| | DECEMBER 20259CHRONICLESHOMESCHRONICLESHOMESbrands leased 2.6 million sq. ft in Q3 alone -- a 76 percent YoY increase from Q3 2024. Meanwhile, foreign brands contributed 19 percent of leasing activity.This growth reflects the scale at which Indian apparel brands, grocery, and food services companies are consolidating presence across malls and high streets. The report highlights that fashion and apparel led leasing with a 35 percent share, followed by food & beverage at 16 percent, and daily needs and grocery at 11 percent. Daily needs categories; in particular, saw heightened demand as retailers continued to position themselves as anchor tenants in premium retail developments.Pankaj Jain, Founder and Chairman, SPJ Group say, "In 2026, retail growth in Gurugram won't be defined by the city's conventional high-profile streets alone; it will be shaped by neighbourhood centric high streets where community and convenience meet spending power. We've seen demand shift notably toward high density pockets that combine experiential retail with everyday necessity brands. These micro markets are attractive because they offer visibility, footfall and purchase intent in one compact catchment. Investors and brands are recognizing that the next phase of retail expansion lies in places where residents live, socialize and shop locally, rewriting the playbook for retail strategy in NCR."Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Malls-Vasant Kunj and Gurugram says, "NCR's retail strength has always come from its ability to evolve with consumer lifestyles, and today that evolution is playing out at the micro-market level. Malls in areas like Gurugram and Vasant Kunj have become social hubs anchored by strong F&B, entertainment and lifestyle offerings that reflect how the city lives and unwinds. As residential density increases across newer neighbourhoods and connectivity improves, these retail centres are becoming deeply embedded in daily routines. This integration of living, leisure, and retail is driving higher footfalls and longer dwell times, positioning NCR's micro markets for sustained retail growth in 2026."Sakshee Katiyal, Chairperson, Home & Soul, says, "Retail in 2026 must be reimagined as a neighbourhood service, not just a commercial exercise. That's why our strategy focuses on community driven high streets that reflect local lifestyle needs. Micro markets such as Ghaziabad, Noida and greater noida are showing that when you combine daily conveniences, entertainment
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