FESTIVE SEASON 2025: LOGISTICS FIRMS BRACE FOR PEAKS, PRESSURE, AND NEW RETAIL DEMANDS

From AI-driven carrier allocation to multimodal networks and omnichannel readiness, logistics leaders are rewriting their festive playbook to keep pace with the evolving demands of retailers and shoppers alike.

- BY VAISHNAVI GUPTA

As India inches closer to its high-stakes festive season, logistics providers across the spectrum are preparing for what is traditionally the most crucial period of the retail calendar.

The months from September to December often witness a surge in sales that can make or break annual targets for retailers and brands. For logistics companies, this translates into compressed peaks, capacity crunches, and heightened customer expectations around speed, reliability, and service quality. This year, logistics leaders are aligning their strategies with changing retail dynamics—omnichannel demand, deeper penetration into Tier II and III markets.

Demand Peaks and New Festive Trends

The festive season in India doesn't just bring higher order volumes—it compresses them into shorter, sharper peaks. “The festive season drives a sharp rise in first-mile and middle-mile movement. We expect higher intercity volumes as brands push inventory faster to regional hubs and dark stores,” said Raj Somani, Founder & CEO, LinkedLogi.

ClickPost’s data echoed this trend. “What we see across brands is that spikes are sharper and clustered around sale weekends, especially those tied to payday cycles,” noted Naman Vijay, CEO & Co-Founder, ClickPost. “We recalibrate our carrier-allocation logic, adjust promised delivery dates, and raise our monitoring thresholds well before the surge begins. In terms of trends, we expect two clear shifts this year: faster delivery demand in metros, and deeper order growth in Tier II and III cities.”