Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) 2011 has ranked India as the fourth most attractive nation for retail investment, among 30 emerging markets. HR is steadily moving up the value chain and becoming a critical stakeholder for the Industry. The dynamic nature of this market has made availability of talent indispensable for survival. The need for focused talent attraction, development and retention strategies has made it imperative for HR, traditionally seen as a support function in retail, to step up and take on a more strategic role.