GST cuts push festive e-comm sales higher

The festive demand rose 23-25% across metropolitan and emerging markets

- Press Trust of Indi

Consumer behaviour this season reflects a bullish sentiment, fuelled by GST-enabled price reductions that have lowered costs in high-ticket categories such as electronics and pushed festive demand up 23-25% across metropolitan and emerging markets.

The GST reforms, effective from September 22—the first day of Navratri—reduced tax rates in several high-demand categories, including large-screen TVs, mid-range fashion and furniture, providing direct price benefits to consumers. These changes have not only lowered retail prices but also encouraged shoppers to look beyond tactical discount-hunting towards more aspirational purchases, lifting participation from tier Il and tier II cities and stimulating growth in discretionary spending.