FICCI FLO, under the leadership of National President Ms. Poonam Sharma, organized an insightful session titled “Retail Tomorrow: Changing Landscape” on February 13, 2026, at FICCI Federation House, New Delhi. The session brought together eminent women entrepreneurs and leaders from the retail sector to participate in a meaningful dialogue on emerging trends, evolving consumer behavior, changing supply chain dynamics, and the future trajectory of the retail industry in India.
The discussion served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, enabling members to gain a deeper understanding of the rapidly transforming retail ecosystem. The Retail Tomorrow session highlighted the impact of digital transformation and e-commerce for small, medium, and large-scale enterprises. Also, it provided strategic insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders, especially women-led enterprises, in expanding their retail businesses.
The following pioneers of the retail industry served as the guest speakers for this event:
- Mr. Lalit Aggarwal, Founder & Managing Director, V- Mart Retail Ltd.
- Mr. Gunjan Shah, CEO, Bata India Limited
- Mr. Siddharath Bindra, Managing Director, BIBA
- Dr. Sheetal Jain, Founder & CEO, Luxe Analytics
- Host: Jyoti Jain, Governing Body Member, FICCI FLO.
Key Topics Discussed
- Changing Consumer Behavior
Speakers emphasized the shift towards experience-driven consumption, where personalization, convenience, and value play a crucial role in influencing purchase decisions. Mr. Lalit Agarwal, V. Mart founder, highlighted that his company has scaled the business by making fashion affordable and providing doorstep delivery for the convenience of middle and lower-class people from tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
On the other hand, Dr. Sheetal Jain, founder & CEO of Luxe Analytics, said that luxury brands in India experiment with products to cater to the younger generation who are willing to try new brands.
- Rise of Omni-Channel Retail
The integration of online and offline retail channels was identified as a key driver of growth. Experts highlighted how businesses must adopt seamless omnichannel strategies to stay competitive, including physical stores, e-commerce websites, mobile apps, social media, and marketplaces.
Mr. Gunjan Shah, CEO of Bata Limited, highlighted that e-commerce platforms have played a major role in taking his company to new heights and boosting profits. Then, Mr. Lalit Agarwal said that e-commerce and online platforms are effective in making new customers across India.
Dr. Sheetal Jain added that Indian luxury brands are competing with international brands by setting up operations overseas. In this way, Indian brands are entering international retail market and reaching to new consumers globally.
- Digital Transformation & Technology
The role of AI, machine learning, and digital platforms in redefining retail operations was extensively discussed. Technology was recognized as a critical enabler for boosting efficiency, customer engagement, and scalability. Using AI technology in the retail segment can cut operational costs and make informed decisions. Machine learning algorithms are useful in predicting demand trends and analyzing sales data to optimize stock levels.
- Sustainability and Ethical Retailing
The importance of sustainable practices, ethical sourcing, and conscious consumerism emerged as a significant theme. Mr. Siddharath Bindra, Managing Director, BIBA, urged the present women entrepreneurs to adopt eco-friendly packaging and switch to renewable energy to minimize environmental impact.
- Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs
The session underscored the growing opportunities for women in the retail sector, particularly in niche markets, D2C brands, and digital-first businesses. There is already a huge retail market to cater to in India, and customers look for good quality while buying products. Inclusion of more women in the retail sector will improve workforce participation and fill the gap in fulfilling the demands of consumers.
Impact & Outcome
The Retail Tomorrow session provided FICCI FLO members with actionable insights into leveraging technology for business growth and building resilient and future-ready retail enterprises. The session not only enhanced awareness of industry trends but also inspired participants to innovate and adapt in an increasingly competitive and dynamic marketplace. It reinforced FICCI FLO’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs by equipping them with relevant knowledge, industry exposure, and networking opportunities.