Retail sales up 21% in September compared to pre-Covid levels

September saw a boom in festive shopping as consumers shopped for new clothing and gift-giving items.

The findings of RAI’s survey reveal that quick service restaurants, which performed better than other categories in September 2022 as compared to September 2019, followed the strong performance of sporting goods and consumer durables and electronics. Indicating a steady increase in sales across categories, with Food and Grocery registering a steady growth.

Food and grocery retailers reported a 56% increase in sales in September compared to the same period in 2019, while apparel and clothing retailers saw a 25% increase in sales. Retailers of consumer electronics and white goods reported a 30% increase in sales over the same period.

Consumers are celebrating a more restriction-free Diwali after a gap of two years. As a result, footfalls resumed in the markets and consumer sentiment witnessed an uptick.

“Hope to be back in the cheer season of this festive season. There is a sense of gratitude and well-being and also the fulfillment of aspirations and the desire for luxury. As consumers get an opportunity to shop unrestricted as well as there is no restriction on visiting relatives and friends post the pandemic, almost all categories are showing good growth,” said Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India (RAI). Told.

Business is also expected as customers are traveling during festive season holidays. He said that another good trend is being seen that people are shopping not only for themselves but also for gifting their loved ones.

Meanwhile, RAI said the demand trend remained the same across India with retail sales growing 21% in Eastern India, while South India grew by 23%. Retailers in North India register 21% growth in sales in September; Whereas those in western India said sales increased by 17%.