Consumer demand has remained robust well beyond Diwali this year, with leading companies reporting stronger-than-usual sales in what is typically a muted period.
Firms across appliances, apparel, jewellery and packaged foods say demand in the four weeks after the festival has risen 10–20% year-on-year, states an Economic Times report.
Lifestyle International, LG Electronics, Haier, AWL Agri Business, Titan, Raymond Lifestyle and Kalyan Jewellers all reported elevated buying patterns, supported by higher disposable incomes following cuts in GST and standard income tax rates, a surge in winter weddings and an early drop in temperatures.
LG Electronics India, as cited in the report, said it continues to operate factories at about 85% capacity on double shifts, defying the post-Diwali slowdown usually seen in appliances. Haier India also reported 10–15% growth, citing stronger wedding-related purchases, especially in smaller towns.
The Centre’s tax changes, effectively waiving personal income tax for salaried individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh and reducing GST across most consumption items, have improved affordability, according to executives cited in the report.
A normal monsoon and low inflation have further supported sentiment.
As per retailers, the current quarter has 12-14 auspicious wedding dates, keeping apparel and jewellery sales buoyant.
Titan and Kalyan Jewellers registered continued festive-season-level growth, backed by a 3-6% drop in gold prices. Packaged food demand has also risen, with AWL Agri Business noting stronger offtake in edible oils, basmati rice, sugar and maida as trade channels refill inventory.
Winterwear sales have gained momentum too, aided by an early winter. Wedding-focused brands such as Raymond and Vedant Fashions reported full bookings at banquet halls through May and strong advance orders from retailers.
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