The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) recently projected a massive nationwide turnover of approximately ₹4.25 lakh crore during the Diwali season. This optimistic estimate comes as Diwali celebrations pick up momentum across Delhi and other regions in India. According to the CAIT, this year’s festive season is anticipated to generate significant economic activity, with markets across metropolitan areas, as well as smaller towns and villages, preparing to welcome a surge of eager shoppers.
Delhi alone is expected to contribute around ₹75,000 crore to this nationwide turnover, making it a central hub of festive shopping activity. Chandni Chowk MP and CAIT Secretary General, Praveen Khandelwal, shared that merchants in Delhi, alongside other parts of India, are actively preparing their stores for the celebrations. These preparations are aimed at attracting customers with vibrant Diwali themes that create a joyful shopping atmosphere.
Diwali Preparations and Decorations to Boost Sales, Says CAIT
The CAIT has emphasized the importance of festive decorations in boosting sales during this season. Shops in major metropolitan areas, as well as in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, towns, and rural areas, are being transformed to capture the spirit of Diwali. Storefronts are decked out with colorful lights, traditional rangolis, and other decorative elements to entice customers into the markets. These eye-catching visuals are expected to play a crucial role in drawing more foot traffic and increasing sales.
“Delhi and India’s markets are all set to welcome Diwali shoppers,” said Khandelwal. “We’ve seen traders put significant effort into creating a festive atmosphere, with decorations reflecting the essence of Diwali. The goal is to make the shopping experience lively and engaging for everyone, from urban centers to rural areas.” This emphasis on creating a warm, festive ambiance is seen as a strategy to counter the growing influence of e-commerce platforms, which have steadily captured a share of the traditional retail market.
In preparation for the anticipated surge in demand, traders are already stocking a diverse array of goods, catering to the varied tastes and needs of customers. Popular items expected to drive sales include gift products, fashion apparel, jewelry, electronics, mobile devices, home furnishings, decorations, puja materials, rangolis, deity idols and pictures, toys, sweets, electrical items, and other consumer durables. The CAIT has highlighted that this wide range of products will meet the requirements of festive shoppers across India, catering to various preferences and budgets.
CAIT Encourages Special Discounts and Promotions to Attract Customers
In an effort to enhance the appeal of physical markets and encourage customers to shop offline, CAIT is encouraging traders to introduce special discounts and promotional offers. “We understand that e-commerce platforms have grown significantly, and to remain competitive, traditional markets need to provide added incentives,” said B.C. Bhartia, National President of CAIT. “Many traders are already planning attractive deals, including ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ offers and exclusive Diwali discounts.”
These promotions are expected to be a major draw for customers seeking good bargains, as traders aim to lure shoppers away from online platforms by offering unique, in-person shopping experiences. According to CAIT, the effort to create value for customers is not limited to discounts alone. Many traders are also focusing on improving customer service, ensuring that shoppers have a pleasant experience, which is something online platforms often lack.
To manage the expected large crowds, traders have called for additional security measures. The CAIT has been in discussions with local authorities and the police to ensure that safety and security are prioritized in bustling marketplaces. “We anticipate significant foot traffic during the Diwali season, and we want to make sure that shoppers feel safe,” stated Khandelwal. The association has requested increased police presence and better traffic management to handle the surge of shoppers in popular shopping areas.
In addition to public safety efforts, trade associations are organizing to deploy private security personnel to maintain order. This proactive approach is intended to create a secure shopping environment, allowing customers to enjoy the festivities without concerns about safety or congestion.
CAIT’s Strategy to Compete with E-commerce Giants
The rapid rise of e-commerce has posed a challenge to traditional markets, and the CAIT has been vocal about the need for traditional traders to adapt. To compete effectively, CAIT has advised traders to adopt innovative strategies, such as incorporating digital marketing, creating festive in-store experiences, and using social media to attract a wider audience. This hybrid approach, blending traditional retail with digital outreach, is seen as a necessary step to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world.
“Markets are making a collective effort to stay competitive,” Khandelwal emphasized. “In addition to embracing festive themes, traders are using new marketing strategies, including social media campaigns, to promote their businesses. These tactics help bridge the gap between the traditional shopping experience and the convenience of online platforms.”
CAIT has also been advocating for government support to ensure fair competition between e-commerce giants and traditional traders. According to the CAIT, many e-commerce platforms engage in deep discounting practices, which can be detrimental to small and medium-sized businesses. To counteract this, CAIT has called for stricter regulations on e-commerce and the promotion of fair trade practices to protect local traders.
Conclusion
This Diwali season is shaping up to be a significant period for India’s traditional retail sector, with CAIT leading the charge in supporting traders across the country. The association’s efforts to prepare markets, emphasize the festive spirit, and create a lively shopping experience highlight the determination of traditional traders to remain competitive in the digital age. With the projected turnover of ₹4.25 lakh crore, this festive season could mark a strong revival for traditional markets, despite the challenges posed by the e-commerce sector. The CAIT remains optimistic that their strategy will yield substantial business success for traders nationwide, ensuring that Diwali continues to be a time of joy, celebration, and economic prosperity.
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