India has ranked 44th in the list of most preferred retail destinations in the world in relation to market, regional trends and other influences, according to the report `How Global is the Business of Retail' which maps the global footprints of 250 of the world's top retailers. This is primarily due to FDI restrictions in retail and also relatively lower average per-capita income in the country, according to CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) South Asia chairman & MD, Anshuman Magazine.

The report ranks UK as the current global leader in relation to the presence of international retailers. The UK hosts 55 retailers that were surveyed. Spain's position as the second-ranked market, closely trailing the UK, gives perspective to the market's new global significance. It houses 51 per cent of retailers surveyed. Spain's growing ability to attract global retailers to its shores is fuelling its rise as a global retail destination and threatening the UK's title as the 'most international retail market' in the world, according to the report.

The top 10 also included France, Germany and UAE. The US occupied the 11th position, with 39 per cent of international retailers present in that market. CBRE attributes this to the maturity, size and strength of its domestic retailers, which make it a market that only the strongest foreign retailers are able to break into.

He hoped that India would move up in the rankings if FDI norms are relaxed and economic growth continues. Out of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries, China and Russia are in the top 10 list. Brazil is also lower in the order.

The report also found that luxury goods dominated international retail scene, with almost 90 per cent respondents in the segment having a presence in more than 10 markets. This was more than grocery, food and drinks, with just 60 per cent present in 10 or more markets.

In clothing, footwear and accessories segments, 54 per cent retailers had operations in more than 10 markets.

However, as the report illustrated, many luxury retailers are well-known particularly for their clothing range, such as Hugo Boss or Versace, reflecting the historical tendency for high fashion brands to be offered internationally.

Least likely to 'travel' were the department stores, with only 5 per cent being represented in 10 or more markets.