Shops in district towns are reporting their busiest festive season in three years, with two-wheelers, washing machines and smartphones leading the rush, according to a survey of 1,200 dealers released by the All-District Traders' Forum.
Bookings for two-wheelers were about 18% higher than in the same weeks last year, the forum said, while sales of large appliances rose about 12%. Demand was strongest in towns with fewer than five lakh people.
"For the first time in a while, the farmer and the salaried customer are both in the shop," said Harish Agarwal, who runs an electronics store in Sitapur Road market. "Many families are buying what they postponed for two years."
What is driving it
- A good kharif harvest in most districts after a steady monsoon, which has put cash in rural hands.
- Zero-cost instalment plans offered by finance companies at the shop counter, often with a small processing fee.
- Wedding season purchases that families are making early, ahead of expected price increases.
| Category | Change vs last year (dealer estimate) |
|---|---|
| Two-wheelers | +18% |
| Large appliances | +12% |
| Smartphones | +9% |
| Jewellery (by value) | +6% |
A note of caution
Economists say the numbers are encouraging but should be read carefully. "Festive weeks always look good. The question is whether demand holds in December and January," said Dr Nikhil Bhatt, an economist at a Pune research institute. He added that buyers should check the full cost of instalment offers, including processing fees and late-payment charges.
The forum said its next survey, due after the festive season, will show whether the rise carries into the winter months.
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