The GST 2.0 rollout ignited an unprecedented consumer frenzy on its first day, coinciding with the commencement of Navratri festivities.
With simplified slabs and steep price cuts, the GST 2.0 drove record sales across sectors. Car dealerships, e-commerce platforms, and electronics stores reported historic numbers as consumers rushed to take advantage of reduced prices.
The automobile industry emerged as the standout winner. Under GST 2.0, smaller sub-4 metre cars were shifted to the 18 per cent tax slab, and the compensation cess on automobiles was scrapped entirely.
Maruti Suzuki logged 80,000 enquiries and delivered 30,000 cars, its strongest single-day performance in 35 years. Bookings for small cars jumped 50 per cent compared to typical festival season levels, a report suggested.
Hyundai dealers billed 11,000 vehicles, marking the company’s best performance in five years. Tata Motors reported 10,000 car deliveries and 25,000 enquiries, with showrooms reporting higher walk-ins, better conversion rates, and a swelling order pipeline.
The excitement was equally palpable online. Flipkart and Amazon opened their festive sale events early for loyalty members, creating a perfect storm of discounts and tax benefits.
Fashion label Snitch recorded a 40 per cent jump in online orders. The Pant Project reported a 15–20 per cent increase in sales over last year. Home essentials seller Shadow Etail experienced a staggering 151 per cent traffic surge compared to the previous week.
Retail analysts said the alignment of GST 2.0 with Navratri boosted early festive spending, setting the stage for a blockbuster season through Diwali.
Electronics retailers reported a rush not seen in years. Price cuts of Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 on split air conditioners and discounts of up to Rs 85,000 on premium televisions brought shoppers flocking to stores.
Haier doubled its typical Monday sales, with many pre-bookings even before the new rates took effect. Blue Star estimated that day one sales were 20 per cent higher than the same day last year.
TV sales surged, particularly for 43-inch and 55-inch models, with Super Plastronics Pvt Ltd reporting 30–35 per cent growth through Flipkart.
Retailers noted that the cuts not only spurred first-time buyers but also encouraged households to upgrade to premium appliances ahead of Diwali gatherings.
Beyond cars and electronics, the impact was felt across grocery stores, apparel retailers, and small businesses.
Analysts said the rollout could have a multiplier effect on consumption, providing a much-needed boost to sectors that had seen muted demand in recent quarters.
Economists predict that the strong start will buoy GDP growth for the October–December quarter, with the tax reform expected to broaden compliance while boosting disposable incomes.