GST’s Role in Enhancing Branded Consumption
“GST is poised to significantly catalyze the expansion of branded consumption,” remarked Ravi Kapoor, partner and leader of retail and consumer sectors at PwC.
He emphasized the critical nature of aligning brand affinity with lower price points, asserting that the implementation of GST will effectively diminish the overarching cost structure—an aspect that resonates particularly well with discerning consumers.
Fortune India Reveals Insightful Updates
The latest edition of Fortune India is now available, spotlighting the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) sector. The year 2025 marks a historic turning point, as India’s EV sales surpass 100,000 units in FY25, spurred by significant launches from major automotive players such as Tata Motors, M&M, Ashok Leyland, and Hyundai.
The issue also examines challenges before Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran and explores potential Indian responses to U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
Amazon Kicks Off Its Great Indian Festival
Starting September 23, Amazon’s Great Indian Festival 2025 will provide Prime members with early access to enticing deals. Discounts include up to 40% off smartphones from leading brands such as Apple and Samsung, along with discounts of up to 80% on electronics from HP and Sony.
Additional savings of up to 65% can be found on home appliances, complemented by enticing exchange offers and no-cost EMI alternatives. Everyday essentials, ranging from baby care to food items, will see discounts reaching 70%.
Exciting Price Reductions on Flagship Devices
The Apple iPhone 15, initially listed at ₹59,900, will be available at ₹45,249 after applying bank discounts. Similarly, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will drop to under ₹80,000. This year brings the most competitive pricing of the year on over one lakh products.
With decreased GST rates on numerous items and compelling offers from sellers, significant savings await our customers, stated Saurabh Srivastava, Vice President of Categories at Amazon India.
Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Set to Launch
Coinciding with Amazon, Flipkart will also initiate its Big Billion Days on September 23, promising exceptional discounts on the iPhone 16 series and the Samsung S24 lineup, among others. Discounts may reach up to 75% on home essentials, fashion items, and personal care, and early access will be granted to Flipkart Plus members.
Croma Targets Festive Demand
Croma plans to capitalize on the festive surge, with a representative stating, “Consumer enthusiasm for festive shopping is robust, with many seeking to enhance their living spaces and invest in purposeful gifts. In response, we are rolling out attractive offers across various categories.”
Unprecedented Discounts Available
Croma is marketing discounts beginning at 15% across televisions, smartphones, and other home appliances. Its festive private-label assortment includes noteworthy items such as:
- Croma 20W Portable Bluetooth Speaker – ₹1,299
- VelocityGF Smartwatch with Bluetooth Calling – ₹2,499
- 3.5L Digital Air Fryer – ₹2,999
- 1000W Juicer Mixer Grinder (4 Jars) – ₹3,499
- 10,000mAh MagSafe Powerbank – ₹1,499
- 2200W Infrared Cooktop – ₹2,499
Fashion and Lifestyle Retailers Join the Festivities
Myntra’s Big Fashion Festival will commence on September 20, with early access on the 19th, showcasing over four million styles across 15,000 brands, including traditional attire and beauty products.
Incentives include 10% instant discounts on HDFC credit cards and a flat 7.5% cashback with Flipkart SBI credit cards, catering to shoppers in pursuit of premium selections.
Nykaa Welcomes Festive Shoppers
Nykaa also enters the festive arena with its Festive Mega Sale for Navratri and Pujo, starting on September 17. Highlights include:
- Up to 35% off on Nykaa Cosmetics
- 50% off on various Nykaa-branded products
- Up to 20% off on Kay Beauty products
- 40% off on Maybelline and Olay bestsellers
Innovative Strategies from Emerging Platforms
Meesho’s Mega Blockbuster Sale will launch on September 19, offering consumers up to 40% off on smartphones and up to 80% in categories such as electronics and fashion. The platform aims to bolster engagement through captivating content-driven commerce, including short videos and live streams.
Snapdeal’s Bharat Swagotsav, which began on September 19, features remarkable deals starting at ₹30 and focused discounts for early shoppers, dedicated to celebrating India’s festive ethos while amplifying small seller visibility.
Swift Commerce Platforms Join the Dialog
Platforms such as Swiggy Instamart and Zepto are enhancing festival shopping with rapid deliveries and substantial discounts. Swiggy’s Quick India Movement will offer up to 70% off on ethnic clothing and dry fruits, while Zepto’s Fastest Sale Ever emphasizes discounts of up to 90% on a variety of products.
Banking Institutions Capitalize on the Festivities
Major banks are rolling out targeted festive initiatives featuring discounts, immediate cashback, and flexible EMI options in collaboration with vendor partners. ICICI Bank’s Festive Bonanza presents varied offers across sectors like e-commerce and groceries, with potential cashbacks totaling ₹50,000 available through various payment methods.
Exceptional Loan Offers Emerging
Axis Bank is extending up to 25% off on select credit card EMIs along with significant discounts on major electronics and home essentials, aiming for a seamless shopping experience during the festive season. Bank of Baroda is promoting its campaign, “BOB Ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang – Shubh Bhi. Labh Bhi,” featuring home loans starting at 7.45% and generous car loan benefits.
Travel Platforms Offering Special Discounts
In the travel arena, platforms like Paytm, Cleartrip, and Yatra are providing up to 20% off on various flights and hotel bookings. Meanwhile, IndiGo is enticing travelers with low fares for a limited time.
Bank collaborations further enhance these offers, allowing cardholders of institutions such as Bank of Baroda and ICICI Bank to enjoy notable discounts on travel bookings, thus combining financial institutions’ incentives with shopping promotions.
GST Reduction Fuels Consumer Excitement
The recently announced reduction in GST on numerous products from September 22 is expected to catalyze consumer spending during this festive period. Srivastava from Amazon indicated that with this decrease, alongside an array of promotional strategies, significant savings will enrich the shopper’s experience.
Financial Institutions Seize the Moment
Overall, financial institutions and commerce platforms are strategically positioned to harness the dual momentum of the festive season in tandem with tax benefits to invigorate consumer demand and spending.
Source link: Fortuneindia.com.
