ritel

Ritel is an Indonesian term used to describe the retail trade—the sale of goods or services to end consumers. In everyday usage it functions as both an adjective, as in sektor ritel, and a noun referring to the retail sector or to a retailer (peritel). The concept is widely used in business, economics, and policy discussions in Indonesia and other Malay-speaking regions.

Origin and linguistic notes: Ritel is a loanword derived from the English word “retail” and adapted to Indonesian phonology and word formation. It is commonly paired with modifiers to distinguish sub-sectors, such as ritel modern (modern retail) and ritel tradisional or ritel konvensional (traditional retail).

Scope and types: The ritel sector includes traditional markets, small kiosks, and modern chains such as supermarkets and department stores. It also encompasses online retail and omnichannel approaches that combine physical stores with digital sales. In many economies, ritel chains compete with informal vendors and microretailers, affecting pricing, availability, and consumer choice.

Economic significance and trends: The retail sector is a major employer and a key channel for consumer goods distribution. It is influenced by demographic shifts, urbanization, and digital commerce adoption. Policy concerns often focus on consumer protection, competition, licensing, and the modernization of supply chains and payment systems.

See also: Retail, Retailing, E-commerce, Indonesian economy.