Kolkata is in the middle of a retail revolution. The need for modern retail property for lease has never been higher, with consumer habits shifting and new desires for experiences forming. The city’s commercial space is being remade by new trends, from temporary shops to tech-based management solutions that excite tenants and shoppers alike. In this blog, we decode the top retail trends that are shaping the future of retail in Kolkata.
Retailers and brands across Kolkata are seeking flexibility like never before. Brick-and-mortar shops co-exist alongside more modern approaches such as co-retailing and pop-up spaces. This allows more brands to enter the market while also reducing costs for both tenants and landlords.
Trends to watch: Pop-up stores, shared showrooms and rotating brands are hot in neighbourhoods like Park Street, Salt Lake, and New Town. These spaces can transform quickly to keep things fresh for shoppers, and tenants get to explore new opportunities.
Co-retailing: Start-ups and big brands join forces and share space.
Pop-up stores: Temporary leases to test out ideas and minimise risk for brands.
Shared showrooms: Multiple brands share one space, pooling footfall and expenses.
Flexible retail concepts provide a space for businesses to pivot faster and meet changing customer demands.
Commercial space in Kolkata today is vastly different from what it was just five years ago. Smart technology and back-end automation power everything from security to inventory management to checkout counters. Retail property for lease in malls and standalone high streets now needs to account for this to remain attractive to tenants who are looking for a plug-and-play setup.
Smart technology trends in retail:
Advanced smart security solutions to safeguard stock and employees.
Automated inventory management systems.
Modern tech-savvy tenants look for commercial properties that have built-in technologies to help support their business growth and increase customer satisfaction.
Digital payment methods are rapidly becoming the norm in Kolkata and beyond. QR codes, mobile wallets and contactless cards have made their way into the mainstream, allowing shoppers to pay in a jiffy. Retail property for lease in commercial space in malls and standalone high streets now needs to cater to these digital payment options, as many tenants set up contactless counters and self-checkout points for speedier shopping.
The entire landscape of the commercial property for lease market in Kolkata is changing because of data-driven retail management solutions. Retailers are now using smart dashboards to track sales data and inventory in real time. Brands can use this data to forecast sales and improve store layouts for better conversions. Lower costs and optimising the customer journey are two key areas where data helps drive improvements and ROI.
Consumers are becoming more conscious about the environment. This is filtering through to the commercial property for lease market, where landlords and developers are building greener properties.
Features that are common in today’s retail properties for lease:
Rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting systems, Green roofs, Recycled building materials and eco-friendly air conditioners, Spaces like Quest Mall and South City are investing in greener buildings and operations to appeal to new tenants that want a smaller carbon footprint and lower energy costs.
Shopping centres and standalone high streets are no longer only about making purchases. Kolkata is now seeing the rise of experience-driven retail property for lease that offer spaces for events, concerts and cultural showcases. Shops are giving away some space for food courts, open areas and indoor play zones.
Spaces like:
Ecopark mixed-use area: Retail with open spaces, food courts and regular cultural events for visitors to enjoy.
Acropolis Mall: Known for pop culture events, weekend workshops, food festivals and more.
Footfall is expected to grow, as people visit not just to shop but also to enjoy the experiences on offer, providing more revenue opportunities for tenants.
Infinity Think Tank Find us on map
Infinity Benchmark Find us on map
Godrej Waterside Find us on map
Adventz Infinity @5 Find us on map
© by Infinity Infotech Parks Limited
