Global Retail Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2024-2032)

Retail Market Size

The global market for retail reached approximately USD 23 trillion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% in the forecast period of 2024-2032, to reach a value of USD 38.2 trillion in 2032.

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Industry Outlook

Rising E-commerce Retail Sales

As per retail industry analysis, during 2019 and 2025, global retail e-commerce sales are projected to experience significant growth, rising from USD 3.351 trillion in 2019 to an estimated USD 7.385 trillion in 2025. This growth underscores the increasing consumer preference for online shopping. The annual percentage change in retail e-commerce sales peaked in 2020 at 25.7% and this surge is largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the shift towards online shopping as lockdowns and social distancing measures limited access to physical stores.

As per the retail industry statistics, in 2021, e-commerce sales grew to USD 4.921 trillion, accounting for 19.6% of total retail sales. The diversification of product offerings and the ability to cater to personalized consumer preferences have made e-commerce platforms increasingly attractive.

The volume of real-time mobile transactions has surged significantly which positively affects the market. As of 2024, India leads this trend with a staggering 48.6 billion real-time mobile transactions, highlighting its rapid adoption of digital payment technologies, which makes it one of the largest retail markets in the world. This dominance is attributed to the widespread use of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a government-backed platform that facilitates instant payments between bank accounts via mobile devices. China follows with 18.5 billion real-time mobile transaction, driven by its highly advanced and ubiquitous mobile payment systems. Platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate the market, offering seamless and integrated payment solutions.

Thailand ranks third with 9.7 billion real-time mobile transactions, reflecting the country's increasing digital payment adoption. As per the retail industry analysis, Brazil and South Korea also exhibit significant volumes of real-time mobile transactions, with 8.6 billion and 7.3 billion transactions, respectively. In Brazil, the introduction of Pix, a real-time payment system launched by the Central Bank of Brazil, has revolutionized the payment landscape by enabling instant, 24/7 transactions.

Retail Market Outlook

• China, the US, and India are the largest markets for retail, buoyed by the rising spending power.

• Retailers are leveraging advanced technologies to offer seamless experience to customers across both online and offline channels.

• The increasing usage of digital tools to improve customer experience and enhance operational efficiency is aiding the market.

Retail Market Growth

Retail refers to the process of selling consumer goods or services through various channels of distribution to satisfy the demand of consumers. The retail industry is one of the largest private employers, generating 42 million jobs in the United States. Retail stores are ubiquitous for connecting manufactured goods to end customers and play a significant role in a country’s economy.

The demand of retail market is being driven by factors like rising disposable incomes, rapid digital transformation, and investments in cutting-edge technologies. With evolving customer behaviours, growing smartphone penetration, and increasing focus on meeting the demands of tech-savvy Gen-Z population, retailers are expanding their presence in mobile commerce. Trends such as one-click ordering, the emergence of voice shopping and chatbots, and the growing popularity of mobile wallet payments are also bolstering the popularity of mobile commerce stores. Besides, the growing popularity of social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, among others, is prompting retailers to use such channels to reach potential customers and sell their products.

Retail Market Trends and Recent Developments

Evolving customer sentiments, omnichannel retail, and technological advancements are the major trends impacting the market growth.

Oct 18th, 2023

Amazon announced its plans to launch online shopping services in South Africa to support independent retailers to launch, scale, and grow their businesses.

Aug 16th, 2023

Gucci announced a digital partnership with JD.com to launch its digital flagship store, offering the former’s brand services and exceptional customer services.

May 4th, 2023

Auchan Retail partnered with Israel-based Trigo to launch an autonomous grocery store in France, providing a tap-and-go experience to shoppers which also boosts retail market opportunities.

Mar 3rd, 2023

Walmart announced its plans to add over 28 healthcare centres inside its Walmart Supercenters by 2024 to offer services like dental care and value-based care, among others.

Retail Industry Trends

Rapid urbanisation and evolving customer sentiment

Factors like rapid urbanisation, growing disposable incomes, and evolving customer sentiment are positively impacting the market for retail.

The emergence of omnichannel retail

A trend in retail market is rise of omnichannel retail amid customer demand for seamless and flexible shopping experiences among both physical and digital touchpoints.

The growing trend of sustainability

Growing commitment to sustainability is prompting retailers to introduce initiatives like in-store recycling, renewable energy adoption, and circular economy practices, among others.

Technological advancements and innovations

Advanced technologies such as the IoT, AI, AR, VR, and automation are expected to revolutionise the retail sector, enhancing operational efficiency and offering customised product recommendations.

