D2C Brands Drive 28% of India's Retail Leasing Growth

In the first half of 2026, Indian stores that sell directly to customers, called D2C brands, took up a big part of new shop space—about 28% of all new leases.

Overall, India added 3.9 million square feet of retail space, a 20% jump from last year.

Most of the new space went to regular retailers, who own more than 70% of the leases.

The biggest city for new stores was Delhi-NCR, followed by Chennai and Mumbai.

D2C brands are now opening fewer but smarter stores, like tiny shops inside other stores or special pop‑up spots, to save money and reach customers better.