Over the last few years, India's retail landscape has evolved significantly. We have seen consumers become increasingly brand conscious, globally connected, and more willing to engage with premium and international brands. At the same time, the retail ecosystem itself has matured, with the emergence of world class destinations capable of delivering the scale, experience, and visibility that global brands seek for their flagship concepts.
The real hurdle isn't the map, but the fragmented municipal governance: complex, varying permit costs and restrictive zoning are barriers to expansion. If local governments can align on model ordinances and move away from restrictive industrial-only zoning, the 13% yearover- year growth seen in France may be possible in California.