Organised (modern) retail refers to large superstores that sell almost everything. Organised retail in developed countries accounts for 75 -80 per cent of the total retail. Unorganised retail refers to small grocery stores, street hawkers and vendors who dominate the retail business. Organised retail is represented by modern formats such as hypermarkets, superstores, supermarkets and convenience stores. Such formats have now spread to developing world but still the major portion of retail business is handled by family-run neighbourhood shops and open markets. The organised retail has arrived in developing countries in three waves.

First Wave : It is the period of early 1990s to mid-1990s. It covers countries such as South America, East Asia and South Africa.

Second Wave : It covers the period of mid-1990s to late 1990s. It spreads to countries such as Central America and South-East Asia.

Third Wave : This started in late 1990s and continued in early 2000s. The spread is in parts of Africa, China, India, Russia etc.

Size of India’s Retail Sector  $450 billion

Expected Investment in modern retail in India over the next five years  $35 billion

Investment expected from foreign retailers in India over the next five years  Rs 70,000 crore

Investment required in agricultural infrastructure over the next five years Rs 64,312 crore