Retail sales grow 28% in March with removal of pandemic-related restrictions

New Delhi

 Retail sales in March grew by 28% compared with the same month last year with the removal of pandemic-related restrictions driving all-round growth of retail businesses across the country, industry body RAI said on Tuesday.

According to the latest Retail Business Survey by Retailers Association of India (RAI), region wise, west showed a growth of 37%, while north clocked a 28% increase. Similarly, east saw a growth of 26% while south registered a 21% increase in overall retail sales in March 2022.

The overall retail sales last month grew by 12% as compared to the pre-pandemic levels of March 2019, RAI said in a statement.

In terms of categories, consumer durables and electronics clocked the highest growth at 45%, followed by furniture and furnishing, and food and grocery at 26% each.

Sports goods, apparel and clothing categories also posted growth of 26% each, the survey said.

While the footwear segment grew by 24%, QSR category saw a growth of 21% last month, it added.