Enalytix, an AI-driven technology company renowned for its expertise in video analytics and field-force productivity management, has unveiled its key observations on footfall trends in the fashion and apparel industry. These comprehensive findings delve into the evolving growth patterns and key drivers shaping foot traffic in fashion stores across multiple categories and regions within India. With valuable insights, Enalytix sheds light on how the industry is adapting to shifting consumer behaviours and regional trends.

Top 3 Cities in India with the Highest Footfall in Fashion-Related Stores
Mumbai (25%), Bangalore (18%), and Delhi/NCR (17%) are the top cities driving the highest footfall in fashion-related stores across India. These urban centres continue to attract the largest number of shoppers, reflecting their dominance in the fashion retail landscape. Close behind are Hyderabad (16%) and Kolkata (11%), both of which rank among the top 5 cities for foot traffic. 

Footfall Growth Comparison in Tier 1, Tier 2, and Other Cities (As Compared to 2023)
A clear 20% rise in footfall is observed for high street stores across both Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. The increase is even more pronounced in mall stores, where footfall has surged by 40%. Interestingly, Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities are also witnessing robust growth in footfall. In these cities, high-street stores have experienced a 40% rise in foot traffic, while mall stores saw a 35% increase. These cities are increasingly becoming hotspots for retail, as consumers are gaining access to more urban retail experiences and influencer marketing. These cities have opened up the market for affordable fashion, and many value fashion brands are making an active entry into these cities.

Average Time Spent, Dwell Time, and  Shopper Engagement Trends
On average, shoppers spend 10-14 minutes in fashion stores, with 20-25% of shoppers spending more than 15 minutes, signalling a higher potential for conversion. This dwell time increases to nearly 30% in mall stores on weekends. Footfall is notably highest between 5 to 8 PM, making this a prime time for engagement. However, many apparel brands face a 30% bounce rate, particularly on weekdays, suggesting that weekday shoppers have lower engagement levels, potentially due to less immersive store experiences or shorter shopping durations.

New Store Openings
Fast fashion stores have seen a 20-25% increase in new openings across Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities, signalling the growing significance of these regions for retailers aiming to capture emerging consumer markets.

Rajul Tandon, Founder & CEO, Enalytix said, "Having closely worked with the retail sector, we’ve gained deep insights into consumer behavior and the critical role of data-driven decisions. The footfall trends we've captured go beyond mere statistics—they represent a significant signal of growth and opportunity for fashion retailers. In an ever-evolving retail environment, leveraging data to understand both online and offline engagement is key to staying ahead of the curve and driving sustained business success."

The surge in footfall across both major metros and emerging cities paints an exciting picture for the future of India’s fashion retail industry. With a clear shift towards Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, these regions are fast becoming retail hotspots, driven by evolving consumer behaviors and the growing influence of affordable fashion brands. As shopping patterns change, retailers have a unique chance to tap into new, untapped markets, and enhance in-store experiences. The data suggests that now more than ever, fashion brands must innovate and engage creatively to keep shoppers coming back—turning footfall into lasting loyalty.