where we operate. This synergy ensures that our designers combine world-class expertise with an intrinsic understanding of local culture, regulations and norms.
We now have approximately 50 million square feet of projects in India, either built or under construction, spanning Trivandrum, Vizag, Bangalore and Hyderabad in the south, to Kolkata in the east, to Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad in the west, and Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and Shimla in the north.
We remain dedicated to creating spaces that reflect India’s evolving aspirations, blending international exemplary design with local characters to build a future that is inspiring, inclusive and forward-thinking.
