Retail Leaders Converge at RAI Kolkata Retail Summit 2024 (KRS) to Explore the Future of Retail in Eastern India

Kolkata:  The Retailers Association of India (RAI) successfully hosted the Kolkata Retail Summit (KRS) 2024, also known as the Retail Convention of Eastern India, on December 6, 2024, at The Park, Kolkata. This year’s summit brought together retailers, service providers, and industry leaders to foster collaboration, explore growth opportunities, and discuss the future of the retail industry with a key focus on the rise of Omnichannel strategies.

 

The summit featured insightful discussions, impactful networking sessions, and an engaging exchange of ideas on emerging trends shaping the retail ecosystem. KRS 2024 once again proved to be an exceptional platform for driving innovation and partnerships in the region’s dynamic retail sector.

 

Speaking about KRS 2024 and the retail landscape in Eastern India, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India (RAI) said, “The retail sector in Eastern India has seen consistent growth over the past five years and is now undergoing a significant metamorphosis. Retailers in the region are finding ways to balance heritage with innovation, reshaping traditional business models to meet evolving consumer preferences. The emergence of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands and the steady progress of ONDC adoption highlight the region’s growing inclination toward digital integration. These developments underscore a retail landscape that is agile, inclusive, and primed for sustainable growth.”

 

Priyanka Gupta, Director of Brands, GKB Opticals, said, "The retail industry is at a pivotal moment where integrating physical and digital touchpoints is no longer optional but essential. Omnichannel retailing is helping bridge the gap between convenience and experience, reshaping how consumers interact with brands. Moving forward, leveraging technology to personalize offerings and enhance customer satisfaction will be the key to staying competitive in this dynamic landscape."

 

Vikram Bothra, MD & CEO, Chandan Retail Pvt. Ltd. (Askaran Binjraj), said, "The growth of retail in emerging markets, especially in tier-II and tier-III cities, is a testament to the untapped potential of regional economies. With improved infrastructure and growing disposable incomes, these markets are driving innovation in retail formats and customer engagement. Retailers who understand local consumer behavior and adapt quickly will be best positioned to succeed."

 

Rochita Dey, Director, Sreeleathers Ltd., said, "Retail today is about finding the right balance between tradition and modernity. While customers value heritage and authenticity, they also expect innovation in product offerings and seamless shopping experiences. The future of retail lies in combining these elements thoughtfully to build trust and loyalty in an increasingly competitive market."

 

KRS 2024 featured insightful panel discussions on key themes shaping the retail landscape. Experts explored strategies for ‘Future-Proofing Retail by Adapting to Evolving Consumer Behaviour and Market Dynamics’, with a focus on agility, resilience, and innovation to drive sustainable growth. A session on ‘Innovative and Practical Tech Solutions for Retail Growth’, emphasized practical tools like digital payments and loyalty programs to boost efficiency and customer satisfaction. Panelists also discussed ‘Unlocking Growth Across Diverse Consumer Segments in Retail’, highlighting the importance of tailored strategies and inclusivity.

 

In addition, self-made entrepreneurs shared insights and inspiring stories on ‘Balancing Heritage with Innovation’, showcasing how brands can blend tradition with modern trends to build loyalty. The summit reinforced its position as a cornerstone of Eastern India’s retail ecosystem, fostering collaboration and innovation for a thriving future.

 

Retail leaders speaking at the summit included Ankit Poddar, Poddar Group; Ashim Ashok Patil, i-TEK RFID; Azra Asher Ather, Aminia Restaurants; Biyas Roy, Arambagh Foodmart; Chetan Thakwani, Legacy of Bhojraj; Darshan Dudhoria, Indian Silk House Agencies &Vcut; Gautam Jatia, Emami Frank Ross; Iffat Jahan, Metto Supermarket; Murali Krishnan, Wow! Momo Foods; Priyanka Gupta, GKB Opticals; Ravindra Khandelwal, Dhanwantary Pharmacy; Rochita Dey, Sreeleathers; Sanjib Das, George Telegraph Group; Shitanshu Jhunjhunwalla, Turtle; Tanay Agarwal, Skipper Furnishings; Vikram Bothra, Chandan Retail; among others.

 

The Kolkata Retail Summit, is the premier platform for retailers and retail service providers to connect, collaborate, and explore growth opportunities. This year, KRS features a dynamic lineup of panel discussions, fireside chats, and networking sessions, offering attendees the chance to meet potential business partners, customers, and industry peers, all while gaining valuable insights into the evolving retail landscape.