Festive Sales See Shoppers Log In, But Hold Back On Big-Ticket Purchases

India’s online festive sales reached $7–8 Bn in the first leg, but early data showed weaker spending and smartphone sales

Strong online traffic and order growth failed to translate into higher spending, with card payment value and smartphone sales declining YoY.

Strong online traffic and order growth failed to translate into higher spending, with card payment value and smartphone sales declining YoY.

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The festive season, usually a time to splurge, is telling a different story this year. A smaller number of card transactions and weaker smartphone sales are hinting at consumers tightening their purse strings amid mounting pressure on household budgets.

Early data from Redseer estimated that India’s online festive sales clocked $7-8 Bn in gross merchandise value (GMV) during the first leg, from October 8 to 18. Nearly 100 Mn shoppers placed more than 350 Mn orders, with consumption running at around three times the everyday rate.

However, the data also pointed to a more cautious spending environment. According to Datum Intelligence, a market intelligence and consumer data analytics company, the online festive sales amounted to ₹29,800-₹30,900 Cr this........

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