INSIDE THE 2025 SHOPPING FRENZY

As India steps into the 2025 festive season, online retail is poised for a record-breaking year

- BY TARANNUM MANJUL

INDIA’s festive ecommerce market in 2025 is set to break records, with online festive sales projected to touch Rs 1. 15–Rs 1.2 lakh crore, marking a 20–27 per cent jump from last year's figures. The surge is driven by GST cuts, improved delivery infrastructure, and tech-led personalisation. As aspiration meets affordability, consumers across metros and small towns are redefining how India shops and celebrates the festive season online.

The Policy Push: How GST 2.0 Sparked Festive Demand

The government's GST 2.0 reforms have been one of the biggest enablers of this year’s ecommerce momentum. Reduced tax rates on appliances, electronics, and consumer durables have unlocked pent-up demand across categories. Sellers are passing on these benefits directly to buyers through dedicated campaigns.

Flipkart’s Vice President, Growth & Marketing, Pratik Shetty, noted how the reforms drove conversion rates. “Customers who were browsing but holding back in September converted quickly once the revised rates came into effect. Appliances and two-wheelers have become some of our fastest-growing categories, while GST cuts also fuelled premiumisation across mobiles, electronics, and fashion,” says Shetty.

Evolving Shoppers: From Discounts To Discovery

The Indian online shopper has evolved. Today's consumer wants not just deals, but trust, transparency, and convenience. Mobile-first, value-conscious, and increasingly aspirational, they expect personalised journeys, real-time engagement, and lightning-fast delivery.