The Navratri-to-Diwali window is the biggest shopping season of the year. Redseer forecasts that around 180–185 million Indians will shop online this festive season, with festive online sales growing about 25%. Here are the trends behind those numbers — and what a small seller can do with them.
1. Grocery and food are growing fastest
Festive grocery sales are expected to grow about 48–50%, and quick commerce even faster. Sweets, dry fruits, gift boxes and puja items are part of this.
For you: if you sell food, sweets or dry fruits, make festive boxes and list them now. Clear weights, shelf life and delivery dates matter more than discounts.
2. Beauty and personal care keep rising
Beauty and personal care are forecast to grow about 35–40% in the festive window.
For you: gift sets, minis and combos sell well. Write ingredients and skin type clearly; buyers are more careful than ever.
3. Phones are losing share
Smartphone prices rose sharply in 2026 as memory chip costs climbed, and mobiles' share of festive online sales is expected to fall from about a third to under 30%.
For you: if you sell electronics, push accessories, repairs and smart home items — things people buy when they delay a new phone.
4. Small towns are shopping more
Much of the growth is coming from tier-2 and smaller cities. These buyers often prefer cash on delivery and trust brands they can talk to.
For you: offer COD with a WhatsApp confirmation before dispatch, show your phone number, and write in simple language.
5. Gen Z buyers want speed and style
Younger shoppers find products on Instagram Reels and expect fast, clear checkout.
For you: post short Reels of your products and link straight to the product page. Keep checkout simple, with UPI first.
6. Discounts are not the only weapon
Big brands are shifting from deep discounts to finance offers. Small sellers cannot outspend them anyway.
For you: compete on service — fast dispatch, honest photos, easy returns and quick replies. Use free-shipping limits and bundles instead of slashing prices.
What to do this week
- List your festive boxes and bundles with clear photos and prices.
- Set a free-shipping limit a little above your average order.
- Turn on COD confirmation on WhatsApp.
- Announce a last order date for delivery before Diwali (8 November).
- Post two or three Reels a week until Diwali.
Our online stores include coupons, shipping rules with a free-delivery limit, COD controls and abandoned-cart recovery. See online store plans from a one-time ₹4,990, or read Diwali packing and shipping tips.
Sources: Redseer Strategy Consultants 2026 festive forecast (as reported); 2026 reports on smartphone prices in India.
FAQs
How many people will shop online in the 2026 festive season?
Redseer forecasts about 180–185 million online shoppers in the 2026 festive season, with sales growing around 25%.
Which categories are growing fastest this festive season?
Grocery (about 48–50%), beauty and personal care (about 35–40%) and quick commerce are forecast to grow fastest. Mobiles are expected to lose share.
How can small sellers compete with big platforms?
On service rather than discounts — fast dispatch, honest photos, easy returns, quick replies and smart bundles.
Should I offer cash on delivery in small towns?
Yes, many small-town buyers prefer it. Confirm each COD order on WhatsApp before dispatch to reduce returns.
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