NCR’s Next Big Boom: Rise of Organised High Street Retail

New Delhi, May 23, 2025: NCR’s retail landscape is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation with an upsurge in organised high-street retail formats.

These thoughtfully planned open-air commercial spaces blend shopping, dining and leisure into one cohesive environment. With time, there has been a marked shift in preference among retailers and investors toward organised high-street retail formats in NCR.

Unlike the chaotic, unstructured markets, these modern high streets are designed for walkability, visibility and lifestyle.

Per the latest report by Cushman and Wakefield, the Indian retail industry started 2025 at a great high, registering an all-time high of 2.4 mn sq ft (MSF) of leasing during Q1, up 55 per cent YoY.

Leading the trend was the sheer dominance of high streets, which took close to two-thirds of the overall demand, indicating a definite retailer shift towards main streets and malls. The report highlighted that, in particular, Delhi-NCR saw strong traction with 17 per cent (0.41 MSF) of the total share of leasing, led by strong demand in prime submarkets and a YoY growth of 57 per cent.

Further, the retailing space in the region was dominated primarily in Gurugram by luxury brands, restaurants and entertainment spaces, solidifying its position as a high-consumption market. In addition, the sector witnessed strong dominance by fashion and food and beverage brands, which collectively took up 0.80 MSF of space, led by the growing popularity of quick-access, lifestyle-driven retail in top catchment areas.

Developers and urban planners respond to shifting tastes by designing open, walkable retail precincts that cater to the demand for more authentic, experience-driven spaces.

“We’re seeing a strong shift toward Grade A high-street malls. High streets are becoming favoured destinations for domestic and international brands, offering a blend of luxury, accessibility, and community engagement, especially in the high-density corridors of Gurugram,” says Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group.

“The success of these grade A high-streets also depends on how strategically located and pensively designed these spaces are to ensure organic footfall. The format usually compliments blending food, fashion, leisure, and entertainment into one cohesive environment.”

He adds, “As developers, we see this as the future of retail, and with affluent catchments and infrastructure-led growth, Gurugram is perfectly positioned to craft this evolution now in targeted vicinities.”

Ishaan Singh, Director, AIPL says, “As consumer preferences continue to reshape the retail landscape in NCR, particularly within organised high street formats, it has become essential to understand and align with the evolving expectations of today’s experience-driven consumers.”

He adds, “In our high street developments, we’re dedicated to offering a diverse brand mix, outdoor engagement zones and a strong sense of community place. Our focus on fine dining, curated entertainment zones and weekend lifestyle events not only enriches the visitor experience but also encourages guests to spend more time on the premises and return more frequently.”

The growth of the NCR retail space market is riding on the back of massive infrastructure upgrades. Key corridors such as Dwarka Expressway, Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and the upcoming Noida International Airport are not just reshaping connectivity, they’re actively unlocking new retail demand.

Metro expansions and road enhancements have significantly reduced commute times, driving up footfall and real estate values in adjoining areas. Locations like Golf Course Extension Road, Sector 150 Noida, New Gurgaon and Dwarka Expressway are emerging as high-potential retail zones, due to their growing residential density and improved access.

“We believe that the future of retail lies in creating experiential spaces which complement the evolving retail experience,” says Sandeep Chhillar, Founder and Chairman, Landmark Group.”

“In NCR, organised high streets are evolving into lifestyle zones where people from different age groups can unwind, explore and connect. It’s no longer just about convenience shopping; it’s about offering a fulfilling experience.”

Salil Kumar, Director, Marketing and Business Management, CRC Group, says, “Organised high street retail is emerging as a profitable asset class in NCR, offering better lease flexibility, lower maintenance costs and higher returns than traditional malls. The demand from both brands and consumers is shifting.”

Notably, locations like Noida and Greater Noida West are now on every retailer’s radar. “At CRC, we’re doubling down on this trend by designing retail formats that are efficient, future-ready and tailored for investor interest.”

As NCR continues to urbanise and expand, the momentum behind organised high-street retail is unmistakable. With robust infrastructure upgrades, changing consumer behaviours and a growing appetite for curated experiences, the region is primed for a new era in retail development.