GST rate cut draws shoppers, sales stir slowly

AC sales shall remain sub- dued, he noted, as “it’s not the season”, but television sets and soundbars are in demand.

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Shoppers had clearly been waiting. The past 10 days were slow because people wanted to know when the new GST rates would kick in, said a manager at Reliance Digital.

“Prices are about 10 per cent lower on ACs, TVs and dishwashers. A ₹15,000 item is down by around ₹1,000. Brands have reduced prices centrally, so these cuts are visible across the market,” he said, adding that sales are expected to rise about 20 per cent this week once cashback offers start.

Large chains, according to a GST official, were quick to pass on the benefit. Some smaller shopkeepers, however, were still selling at the old rates, “probably out of lack of awareness”, the official said. “We will address the issue. Overall, there was an excitement among consumers on the first day of GST 2.0,” he noted.