India’s retail market is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by FY29 and $2.4 trillion by FY34, driven by the rapid expansion of branded and organized retail. Branded retail alone is expected to surpass $1 trillion within a decade, fueled by increasing multi-channel consumption across metros and Tier 2+ cities. E-commerce will play a crucial role, contributing over $170 billion in GMV by FY29, with categories like fashion, beauty, personal care, grocery, and quick commerce leading the charge.

As distribution complexities grow, brands must rethink their logistics strategies, positioning logistics not just as an operational function but as a strategic enabler. The rise of third-party logistics (3PL) providers has helped brands navigate supply chain challenges, with key selection criteria including delivery timeliness, shipment protection, speed, and geographical reach.

However, with logistics costs expected to hit $50 billion annually by FY29, managing partial loads, fluctuating demand, and returns will remain key challenges. To thrive, brands must prioritize customer preferences, ensure a seamless experience across channels and geographies, and focus on operational excellence from the start. Choosing the right 3PL partners based on service offerings, Tier 2+ reach, and SLA compliance will be critical in enhancing customer satisfaction and driving long-term growth.

Our latest report titled “How New-Age Logistics is Transforming Brand Success” talks about how 3PLs are an important part of the consumer and retail market, helping rands to scale, solve various challenges and make informed choices for long-term success. Download the report. Now!