The first day under the revised Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates opened on a buoyant note across Indian markets, coinciding with the onset of Navratri.
Lower taxes on consumer products, from cars, two-wheelers and electronics to fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), budget footwear and clothing, triggered strong footfalls and brisk deliveries across retail outlets and online platforms.
Maruti Suzuki reported record sales led by small cars, where substantial price cuts added to the GST rate reduction.
“We have crossed around 25,000 retail units so far and expect to close the day at 30,000 units with enquiries up by 50%,” said Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer (Marketing & Sales).
Hyundai also posted its highest single-day dealer billing in five years, with 11,000 units recorded, according to COO Tarun Garg. Two-wheeler deliveries in Maharashtra and Gujarat were particularly strong, with dealers expecting continued momentum.
Electronics & FMCG See Unprecedented Demand
Consumer electronics also benefited from the tax cuts. Retailers reported brisk sales of televisions and air conditioners, particularly larger screen models.
Nilesh Gupta of Vijay Sales said his stores doubled average deliveries despite Monday being a typically slow day.
FMCG companies ramped up supplies by up to 30% to meet demand.
Mayank Shah of Parle Products projected festive growth of 15–17% over last year. Godrej Consumer Products’ CEO Sudhir Sitapati added that the tax revision is narrowing the gap between branded and unbranded goods, driving customers towards established brands.
Online platforms also reported a sharp upswing. Flipkart’s Pratik Shetty highlighted the rising demand for electronics and large appliances, especially from tier-two and tier-three cities.
Amazon India’s early Great Indian Festival data showed multi-fold growth across premium segments, said Saurabh Srivastava. Fashion retailer Libas is targeting a 20–30% year-on-year growth this season, according to CEO Sidhant Keshwani.
Retailers and distributors across categories are confident the surge will sustain through the festive season.
With consumers left with more disposable income following GST cuts, the first day’s momentum signals a strong start to festival spending across India.
Also Read: Government Rolls Out New GST Structure As ‘Diwali Gift’; Slashes Rates On Essentials
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