India's entertainment sector is seeing rapid growth, driven by the rise of Indoor Amusement Centres (IACs). A report by JLL India reveals that IACs are becoming the key attractions in shopping malls, with over 90 malls hosting multiple centres across 83 cities. Currently, India has 6.6 million square feet of operational IAC space, expected to reach 11 million square feet by 2028, marking a 67% increase. This trend in demand highlights the growing importance of entertainment in retail spaces, with major developments focused in South and North India. Both domestic and international operators are fuelling this growth and expansion.
The entertainment sector in India is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the rise of the experience economy and the country's large youth population, according to a recent report by JLL India. The report, titled "Game on! Entertainment as the new frontier in Indian retail," highlights how Indoor Amusement Centres (IACs) are becoming a major force in shaping the retail landscape.
Indoor Amusement Centres, often located in shopping malls, are emerging as key attractions that draw in large crowds and engage consumers. Currently, over 90 malls across India feature multiple IACs, and this number is growing. The report reveals that India has approximately 6.6 million square feet of operational IAC space across more than 500 centres in 83 cities. By 2028, this figure is expected to rise to around 11 million square feet, marking a 67% increase.
Developers are increasingly integrating entertainment options like IACs into the design of new malls, recognising their ability to boost foot traffic and enhance the overall shopping experience. The report emphasises how entertainment is becoming central to the future of retail in India, with consumers seeking more immersive and engaging experiences.
Regionally, South India leads the country in the number of IACs, with cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai hosting a large share. North India follows, with the National Capital Region (NCR), Ludhiana, and Lucknow seeing a high concentration of centres. Western India ranks third, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune leading the way.
Both local and international operators are driving the expansion of IACs across the country. While global companies have already established a foothold in India, domestic operators are aggressively expanding into new markets and offering more premium formats. These high-end centres combine gaming with dining experiences, reflecting the changing preferences of Indian consumers and contributing to the diversification of entertainment options in the retail sector.
The entertainment sector in India is undergoing significant growth, propelled by the burgeoning experience economy and a youthful demographic, as highlighted in JLL India's report. Indoor Amusement Centres (IACs) are increasingly becoming pivotal in reshaping the retail landscape, with their integration into shopping malls enhancing consumer engagement and foot traffic. The projected expansion of IAC space from 6.6 million to 11 million square feet by 2028 underscores their rising importance. This trend is particularly pronounced in South India, followed by North and Western regions, with both local and international operators contributing to the diversification and premiumisation of entertainment offerings in the retail sector.
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