India’s Big Bazaar maintains lead with boost from young shoppers, online investments 

GlobalData reported that 59% of Indian consumers shop at Big Bazaar.

Indian retailer Big Bazaar maintained its lead amongst grocery retailers in the country, supported by young shoppers and online investments, GlobalData reported. 

According to GlobalData, more than 55% of shoppers at Big Bazaar are aged below 34 years old. The retailer also benefited from a strong brand recall and a significant online investment that helped its omnichannel expansion. 

“Big Bazaar heavy investment in digital capabilities helped it expand online proposition and provide attractive services such as ‘two-hour’ delivery in over 120 cities and towns across India,” Koyel Ray, Retail Analyst at GlobalData, said.

“The investments paid off as the retailer witnessed a boost in online sales with a contribution of nearly 10% of total sales in 2021 compared to only 1.4% in 2020.”

GlobalData‘s report found Big Bazaar has the highest proportion of shoppers from household incomes above $10,000 at 27.1%. 

Over the past years, the retailer had to close 21 stores but added 8 new ones to cut down non-strategic costs and improve operating efficiency. 

In its GlobalData Q3 Consumer Survey, it was found that 28% of respondents mentioned that they are buying grocery products online more frequently and 33% continue this habit showing that online has become crucial for growth in the region.

In this light, the brand will be focusing more on marketing activities in the digital space.

“Big Bazaar’s parent company Future Retail initiated merger with Reliance Retail. This was seen as a positive move and fresh investments from Reliance coupled with the brand’s existing image as a trusted retailer were expected to help it recover and strengthen its position as one of the leading grocery retailers in India,”  Ray said.

“However, With Reliance calling off the deal in late April 2022, the future takes a slight dent, however youth population and the online investments will aid the Future Group to flourish.”