Retail Market Trends

One of the key factors influencing the market expansion is the rising demand for immersive and personalised in-store and online shopping experiences by customers. Some other current retail market trends are retailers investing in technologies like data analytics, machine learning, and automation to hyper-personalise shopping experiences, predict customer behaviour and preferences, and enhance the efficiency of inventory management, warehousing, and order fulfilment, among others.

Moreover, with the growing trend of sustainability in the retail sector, retailers are attempting to reduce their carbon footprints by adopting eco-friendly practices and promoting environmental stewardship.  Technologies like blockchain and IoT are also adopted by retailers to reduce waste, optimise energy, and drive sustainability.

How is the Global Market Adapting to Diverse Consumer Needs and Technological Advancements?

• Diverse product range catering to various consumer needs can increase retail market value.

• Integration of advanced technologies like AI and IoT.

• Established global presence and broad customer base.

• Strong brand loyalty and recognition.

• Significant growth in e-commerce and online shopping platforms.

What Challenges are Shaping the Competitive Landscape of the Global Market?

• Intense competition leading to price wars and reduced profit margins affects retail demand growth.

• Vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.

• High operational costs related to logistics and inventory management.

• Complexity and cost of navigating different regulations across countries.

• Challenges in adapting quickly to digital transformation.

How are Economic Downturns and Security Concerns Impacting the Global Retail Market Share?

• Economic downturns reducing consumer spending.

• Increased vulnerability to cyberattacks and data breaches.

• Rapid shifts in consumer behavior and preferences.

What Are the Key Growth Opportunities in the Retail Market?

• Expansion into developing countries with growing middle classes is boosting retail demand forecast.

• Integration of online and offline channels through omnichannel retailing.

• Increasing demand for sustainable and ethically sourced products.

• Leveraging customer data for personalized shopping experiences.

Competitive Strategies: Retailers employ various competitive strategies to gain market share and customer loyalty

• Offering competitive pricing and discounts to attract price-sensitive consumers.

• Maintaining a wide range of products to meet diverse consumer needs.

• Investing in technology to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and improve supply chain efficiency.

• Integrating online and offline channels to provide a seamless shopping experience boosts the growth of the retail industry.

• Focusing on enhancing customer service and experience through personalized offerings and efficient service.

Changes in Consumer Behavior in the Retail Market

• Shift to Online Shopping: Consumers increasingly prefer online shopping for convenience and safety, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which aids the growth of the retail market.

• Increased Use of Mobile Devices: The growth of mobile commerce reflects the widespread use of smartphones and tablets for shopping.

• Demand for Personalization: Shoppers expect personalized experiences through tailored recommendations and offers.

• Focus on Sustainability: There is a rising demand for eco-friendly and ethically sourced products.

• Preference for Convenience: Consumers prioritize time-saving shopping methods like click-and-collect and same-day delivery.

• Health and Wellness: Increased focus on health leads to higher demand for organic and health-related products.

• Digital Payment Methods: The adoption of mobile wallets, contactless payments, and BNPL options is growing.

• Social Media Influence: Social media plays a significant role in product discovery and purchasing decisions.

• Omnichannel Shopping: Consumers seek a seamless experience across both online and offline shopping channels boosting the retail industry revenue.

Key Indicators for Demand

• Economic Conditions: Economic stability and growth boost consumer spending, while downturns and high inflation reduce it

• Consumer Confidence: High consumer confidence increases spending, whereas low confidence results in reduced spending and higher savings 

• Technological Advancements: Innovations like e-commerce and mobile shopping enhance convenience, driving online retail demand 

• Changing Demographics: Shifts such as ageing populations and urbanization influence consumer preferences and shopping behaviours in retail industry.

Price Competition in the Market

• Discounts and Promotions: Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are prime examples of retailers engaging in intense price competition to capture consumer spending

• Price Matching Policies: Walmart and Target both have extensive price matching policies to ensure they remain competitive with other retailers and online platforms like Amazon

• Private Labels: Costco's Kirkland Signature and Walmart's Great Value are successful private label brands that compete on price while ensuring quality and increasing retail demand.

• Price Transparency: Price comparison websites and apps like Google Shopping and PriceGrabber facilitate easy price comparisons for consumers.

• Loyalty Programs and Membership Discounts: Amazon Prime offers members exclusive discounts and deals, creating a competitive advantage through member loyalty.

