Rush to grab space
MUMBAI
India’s shopping scene is witnessing a massive surge as international brands rush to grab space in the country’s growing market.
A new report reveals that retail leasing reached a staggering 3.1 million square feet across the top seven cities in the first three months of 2026.
Global retailers are showing immense confidence in India, with well-known foreign brands recording a 48% growth in leasing compared to last year. These companies are betting big on India’s rising middle class and their desire for premium shopping experiences. While cities like Delhi and Hyderabad are seeing high demand for mall spaces, retailers in Bengaluru and Chennai are focusing more on popular high-street locations.
Experts note that 2025 was a record-breaking year for the sector, and 2026 is expected to follow the same path. The demand is currently so high that it is outstripping the available supply. About 46 million square feet of new retail space is planned to be built by 2030 to keep up with this hunger for growth.
The report also highlights that it isn’t just luxury brands driving the trend. Value fashion, online brands opening physical stores, and even automobile showrooms are taking up large spaces.
Even cities like Kolkata are becoming major players, capturing 10 percent of the national market. As long as domestic consumption remains strong, India’s retail real estate looks set for a long and successful expansion cycle.
