Mumbai, Oct. 6 -- The reduction in goods and services tax was expected to boost consumption - and it did. After a sluggish start to September, shoppers who had delayed purchases until the new GST rates took effect on 22 September, flocked to stores and online platforms to buy air conditioners, festive wear, and gifts, making this Navaratri one of the best in recent years, according to retailers.

Large appliances saw a slowdown in demand ahead of the new rates. However, after 22 September, makers of home appliances such as air conditioners and televisions, along with apparel retailers, reported an uptick in sales, buoyed by lower taxes and extra incentives offered by retailers.

During Navaratri 2025 (22 September-2 October), the FMCG sec...