People expected January 26, Republic Day, to be a deep-discount day in malls and multi-brand showrooms, both online and offline. The appeal of specially created buying seasons is fading, as sales during Republic Day were as lacklustre as those on Independence Day. While many people prepared to celebrate, there were no significant discounts to attract buyers. Retailers in large towns experienced only an average footfall, akin to that seen on an ordinary Sunday. In many areas, consumer responses were
lukewarm, particularly regarding lifestyle products and clothing. Post-pandemic public spending has gradually stabilized, and this trend has persisted longer than retailers anticipated. This suggests a lack of growth in the market, leading some analysts to describe it as a demand recession. The duration of this situation remains unpredictable.
The demand fall is visible not only in the consumer and personal care items but in the home buying also. At the same time, fast food corners and small food shops are doing a
roaring business. In middle-class locations, there are always long queues at dusk, thanks to the employment of couples.
