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Retailers Association of India (RAI) in its Retail Business Survey for the month has said that retail sales across India continued to recover in July 2021, reaching 72 percent of the pre-pandemic levels of July 2019. It said that the rate of recovery was 50 percent of pre-pandemic levels in June 2021. It also said the retailers across the country are now pinning their hopes on the festive season for a significant sales recovery.

According to the retailer's body, RAI retail businesses in south India have indicated a very sharp comeback in July 2021 with sales at 82 per cent of the pre-pandemic levels (July 2019), as against 50 per cent sales in June 2021. However, west India is yet to improve, registering sales at 57 per cent of pre-pandemic levels (July 2019). This is mainly because of prolonged curbs in Maharashtra that disrupted the smooth functioning of modern retail in the state. In terms of categories, quick service restaurants (QSR) recovered the best in July 2021 with sales at 97 per cent of the pre-pandemic levels (July 2019). Yet, in July 2021, beauty and wellness, which includes salons, is still at 50 per cent of pre-pandemic sales, while apparel is at 63 per cent sales of the pre-pandemic levels. 

Commenting on the outlook of the Retail industry in India, RAI said there is a possibility of significant sales recovery for retail businesses as the festive season approaches, provided restrictions on modern retail are relaxed across the country allowing smooth operations and return to normalcy. It said opening up of retail will give businesses a chance at recovery, saving the livelihood of millions who are dependent on the retail ecosystem.