India’s 2025 festive quarter is projected to generate retail revenue exceeding ₹4 lakh crore, driven by FMCG and apparel sales. GST cuts and rising digital commerce fuel demand, especially in tier-II and tier-III cities, making festive retail a powerful growth engine for the economy.
India’s 2025 festive quarter is shaping up to be a robust season for retail, with revenue expected to cross ₹4 lakh crore, driven prominently by the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and apparel sectors. This surge reflects the cultural and economic significance of the festive season, which not only fuels consumer sentiment but also acts as a major growth engine for India's consumption-driven economy.
Key highlights of this festive retail momentum include a sharp rise in FMCG purchases, boosted by GST rationalization that has lowered taxes on essential and discretionary goods. This has energized consumers across urban and rural markets to stock up on sweets, kitchen essentials, dairy, and personal care products, pushing FMCG volumes significantly higher compared to previous years. The digital commerce platforms have further amplified this growth, reporting over 85% volume increase in FMCG sales during the early festive weeks, highlighting the rising importance of e-commerce and quick commerce channels especially in tier-II and tier-III cities.
Apparel retail, another major contributor to festive retail revenue, is benefitting from GST reductions where garments priced up to ₹2,500 now attract a lower 5% tax rate, fostering increased consumer demand, particularly in the mid-priced value segment. Retailers like V-Mart and Vishal Mega Mart are witnessing festive sales growth near 20%, almost double the usual growth rate, reflecting strong buyer enthusiasm. The festive quarter demand extends equally across tier-1 and tier-2 cities, underpinning a broad-based recovery and retail expansion.
Beyond FMCG and apparel, the festive season’s ripple effects extend to jewellery, electronics, automotive, and wedding-related spending, further supporting overall retail revenue growth. Analysts note that with easing inflation, improved rural consumption, and sustained consumer optimism, the sector is poised for a resilient rebound in FY26.
Key Highlights:
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Retail revenue for the festive quarter forecast to exceed ₹4 lakh crore, driving GDP and economic momentum.
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FMCG sector leads growth with surges in staples, sweets, and personal care, enabled by the GST rate cuts and robust e-commerce expansion.
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Apparel sales see a 20% festive uplift due to GST rationalization benefiting mid-priced garments, spreading demand across metro and non-metro markets.
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E-commerce volumes for FMCG products have grown over 85%, reflecting shifting consumer buying patterns.
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Rural and tier-II/tier-III city consumption plays an increasingly crucial role in the festive retail boom.
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Broader sector gains also observed in jewellery, electronics, and automotive segments aligned with wedding and gifting festivals.
As India’s largest consumption window, this festive quarter underscores how cultural celebrations continue to propel strong economic activity and retail expansion. The GST reforms, combined with digital commerce penetration and stable consumer sentiments, magnify the season’s impact, offering sustained growth outlooks for retail and allied sectors.
Sources: Bank of Baroda, Retailers Association of India (RAI), Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), Financial Express, Economic Times, Industry Reports.
