Kochi, 29th of October, 2026 : The Retailers Association of India (RAI) held the fourth edition of its Kochi summit on October 28, 2026, at Radisson Blu Kochi. The event was organised in close association with the Kerala Management Association (KMA) and welcomed an encouraging turnout from across the retail ecosystem.
The summit provided a platform for retailers, brand owners, technology providers and management professionals to share perspectives and build new partnerships. Deliberations focused on the priorities that are steering the sector, including brand positioning, social and visual commerce, retail innovation, emerging technologies and digital growth strategies. Keynote addresses and moderated expert panels brought depth and direction to the conversations.
Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India (RAI), said, “Kerala is a particularly interesting retail market because the distinction between urban and rural consumption is less pronounced than in many other states. With a large Malayali diaspora worldwide, consumers are familiar with international shopping trends and have high expectations of quality, choice, and service. Retailers understand these expectations and are adapting. Combined with strong regional businesses and growing opportunities beyond the major cities, this makes Kerala an exciting market for retail growth. At RAI, we look forward to supporting this growth by connecting retailers with industry knowledge, new opportunities and each other.”
The Kochi Retail Summit 2026 added to the ongoing dialogue between industry, institutions and partners in Kerala. RAI and the Kerala Management Association intend to carry these conversations forward and continue supporting the growth of the region’s retail ecosystem. The panel sessions featured leading voices from Kerala’s retail sector, with Deepak Aswani, Chairman, Aswani Lachmandas Group; Shibu Philips, Director – Shopping Malls, Lulu Group India; Mathew Joseph, CEO and Co-Founder, Fresh 2 Home; and Naveedh Valiya Valappil, Co-Founder, Make Your Own Perfume (MYOP), among those taking part.
Swaroop Krishnan, CEO & Co-founder, My Designation, “One of the most interesting changes we are seeing is how younger consumers in Kerala are expressing their identity through the brands they choose. They are discovering products online, following creators and trends, and increasingly looking for brands that reflect their interests, humour and cultural references. There is also a growing opportunity for businesses that understand regional culture and can translate it into something contemporary. Local relevance can be a real advantage when it comes to connecting with younger shoppers. For emerging brands, the challenge is to turn that initial interest into a lasting relationship by delivering products and experiences that live up to the promise.”
Deepak Aswani, Chairman, Aswani Lachmandas Group, “Kerala has a long tradition of successful family-run and regional retail businesses, many of which have grown through relationships built over generations. What is interesting today is how those relationships are evolving. Customers have greater choice, they compare prices and products across platforms, and they expect the same quality of service whether they shop locally or from a national brand. For regional retailers, this creates both competition and opportunity. Our understanding of the local customer remains a strength, but we must keep improving the shopping experience, product selection and convenience. Businesses that can combine that understanding with a willingness to change will be better placed to grow.”
Dr Aysha Ruby, CEO, Ruby Vesture Exports & Founder, Reveil, said, “Fashion consumers in Kerala are becoming increasingly open to experimenting with styles, fabrics and contemporary designs, while continuing to value the traditions that are deeply rooted in our culture. This is particularly evident during festive seasons, when consumers seek clothing that reflects their personal style while remaining connected to their cultural identity. Comfort, versatility, quality and responsible choices are becoming increasingly important in purchasing decisions. For fashion businesses, the opportunity lies in understanding these evolving expectations and creating collections that combine craftsmanship, contemporary design and value. I believe the future of regional fashion retail will depend on how effectively we bridge tradition and innovation while responding to the changing lifestyles and aspirations of today’s consumers.”
About RAI:
Retailers Association of India (RAI) is the unified voice of Indian retailers. RAI works with all the stakeholders for creating the right environment for the growth of the modern retail industry in India. It is a strong advocate for retailing in India and works with all levels of government and stakeholders to support employment growth and career opportunities in retail, to promote and sustain retail investments in communities from coast to coast, and to enhance consumer choice and industry competitiveness.
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