New Delhi, 12 Nov (KNN) As per the latest survey done by the Retailers Association of India (RAI), the retail sales in October 2021 has indicated 14% growth over the pre-pandemic levels (October 2019) and 34% (YoY) growth (compared to October 2020).

Speaking about the results, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India (RAI) said, “The October survey has revealed encouraging results. In order to understand the complete impact of the festival season on retail sales, it is essential to see the figures of October and November combined. We would await the results for the month of November to draw definitive conclusions. However, all the signs indicate a positive trend.”

Retail businesses across regions have indicated growth in sales as compare to pre-pandemic levels with West India signalling growth of 23%, followed by East India at 13% while North and South India indicate a growth of 10% each as compared to sales levels in October 2019.

In categories, Jewellery has indicated a significant recovery with growth of 24% as compared to sales levels in October 2019, while the Apparel category also indicated growth (6%), categories such as Beauty & Wellness - including Salons and Footwear are hopeful of recovery with the uptake of shopping activity nearing Diwali. At 31% and 29% sales compared to pre-pandemic levels (same period in 2019) respectively, Food & Groceries and Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) continue to indicate growth.