TeamLease Edtech’s Career Outlook Report for HY2, July - December’24, has identified a significant uptick in the Indian Retail sector compared from the previous 46%. This upward trend is driven by rapid offline expansion and robust growth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, complemented by plans to unveil 60 new malls in 7 Tier 1 cities by 2025. This dual expansion depicts the sector’s ambition to cater to diverse markets, leveraging both metropolitan hubs and emerging urban centers

“With the retail sector undergoing strategic offline growth and omnichannel advancements, the demand for freshers equipped with digital skills, customer engagement acumen, and relevant certifications has surged. This trend opens numerous career pathways in a sector that values adaptability and innovation,” says Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO, TeamLease EdTech.

As the sector grows, the demand for fresh talent is set to accelerate, driving the creation of entry-level roles that require a mix of traditional retail skills and new-age digital expertise. High-demand positions include Retail Auditors for quality assurance, Supply Chain Executives managing logistics, and Store Decorators tasked with enhancing in-store aesthetics emphasizing a blend of technical and creative abilities to meet evolving customer expectations.

Major cities like Bangalore (68%), Delhi (61%), and Mumbai (57%) are witnessing a surge in demand for specific roles. Bangalore is seeing the highest demand for Retail Auditors, while Delhi is focusing on Supply Chain Executives. Mumbai, on the other hand, is experiencing notable demand for roles such as Store Decorators. Additionally, emerging urban hubs in Tier 2 and 3 cities are also expected to draw fresh talent, contributing to the sector’s expansion across diverse regions, notably Pune (55%) and Ahmedabad (52%) surge in demand for Inventory Executives and Kochi (52%) experiencing a rise in demand for Supply Chain Executives.

As retail’s growth trajectory in India sharpens, the focus is on nurturing talent in smaller cities. This redefines the sector’s workforce and paves the way for freshers to engage with an industry that combines physical and digital retail with career potential.