Global Retail Development Index ranks India at No. 5

A.T. Kearney’s Global Consumer Institute released the 2012 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI), a ranking of the top 30 developing countries for global retail expansion.

A.T. Kearney's Global Consumer Institute released the 2012 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI), a ranking of the top 30 developing countries for #

 

India remains a fifth high-potential market with accelerated retail market growth of 15 to 20 percent expected over the next five years, supported by GDP growth of 6 to 7 percent, rising disposable income, and rapid urbanization.

 

Brazil, is #1 for the second year in a row driven by a growing middle class economy, high consumption rates, a large, urban population, and reduced political and financial risk. In addition, Brazil’s relatively young population and high per capita spending in the apparel and luxury sectors make this country a top destination for specialty retailers.

 

Botswana is ranked 20th in this year’s GRDI. Botswana’s entry into the GRDI ranking is a pre-cursor to steadily developing countries in the Sub-Sahara Africa region that could emerge as favorable retail markets in coming years.

 

Although the Arab Spring uprisings had a negative impact on the rankings of several MENA countries including Lebanon (-10 versus 2011), Morocco (-7 versus 2011) and Tunisia (-12 versus 2011), several countries from the region are still high on the ranking — U.A.E. (#7), Oman (#8), Kuwait (#12) and Saudi Arabia (#14).

 

Published since 2002, the GRDI ranks the top 30 developing countries for retail investment worldwide. The Index analyzes 25 macroeconomic and retail-specific variables to help retailers devise successful global strategies and to identify emerging market investment opportunities.

 

GRDI Results

 

While the world’s largest developing markets – particularly the BRIC nations of Brazil, Russia, India, and China – still tempt the largest global retailers, and show no signs of slowing down as a source of growth, many smaller, untapped markets are providing new growth opportunities. New countries in the 2012 Index include several “small gems” such as Georgia (#6), Oman (#8), Mongolia (#9) and Azerbaijan (#17) that are showing progress as attractive destinations for global retailers, particularly specialty and luxury players. These markets, though small in total retail market size, have strong fundamentals that appeal to retailers targeting a concentration of wealth and seeking to be first movers in fast-growing markets.