Visakhapatnam, July 4th, 2025: The Retailers Association of India (RAI) today hosted the first-ever Visakhapatnam Retail Summit (VRS) 2025 at Novotel, bringing together leading voices from Andhra Pradesh’s retail ecosystem for an evening of insightful dialogue, regional collaboration, and forward-looking strategies.

The summit focused on the evolving customer landscape beyond metros and explored how retailers in Andhra Pradesh are leveraging technology, localisation, and policy support to drive profitability and innovation.

Delivering the welcome address, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India, said:

“Retail is a strong contributor to India’s GDP and a key generator of employment across the country. What we’re witnessing is a growing momentum in Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets that’s shaping the next wave of retail expansion. With new malls, fresh retail destinations, and the right policy environment, Andhra Pradesh has created fertile ground for businesses to grow. The government’s support and ease of doing business have ensured that retail continues to thrive, not just as an industry, but as a powerful engine of economic and social progress.

The evening featured keynote sessions and panel discussions on topics such as “Retailing in Andhra – Profitability Beyond the Metro” and “The Smart Store Revolution.” Leaders from some of the state’s most dynamic retail businesses, including Neeru’s, Kankatala, BigBasket, CMR Group, Creamstone, and Vishal Peripherals, shared their journeys and perspectives.

Avnish Anand, Director, Neeru’s and Chairman, RAI Hyderabad Chapter, remarked:

“Andhra Pradesh is uniquely positioned as a retail powerhouse, where hyperlocal sensibilities meet global aspirations. From bustling bazaars to high-street formats, the state offers a vibrant mix that reflects the changing face of Indian retail. Visakhapatnam, in particular, is emerging as a hub for both talent and transformation.”

“Retail in Andhra Pradesh is undergoing a quiet transformation. Customers are becoming more value-conscious yet aspirational—they want quality, variety, and a seamless shopping experience, whether offline or online. What stands out is the growing trust in local brands alongside an openness to global trends. This shift is creating opportunities not just in metros, but also in emerging cities like Visakhapatnam, where the appetite for both tradition and innovation is clearly visible,” Mavuri Venkatramana, chairman and managing Director of CMR textiles and jewellers Pvt Ltd

“Customer behaviour in Andhra is evolving rapidly. While there’s deep-rooted respect for heritage and craftsmanship, today’s consumers also seek convenience, curation, and digital access. We’re seeing a growing demand for personalised experiences and premium quality across generations. The rise of informed, style-conscious buyers in Tier-2 cities like Visakhapatnam signals a larger shift in how regional India is shaping the future of retail,” Kankatala Mallikharjuna Rao, Managing Director of Kankatala Textiles Pvt ltd.

The summit concluded with a high-powered networking session.