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Industry Segmentation

“Retail Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product

• Food, Beverage, and Grocery

• Personal and Household Care

• Apparel, Footwear, and Accessories

• Furniture and Home Décor

• Toys, Hobby, and Household Appliances

• Industrial and Automotive

• Electronic, Consumer Durables and IT

• Pharmaceuticals

• Others

Market Breakup by Sector

• Organised

• Unorganised

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

• Convenience Stores

• Speciality Stores

• Online

• Others

Retail Market Segmentation by Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East and Africa

Retail Market Analysis

According to the global retail market analysis, the demand for food, groceries, and beverages from retail channels is significantly increasing. The rising health concerns are prompting retailers to offer local and fresh foods that are low-sodium, fat-free, and sugar-free. With growing customer demand for convenience, subscription services offering at-home delivery are gaining popularity. In addition, food and grocery retailers are leveraging technologies like automation and AI to enhance their efficiency and streamline operations while improving in-store shopping experiences.

Online retail platforms hold a significant retail market share as their demand is growing at a healthy pace due to their accessibility, flexibility, ease of interaction, and convenience, coupled with rising internet and smartphone ownership. Moreover, the internet is revolutionising the retail industry by allowing retailers to increase their audience from the local area to overseas. Reportedly, retail e-commerce sales reached USD 5.7 trillion in 2022.

In the forecast period, market is expected to grow as online retailers are expected to deploy innovative technologies such as VR, AR, and generative AI to offer customers a personalised and immersive experience while streamlining their operations. The incorporation of augmented reality allows consumers to visualise the selected items.

Competitive Landscape

The market players are increasing their collaboration efforts and are leveraging advanced technologies, including AI and AR, to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Walmart, Inc.

Walmart, headquartered in Arkansas, the United States, is an omnichannel retailer that supports customers to save money and live a better life. With an employee of 2.1 million individuals, the company’s 10,500 stores and e-commerce websites are visited by nearly 240 million customers and members.

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Costco is a prominent retailer that operates warehouse clubs in 11 countries. Its warehouses support medium and small-sized businesses to purchase and resale products. It offers one of the largest and exclusive categories of different products, including housewares, sporting goods, tyres, health and beauty products, office equipment, groceries, and television and electronic goods, among others.

JD.com, Inc.

JD. com forayed into the e-commerce market in 2004, and since has established its position as a prominent Chinese e-commerce player. Its business encompasses sectors such as logistics, insurance, technology, healthcare, and industrial solutions, among others.

Other players in the retail market include Amazon.com, Inc., The Home Depot, Inc., The Kroger Co., Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., Alibaba Group Holding Limited, Target Corporation, Lowe's Companies, Inc., The Schwarz Group, Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V., Carrefour Group, and Auchan Retail International.

With the increasing demand for convenient and enjoyable shopping experiences among customers, key players are utilising different technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), customer vision technology, and augmented reality (AR) to create an interconnected, frictionless, and customer-centric retail channel. Retailers are also attempting to bridge the gap between their stock inventory and on-shelf availability to prioritise tasks and improve customer experience.

Sustainable Practices by Key Players in the Global Retail Market

Walmart Inc.

• Renewable Energy: As per retail market dynamics and trends, Walmart aims to power 50% of its operations with renewable energy by 2025 and reach 100% by 2035. They have installed solar panels on many of their stores and distribution centers.

• Sustainable Products: Walmart's Project Gigaton aims to reduce one billion metric tons of greenhouse gases from its supply chain by 2030. This includes efforts to source more sustainable products and reduce emissions from manufacturing and logistics.

• Waste Reduction: Walmart is working towards zero waste to landfill in its operations in the U.S. and Canada by 2025 (Global Compliance News) (RPC).

Amazon.com Inc.

• Climate Pledge: Amazon co-founded The Climate Pledge, committing to reach net-zero carbon by 2040, ten years ahead of the Paris Agreement. They are investing in electric delivery vehicles and renewable energy projects.

• Shipment Zero: Amazon aims to make 50% of all shipments net-zero carbon by 2030 through initiatives like using renewable energy and optimizing packaging to reduce waste.

• Sustainable Packaging: The Frustration-Free Packaging program encourages suppliers to create easy-to-open, recyclable packaging, reducing waste and environmental impact

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Retail Market Regional Analysis

The Asia Pacific accounts for a significant market share in retail industry due to economic growth in countries like India and China, coupled with rising disposable incomes. The rising tourism activities in countries such as Singapore, Thailand, and South Korea, among others, are driving the demand for luxury goods, electronics, and apparel.

With the online retail sector in the region flourishing amid the rising customer demand for convenience, investments in e-commerce channels are significantly rising. For instance, in January 2024, Konvy, a leading Thai online beauty e-commerce platform, secured a funding of USD 11 million from New Day Ventures Limited, Insignia Ventures Partners, and Alibaba International to support its expansion in Southeast Asia.

Key Highlights of the Report

Retail Market Report Snapshots

Retail Market Size

Retail Market Growth

Retail Market Trends

Retail Companies

Retail Market Regional Analysis