India’s retail leasing jumps 20% in H1 2026 as fashion brands lead expansion
India's retail leasing market grew by 20% in the first half of 2026, driven largely by expansion in the fashion and apparel sectors. Despite economic uncertainties, the sector remains robust with significant contributions from domestic and direct-to-consumer brands.
Why it matters
This growth indicates strong consumer confidence and retail expansion, which serves as a key indicator for India's broader economic health.
India’s retail leasing market defied economic challenges in the first half of 2026, recording a 20 per cent year-on-year rise. The leasing activity reached around 3.9 million square feet, even as inflation concerns and geopolitical uncertainties kept businesses cautious.According to a CBRE report, continued retailer expansion supported growth, with upcoming Grade A retail developments and infrastructure projects potentially driving further expansion into suburban and emerging areas.The report expects organised retail real estate to continue growing across sectors, led by fashion and apparel, entertainment, jewellery and experience-driven retail formats.In the January-June period, nearly 0.9 million square feet of new retail supply became operational, with Delhi-NCR accounting for all of them.With around 40 per cent of total space take-up, Fashion & Apparel remained the biggest contributor, Food & Beverage accounted for around 14 per cent, and Entertainment about nine per cent.Jewellery and…
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