The inaugural Visakhapatnam Retail Summit 2025, hosted by the Retailers Association of India (RAI) at Novotel Varun Beach, marked a pivotal moment for Andhra Pradesh's emerging retail sector. The summit convened key industry leaders, policymakers, and retail innovators to explore scalable strategies tailored for Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities.

The event focused on how non-metro markets like Vizag, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, and Kakinada are becoming hotbeds for modern retail expansion. Stakeholders discussed evolving consumer preferences, tech adoption in retail, supply chain optimization, and how regional brands are using digital platforms to scale.

Speakers included senior executives from retail chains, startups, logistics firms, and government representatives, all of whom stressed the untapped potential in smaller cities. Sessions covered:

 

• Localized retail experiences for culturally rooted markets

• Digital enablement of mom-and-pop stores

• Sustainable retail practices and waste reduction

• Talent development and skill-building for retail employees

RAI representatives noted that Vizag, with its strategic coastal location and growing infrastructure, is uniquely positioned to be a retail logistics and lifestyle hub in the coming years.

The summit also featured B2B networking, a startup showcase, and panel discussions on omnichannel marketing, retail real estate trends, and the role of women in retail leadership.

 

This is the first major retail-focused event in the city and is expected to return annually, further boosting Visakhapatnam’s profile as a business-friendly destination.