Festive Sales Start Early: Up to 50% Off as Brands Battle for Your Wallet
Festive Sales Start Early: Up to 50% Off as Brands Battle for Your Wallet
Retailers across India have kicked off the festive season early this year by offering heavy discounts, faster deliveries, and extended sale periods. With festivals like Teej, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, and Ganesh Chaturthi arriving sooner than usual, brands are taking early steps to attract shoppers and revive consumer demand after a slow year.
After a subdued April-June quarter impacted by rains and weak sales, retailers are now focusing on July to September as a key window to boost purchases. Many brands have already restocked their inventories and launched promotional campaigns. Discounts ranging between 20% and 50% are being rolled out in an attempt to lure customers ahead of Diwali.
This early momentum is expected to help revive overall demand and carry forward into the main festive season in October. Retailers are hoping that improved footfall and higher conversion rates will give a much-needed push to India’s ₹900 billion retail sector, which has seen growth slow to around 4–5% in the last year.
E-Commerce Platforms Join the Festive Push
Online retailers are also stepping up their game. Amazon is extending its annual Prime Day sale to three days for the first time, from July 12 to 14. Discounts of up to 10% on select brands are expected during the event. Myntra is focusing on enhancing its quick delivery service, MNOW, especially for occasions like Raksha Bandhan where last-minute gifting plays a major role.
FMCG and Jewellery Brands Roll Out Festive Offers
Fast-moving consumer goods brands are not far behind. Companies like Haldiram’s have already begun stocking up for Teej, while chocolate makers and snack brands are offering bundled discounts. The goal is to create early visibility and encourage advance purchases.
Jewellery retailers, despite facing reduced demand and falling gold prices, are trying to draw in buyers with aggressive offers. Many are introducing smaller denominations of gold and silver coins and offering up to 50% off on making charges. New festive collections are also being launched to renew customer interest.
Sector Hopes for Revival
Last year’s festive sales rose by only 7%, falling short of the expected 10% growth. However, with early promotions and a better calendar this year, the sector is aiming for a 9–10% increase in the coming quarters. Retailers are cautiously optimistic that this early start will set the tone for a stronger festive season ahead.
