Memory-led price rises put India’s independent smartphone retailers under festive-season pressure
AIMRA’s survey of 1,126 mobile retailers found 61% sold fewer smartphone units in H1 2026, as higher memory costs pushed up handset prices. Pressure is expected to be sharpest in the ₹10,000-₹30,000 range, while independents seek tax relief, brand support and expanded no-cost EMI.
Rising memory costs are lifting smartphone prices and depressing Indian handset volumes, particularly in the ₹10,000-₹30,000 segment. AIMRA’s survey flags festive-season weakness and survival risks for independent retailers, while larger chains benefit from premiumisation and stronger consumer dependence on smartphones.
Why this matters
No related recent AIMRA signals were provided. The survey highlights growing pressure on independent smartphone retailers as component costs raise retail prices before festive demand.
Retail-company signals are accelerating, up 1,123,600% QoQ.