India Joins Global Trend; Black Friday Sales Surge In Gadgets And Skincare

Black Friday, once a traditional American event, has quickly gained popularity in India, becoming one of the most eagerly awaited sales seasons of the year. While it originally marked steep discounts in Western countries, Indian consumers have wholeheartedly embraced the event. E-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, and Snapdeal have reported significant spikes in traffic and sales, highlighting the growing impact of this global shopping trend in India’s retail sector.

Harish Bijoor, a business and brand strategy expert, highlights the importance of Black Friday in India, particularly after the Diwali sales season. When Diwali sales fall short, Black Friday often steps in to clear excess inventory at deep discounts, benefiting both retailers and consumers. The event has evolved over the years, expanding beyond gadgets and electronics to include categories like fashion, beauty, home appliances, and even groceries. This broad range of discounts attracts value-driven shoppers looking for deals across multiple product types.

ADOBE ANALYTICS EXPECTS CONSUMERS WILL SPEND A RECORD $10.8B ONLINE FOR BLACK FRIDAY, UP 9.9% YOY pic.twitter.com/bWpmHLOSzk
— Evan (@StockMKTNewz) November 29, 2024

Smytten, an online shopping platform, notes how Black Friday has transformed from a niche, Western-inspired event to a large-scale campaign that appeals to a wider audience. This transformation can be attributed to the localization of the event, increased digital adoption, and the rise of value-conscious consumers. Retailers have also embraced innovative shopping experiences, including discovery-based shopping and moment marketing, further engaging customers. Together with India’s expanding e-commerce infrastructure, these factors have helped establish Black Friday as a key annual event.

In 2023, Black Friday sales saw significant growth in areas beyond electronics. Active skincare, especially dermatologically recommended products, gained tremendous popularity, particularly as the winter season approached. Premium skincare items, which have become a key focus, were in high demand during the sale. This shift in consumer behavior indicates the growing focus on self-care and health in Indian shopping trends.

Platforms such as Amazon India and Flipkart hosted week-long sales, drawing millions of shoppers who were keen to purchase items like smartphones, laptops, and consumer electronics. Discounts, no-cost EMI options, and exchange offers made high-ticket items more accessible to a wider audience. Popular brands like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi saw their products sell out quickly during these sales.

What makes Black Friday stand out in India is how it has been adapted to local preferences. The integration of this global shopping event with India’s festive season has allowed it to resonate deeply with Indian consumers. Influencers have played a key role in connecting global trends with local tastes, creating content that explains the value of deals in a culturally relevant way. According to Maddie Amrutkar, CEO of Glad U Came, Black Friday in India is not just about discounts, but about creating an experience that combines storytelling with local context.

#Retailers, #brands see record business at #BlackFriday weekend sales on back of discounts, marketing
— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) December 2, 2024

Millennials and Gen Z have been driving much of the growth in Black Friday sales, particularly those between 18 and 35 years old. These younger shoppers are drawn to the event not only for the discounts but also for the FOMO (fear of missing out) on global trends. Additionally, there has been a noticeable increase in participation from tier 2 and tier 3 cities, with platforms like RapidShyp reporting a 60% surge in demand from these regions.

Analysts predict that Black Friday sales in India will continue to grow in the coming years, with the event becoming a permanent fixture in the retail calendar. This year’s sales saw a shift from in-store shopping to online purchases, as many retailers adopted digital-first strategies to meet the growing demand for online shopping. Some physical stores also joined the trend, offering special discounts both online and in-store. This combination of digital and physical retail makes Black Friday a more inclusive shopping experience that is set to influence consumer spending in India for years to come.

Ultimately, the rise of Black Friday in India highlights a shift in how Indian consumers approach shopping. As e-commerce continues to grow and digital literacy increases, Black Friday is poised to become an even bigger event in the Indian retail landscape, shaping the future of both online and offline shopping.

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