Shopping behavior in India - statistics & facts
India is a multicultural country with diversified linguistics, climates, and customs. It is not only the place of origin of major religions but also home to over 1.4 billion people. Understanding customer behavior in India requires defining your target audience as it might be difficult to market in such a diversified region. However, the market potential is enormous. By 2028, India is expected to exceed the United States’ gross domestic product (GDP) after China.
Over 15 million traditional “Kirana” stores exist in India, accounting for 88 percent of the retail industry. Storekeepers have long-standing connections with their customers and a thorough understanding of their preferences and requirements, as consumers visit these stores twice or thrice a week to get fresh products. Consumers are no longer solely concerned with the product. They value connections and community in order to make purchase decisions. In addition, authenticity becomes increasingly crucial as more consumers support local companies and sustainable products.
With growing digital use, online shopping has become the go-to choice for millions of shoppers. Consumers prefer the flexibility and convenience of e-commerce platforms, combined with effortless payment options such as UPI, mobile wallets, and BNPL (Buy now pay later).
Online shopping is favored by consumers during the festive season because it is safer, time-saving, and more convenient than visiting a store. In early October, Flipkart’s Big Billion Days and Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale will spark shoppers’ interest, and this pace is expected to continue until the season’s end. Moreover, the most popular shopping categories among Indian consumers were electronics, apparel, and footwear.
India's shopping behavior is rapidly shifting, driven by increased digital adoption and changing consumer preferences. This trend is visible across both urban and rural areas, with online shoppers expected to increase dramatically in the coming years.
Over 15 million traditional “Kirana” stores exist in India, accounting for 88 percent of the retail industry. Storekeepers have long-standing connections with their customers and a thorough understanding of their preferences and requirements, as consumers visit these stores twice or thrice a week to get fresh products. Consumers are no longer solely concerned with the product. They value connections and community in order to make purchase decisions. In addition, authenticity becomes increasingly crucial as more consumers support local companies and sustainable products.
Emerging trends in shopping behavior
Consumers’ attitudes are evolving in India because of increased earnings and exposure to new ideas and technologies. However, a shift towards omnichannel shopping is increasing in the retail sector. Consumers are more driven toward information-centered shopping, purchasing products to keep up with current trends, up-taking time-saving services, and increasing demand for customized products. Moreover, consumer behavior is influenced by the perceived value of money. Even for luxury products, Indian consumers are well-informed and seek to obtain a reasonable value. Additionally, social media platforms and influencers profoundly affect consumers' shopping behavior.With growing digital use, online shopping has become the go-to choice for millions of shoppers. Consumers prefer the flexibility and convenience of e-commerce platforms, combined with effortless payment options such as UPI, mobile wallets, and BNPL (Buy now pay later).
Festivals influencing consumer behavior
The month of October, November, and December are the busiest shopping months in India due to the major festivals such as Diwali, Dussehra, Navratri, Dhanteras, and Christmas. Shoppers believe this is an auspicious time to purchase, and sellers respond by giving huge discounts and the best deals during this season. For that reason, majority of Indians opt for cashback offers and discounts as the most appealing type of festive deals.Online shopping is favored by consumers during the festive season because it is safer, time-saving, and more convenient than visiting a store. In early October, Flipkart’s Big Billion Days and Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale will spark shoppers’ interest, and this pace is expected to continue until the season’s end. Moreover, the most popular shopping categories among Indian consumers were electronics, apparel, and footwear.
India's shopping behavior is rapidly shifting, driven by increased digital adoption and changing consumer preferences. This trend is visible across both urban and rural areas, with online shoppers expected to increase dramatically in the coming years.
