India’s e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart have kicked off the 2025 festive season with a blockbuster first week, generating a record ₹60,700 crore in gross merchandise value (GMV), according to market intelligence firm Datum Intelligence. This represents a 29% year-on-year increase from ₹47,000 crore in the same period last year, marking the strongest opening ever for the sector and signaling robust consumer sentiment amid the government’s GST rate rationalization effective September 22, 2025. For shoppers, retailers, and economists searching Amazon Flipkart festive sales first week 2025, Navratri e-commerce record ₹60,700 crore, or GST cuts impact sales, the surge—fueled by premium electronics, automobiles, and fashion—has set a high bar for Diwali, with projections for total festive GMV reaching ₹1.2 lakh crore this year. September 22 emerged as the peak day, boosted by early access for Prime and Flipkart Plus/Black members, while Gen Z shoppers drove 50% growth in premium categories like QLED TVs and smartphones over ₹20,000.
The rationalized GST slabs—now 0%, 5%, 18%, and 40%—have passed on savings of over ₹300 crore to consumers, turning the festival into a consumption spectacle.
First-Week Surge: 29% YoY Growth to ₹60,700 Crore
Datum Intelligence’s report highlights the opening week’s exceptional performance, with e-commerce platforms logging unprecedented traffic and conversions. Amazon reported 38 crore visits in the first 48 hours, 70% from beyond top metros, while Flipkart’s Big Billion Days saw record participation from Tier-2/3 cities. The GST cuts, effective just before sales kicked off on September 22, amplified demand for big-ticket items, with platforms passing on ₹300 crore in benefits across appliances and fashion.
- Total GMV: ₹60,700 crore (up 29% YoY from ₹47,000 crore).
- Peak Day: September 22, with early access driving 30% of sales.
- Tier-2/3 Contribution: Over 50% of orders, up from 40% last year.
Datum’s CEO, Sandeep Reddy, noted: “The festive season has doubled in GMV over five years, with 2025 showing sustained demand beyond discounts.”
Sector Spotlights: Premium Products Power the Boom
Automobiles: Record Deliveries Across Brands
The auto sector logged its best Navratri in 35 years, with Maruti Suzuki delivering 1.65 lakh vehicles in eight days—double last year’s volume. Day 1 alone saw 30,000 units, led by SUVs.
- Maruti Suzuki: 100% YoY growth; Brezza and Fronx top sellers.
- Mahindra: 60% rise in XUV700 and Scorpio N.
- Hyundai: SUVs at 72% of sales, Creta leading.
Electronics: 85% Growth in Premium Gadgets
Consumer durables surged 85%, with Haier selling out Diwali stock of 85-100 inch TVs (Rs 2.5 lakh+). LG reported “exponential” gains, Reliance Retail 20-25%.
- Smartphones: Premium models (>Rs 20,000) up 50% YoY.
- TVs: QLED/Mini-LED up 23-27%; 65-inch sales at 300-350 units/day.
- Vijay Sales: 20%+ uptick.
Economic Boost: ₹50,000-75,000 Cr Injection to Q3 GDP
The ₹60,700 crore GMV—40-45% of total festive revenue—could add Rs 50,000-75,000 crore to Q3 GDP, per estimates, through discretionary spending. With inflation steady, it’s a sentiment lift for consumption-led growth.
Diwali Projections: 20-30% Above Last Year
Platforms forecast Diwali sales 20-30% higher, with autos and electronics sustaining momentum. moneycontrol
