Impact of COVID-19 and Sales Forecasts For Dusshera and Diwali
India’s Covid-19 journey has been a long ride. With one of the largest lockdowns worldwide, we managed to delay the peak to a time of the year when most of our festivities begin. The Indian consumer considers the festival of Dussehra and Diwali as a mark of new beginnings. The whole atmosphere around the country picks up a good vibe both commercially and personally. Although, this year might be a little different in terms of the way a customer would like to shop for these occasions.
Given the number of high human touchpoints exposure that an ordinary Brick and Mortar store poses, it is always a better idea for a consumer to opt for an e-store over it to maintain the norms of social distancing.
Even though the Indian market is slightly in the lull during this period, the expected demand is forecasted to be high during the period od Dushhera and Diwali
Let’s look at some of the anticipated changes in the sale of the following sectors we are likely to see during this period: –
1. Clothing & Accessories
Festivals like Dhanteras and Roopchaudas encourage the purchase of new clothes and jewelry as it symbolizes the incoming wealth in one’s life. Consumers are likely to purchase such items online instead of visiting crowded spaces like their local markets and malls. Shopping online within the comforts of their homes without risking their health seems to be the best option during this pandemic.
Given that, online shopping festivals also start just before the festivities begin. Amazon has its Amazon Diwali Sale, Flipkart has its Big Billion Sale along with its Dussehra sale. Such shopping festivals are infamous for offering some exciting deals to its consumers during this time. These festivals are likely to pick up even more as compared to previous years as now even a regular consumer would prefer these channels of shopping.
As an entrepreneur – you can consider e-popup stores on some popular social channels to garner interest.
2. Gadgets & Gizmos
Indians wait for Diwali and Dussehra to grab steal deals on mobiles, laptops, and more such gadgets. Homeschooling and working from home are the new changes that every household is adapting to. These changes directly impact the sales of such devices. Diwali is an auspicious time of the year to buy these gizmos. Given the launch of all-new electronic products online, the sales of them online are bound to increase. One such example is Apple Inc launching its very own Indian website just before the festivities and celebrations begin in our country. With one-day shipping and insurance provided online, the customers would be attracted to buy their electronic necessities online.
3. Pooja Necessities
Festivals in India always include elaborate traditional ceremonies with all a lot specifics like Diya, Kumkum, Beetle leaves, etc. A lot of these pooja necessities are available easily in our local markets. No one prefers to buy them online. So, even if these things are online for sale, chances are nobody would buy it. To capitalize on such opportunities for sale, e-commerce platforms like Swiggy Genie and Dunzo can deliver these products from the local markets to the doorstep of the consumer. Such contact-less delivery would further increase their sales.
These new shopping habits are all part and parcel of the ongoing pandemic. These trends are here to stay. We should adopt these changes and make the most out of it so that we do not compromise on our dearest festivals and our health. E-stores are the way forward to not let this pandemic take us away from the light, love, and life that these festivals bring to us.
