Hyderabad: To help accelerate the growth of modern retail in Telangana and to bring different retailers in the state under a common umbrella, the Retailers Association of India (RAI), the apex body of the retail industry in the country, has formed its Hyderabad Chapter.

Hyderabad is one of the most thriving metros of the country with a bustling retail scene, growing on the back of a flourishing IT industry. The city of Nawabs is home to an eclectic mix of local, national and international retail brands. Some of the home-grown brands like Krishna Pearls & Jewellers, Neeru’s, Ratnadeep Supermarket, Pista House and Q Mart have been delighting customers for several decades and have achieved iconic status. Some of them like Pista House have even expanded presence to countries outside India.

The IT boom brought with it a young, aspiring cosmopolitan crowd that further accelerated the growth of retail in Hyderabad, making it an attractive market for international retailers like Ikea that operates its first and only store in the country, here.

Other international brands to enter Hyderabad this year included Ximi Vogue, MG Motors and Taneira with many more waiting to make their arrival. The entry of foreign brands has only enriched the retail mix, giving consumers a wider choice and variety.

While Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, HITEC City, Kukatpally and others like Sarojini Devi Road/SD Road and Himayatnagar are popular retail hubs. Kothapet, LB Nagar, Kompally, Attapur and Kondapur among others are emerging as retail hotspots.

Such an important market requires that there be a collaboration between the players to ensure the steady growth of retailers big and small. Therefore, the Hyderabad Chapter will be governed by a regional council comprising key retailers in the region who will further RAI’s mandate through various initiatives with different stakeholders.

The Council met for the first time along with key office bearers of RAI and charted the way ahead for the Hyderabad Chapter. Those in attendance included RAI CEO Kumar Rajagopalan, Lawrence Fernandes, Director – Membership & Learning and representatives of Hasbro Clothing, Neeru’s, Ratnadeep Supermarket, Centro Footwear, Photo Express, Q Mart, Thick Shake Factory, Krishna Pearls & Jewellers, Apollo Pharmacy, Pista House, I Choice, Shresta Naturals and Telangana Mobile Phone Distributors Association.

Through the Hyderabad Council, RAI’s Hyderabad Chapter will function as the voice of retailers in the region.