India, Oct. 29 -- India's retail space absorption reached approximately 5.8 million square feet during January-September 2026, up around 19% year on year, according to CBRE research reported on 28 October. Domestic retailers accounted for 73% of leasing activity.
The figures demonstrate continued interest in physical retail. They do not, by themselves, establish that new stores are profitable or that expansion is sustainable.
The Retail Times believes that the next discussion must move beyond the quantity of space leased to the quality of business generated within it. Store productivity, repeat customers, inventory turnover and occupancy costs deserve attention alongside expansion announcements.
For emerging Indian brands, a prominent lo...