India’s Festive Retail Hits Record ₹5.40 Lakh Crore: GST Cuts and Demand Drive Diwali Boom

Image Source: Free Press Journal

India’s Diwali 2025 retail season shattered previous records, clocking ₹5.40 lakh crore in goods and ₹65,000 crore in services. GST reforms, strong rural demand, and revived consumer sentiment fueled the surge. Brick-and-mortar stores saw a major comeback, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities contributing significantly to the festive momentum.

Diwali 2025 Delivers Historic Retail Windfall: GST Relief and Swadeshi Sentiment Spark ₹5.40 Lakh Crore Sales

India’s retail sector witnessed an unprecedented boom this Diwali, with total festive sales reaching ₹5.40 lakh crore in goods and an additional ₹65,000 crore in services, according to the CAIT Research and Trade Development Society. This marks a 25% increase over 2024’s festive turnover of ₹4.25 lakh crore, making it the highest-ever festive season performance in Indian retail history.

Key Highlights from the Festive Sales Surge:

GST Reforms Drive Affordability

Reduction in GST rates across categories like confectionery, ready-made garments, home décor, footwear, daily essentials, and consumer durables made products more affordable.

72% of surveyed traders directly attributed higher sales volumes to these tax cuts.

Revival of Physical Retail

Mainline retail accounted for 85% of total sales, signaling a strong comeback for brick-and-mortar stores.

Footfall surged in traditional markets like Chandni Chowk, Kinari Bazaar, and Dariba Kalan, especially during Dhanteras and Diwali.

Rural and Semi-Urban Demand Surges

Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities played a pivotal role, with buoyant consumer spending across textiles, electronics, jewellery, and food items.

The festive boom extended from Navratri and Dussehra through Diwali, sustaining momentum across sectors.

Swadeshi Sentiment Gains Ground

Continued boycott of Chinese goods and preference for domestic products boosted local manufacturing and retail.

Traders reported increased demand for ethnic wear, handcrafted décor, and Indian sweets.

Digital and Service Sector Growth

Services like event planning, logistics, and digital payments saw a parallel rise, contributing ₹65,000 crore to the overall festive economy.

This historic Diwali retail performance reflects robust consumer confidence, policy-driven affordability, and a resilient domestic market, setting a new benchmark for future festive seasons.

Sources: MSN, MSN News, MSN India

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