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Industry voices explore tech integration and strategy at Bengaluru Retail Summit

#Top Stories#India#Karnataka#Bangalore
Last Updated : 1st Jan, 1970
Synopsis

The third edition of the Bengaluru Retail Summit, organised by the Retailers Association of India, brought together top industry voices to explore the future of retail amid a rapidly evolving market. Held in Bengaluru, the event focused on how innovation and technology are reshaping retail strategies, especially in a city known for tech-forward consumers and deep cultural roots. Key sessions revolved around omnichannel trends, digital integration, consumer behaviour, and retail transformation, with participation from leaders across Amazon India, Reliance Retail, Zivame, SNITCH, Amant� India, and Lifestyle International, among many others.

The Retailers Association of India (RAI) convened the third edition of the Bengaluru Retail Summit (BRS) last week, bringing together leading industry players, retail innovators, and strategic thinkers from across the country. The summit, hosted at the Sheraton Grand Bangalore, served as a vibrant forum to dissect emerging retail trends, spotlight disruptive technologies, and chart growth trajectories for the sector.


The city of Bengaluru, known for its dynamic consumer base and tech-driven ethos, set the tone for the summit. Conversations throughout the event reflected the city�s distinctive retail ecosystem�one shaped by young, globally aware shoppers and retailers who are quick to experiment and adapt. The summit positioned Bengaluru not just as a retail centre, but as an innovation lab where tradition and modernity converge.

Commenting on the summit�s relevance, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of RAI, expressed that Bengaluru continues to be a fertile ground for testing new ideas in retail, thanks to its youthful population and digital readiness. He highlighted how local culinary and artisanal traditions offer a unique cultural context, which when combined with modern retail formats, creates a compelling and distinctly Indian retail experience.

Among the key moments at the event was an insightful presentation by Chetan Krishnaswamy, Vice President of Public Policy at Amazon India. His session, titled �Be Where Your Customers Are: The Omnichannel Revolution in Indian Retail�, delved into how retail businesses must evolve in line with shifting consumer behaviours across physical and digital platforms.

A compelling Fireside Chat with Siddharth Dungarwal, CEO and Founder of SNITCH, added to the summit�s practical appeal. Panel discussions explored various aspects of retail growth including navigating volatile markets, integrating digital and physical experiences, unlocking business growth through technology, and innovating across niche retail segments.

Notable voices from across the industry shared their perspectives. These included Anand Aiyer from Arrow (Arvind Fashions Ltd.), Ashwin Chandrasekar of Third Wave Coffee, Deepak Jain of Amant� India, Devarajan Iyer of Lifestyle International, Karan Mehta of Easybuy � Landmark, Kumar Nitesh of Reliance Retail, Lavanya Pachisia from Zivame, and several others.

Deepak Jain, CEO of Amant� India, noted that Bengaluru consumers are well-informed and seek comfort, quality, and seamless service. He mentioned that the brand has been responding to these evolving demands through technology-led innovation and a robust omnichannel footprint.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Devarajan Iyer of Lifestyle International remarked that Bengaluru consistently pushes the boundaries of retail by encouraging fluid movement between online and offline channels, and by expecting both variety and seamless brand experiences.

Subhash Chandra, MD & CEO of Sangeetha Mobiles and Chairman of RAI�s Bengaluru Chapter, observed that today�s consumers seek more than just products�they look for smart upgrades, prompt services, and community-based connections. He said local retailers in Karnataka are adapting with fast delivery, tech-integrated showrooms, and flexible payment solutions.

The presence of thought leaders such as Mouli Venkataraman of Cocoblu Retail, Seshu Kumar Tirumala of BigBasket, Srikanth Patnam of Royaloak Incorporation, and Sumit Ghosh of Fossil India further enriched the summit, creating an environment for collaborative learning and cross-sector exchange.

Rather than merely reflecting on trends, the summit served as a catalyst for action, inviting retailers to redefine strategies, reimagine engagement, and reassert relevance. Bengaluru�s role as a retail thought capital continues to grow, not just through technology, but also through its embrace of cultural depth and entrepreneurial agility. Events like these reaffirm the need for constant innovation to meet India�s evolving consumer expectations.

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