Industry sources viewed the trend as a temporary disruption rather than a structural shift, given India’s population distribution across states
A pan-India survey indicates that South Indian states are experiencing a relatively slower decline in smartphone sales than other regions of the country.According to the Retailer Pulse report released by the All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) and market research firm Techarc, smartphone sales in southern states have declined by 51.4 per cent, compared with a 64.3 per cent drop in northern states.“The South is weathering the shock meaningfully better than the North and East,” said Faisal Kawoosa, Chief Analyst and Co-founder of Techarc. The report also highlighted stronger festive-season expectations among retailers in southern India.Temporary disruptionWhen surveyed about concerns ahead of the festive season, 36 per cent of southern retailers said they were worried, compared with 55 per cent of retailers in northern states. However, industry sources viewed the trend as a temporary disruption rather than a structural shift, given India’s population distribution across states.“By the arrival of the festive season, all states will have to address the same sales challenges,” said a source, speaking on condition of anonymity.For now, South India remains materially more resilient, with 59 per cent of retailers reporting confidence in surviving the current downturn. The northern and eastern regions are facing the highest levels of stress.“The shock is national, but its bite is regional,” the report saidPublished on July 27, 2026
