The festive season that most Indians look forward to is here – Dusshera and Diwali. Businesses also look forward to this season as this is the time when most Indians make huge purchases. Whether gold or household appliances, clothes or mobiles, Indians spend most during this time. According to a survey by InMobi called The Marketer’s Guide to the Festive Season 2023 for India, 58% of respondents are waiting for this festive season for their shopping. In an encouraging sign to marketers, 84% of respondents said they have an increased online shopping budget for this year. And how are they going to go about it? 78% of them say, on their mobiles! While 54% prefer hybrid shopping, 44% said they would only shop offline. Where do you fit into among all these statistics?
Well, offline or online, don’t miss out on the deals. Here is what you can expect.

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Online sale
Amazon is expected to roll out The Amazon Great Indian Festival, Dussehra and Diwali sales across October and November from Navaratri. While they have not yet announced the actual sale dates, if you search for ‘Great Indian Festival sale 2023 offers’ in your Amazon account, it will still show you the current deals, some as much as 90% across various categories. However, the festive offers are likely to be more attractive.
One of the most awaited Flipkart sales, the Big Billion Days Sale, is scheduled sometime in mid-October. The Big Dusshera sale around Navaratri and the Diwali sale in November will follow this. Amazing discounts of up to 80% off are on the cards across all categories. You can search for big billion day offers on Flipkart, and it shows you what’s on offer currently, with discounts as high as 80% for a few items.
Even online shopping apps like Meesho, Tata Cliq, Myntra, AJIO, Nykaa, etc., will announce their deals soon. There is no better time to pick up that mobile you wanted. Or maybe you need a change of wardrobe to attend the Diwali parties. You can now do all of that from the comfort of your home. Some of these apps offer extra discounts for specific cards and banks.
With Asian games and World Cup cricket coming up, if you want to enjoy the big-screen experience, maybe this is the time to pick up that TV! It’s time to give a new look to your drawing room before that Diwali party. Or maybe your kitchen appliances need an upgrade. Keep an eye out. Don’t miss out on the deals to make hay while the sun shines.
Note: These retailers have not yet announced the exact sale dates for Dusshera and Diwali. Watch out for the announcements across print and digital media.
Offline sale
Almost all offline retailers like Reliance, Max Fashion, Pantaloons, Croma, Lifestyle, Westside, Shoppers Stop, Arvind Fashions, Pepperfry, etc., run festive season sales. Even local retailers announce deals during this season to entice customers. Most brands also have local outlets that you can check out from. From fashion to electronics, automobiles to gold, you will find that offline retailers are giving tough competition to online retailers.
Visit nearby malls to check out these offline deals. Most malls will announce festive sales with great deals, lucky dips, and other contests to entice you. Another option is to watch out for the advertisements and pamphlets (inserts) in your daily newspaper, as local retailers prefer this mode of advertising to reach out to their customers.
In Conclusion
A study by NASSCOM titled, ‘Retail 4.0 India Story: Unlocking Value Through Online + Offline Collaborations’, says a digital ecosystem will lead to a convergence of the online and offline. Even offline retailers are looking to leverage technology to provide a personalised experience. The online retailers are looking to leverage the spread and proximity of the local Kirana stores. At some point, whichever way you purchase, it will converge.
The way you purchase may purely be your choice. Many prefer the convenience of online shopping and save some big bucks through great deals. However, for many others, it is about experiences. Venturing out in person and checking out stuff is something they prefer. And since the offline retailers also offer discounts during this season, you win either way.