Retailing is an important part of the Indian economy because it connects producers and manufacturers with final consumers. The Indian retail sector consists of organised as well as unorganised retailers. Organised retail includes supermarkets, departmental stores, shopping malls, e-commerce platforms and branded retail chains, whereas unorganised retail mainly consists of kirana stores, street vendors, small shops and family-owned businesses. Although the retail sector provides employment and supports economic development, Indian retailers face several challenges related to competition, finance, technology, infrastructure, changing consumer behaviour and government regulations. One of the major challenges faced by Indian retailers is intense competition. Small retailers compete not only with other local shops but also with supermarkets, large retail chains and online retailers. Large retailers have greater purchasing power and can negotiate better prices with suppliers. They can also spend more on advertising, store design, customer service and promotional schemes. Online retailers further increase competition by offering discounts, a wide variety of products and home delivery. As a result, small retailers often find it difficult to maintain their customer base and profit margins. Another important challenge is the changing behaviour and expectations of consumers. Indian consumers are becoming more aware, informed and quality-conscious. They expect competitive prices, better product quality, convenient shopping, quick delivery and multiple payment options. The growth of smartphones and digital platforms has also made it easier for consumers to compare prices and products before making purchases. Small retailers who depend on traditional methods may find it difficult to meet these changing expectations. Limited access to finance is another serious problem, particularly for small retailers. Retail businesses require funds for purchasing inventory, paying rent, maintaining stores, hiring workers and adopting new technologies. Small retailers may have limited financial resources and may not always have easy access to formal credit. High borrowing costs and uncertain sales can make investment decisions difficult. Lack of working capital can also result in inadequate inventory, preventing retailers from meeting customer demand. Supply-chain and infrastructure-related problems also affect Indian retailers. Many small retailers do not have sophisticated warehousing facilities, efficient transportation systems or proper inventory-management processes. Delays in transportation, fluctuations in product availability and wastage of