Fashion retailers eye festive rush, sew GST-tinted offers

Apart from the usual festive fervour at this time of the year, there is another reason that could make buyers’ shopping cart heftier, or so the fashion retailers are hoping for.

- Suneera Tandon

What was to be a 'Diwali gift' for consumers is now set to become a Navratri gift, with the goods and services tax rates rejig coming into force on 22 September. Most common man-used items are set to see a cut in the consumption tax rate, spurring festive shopping and retailers—especially of apparel and footwear—are raising their game to pitch promotions as Navratri and Diwali sales take off.

With lowand mid-range apparel and footwear set to get cheaper, while premium labels becoming costlier, the retailers are calibrating the twin issues as they look to capitalize on consumer momentum to pitch promotions.

Retailers usually lock in inventory for autumn-winter season months in advance. Products have already arrived on shop floors and departmental stores. Multi-brand retailers are now gearing up to showcase items through in-store promotions, highlighting collections benefiting from lower tax rates.