Consumer Sector

A spike in fuel and input prices is squeezing margins for Indian consumer and logistics firms, potentially leading to higher product prices and delivery fees.

Startups are launching faster and finding early traction, but distribution gaps, rising expectations and shifting consumer behaviour are making it harder to sustain growth.

India’s growth story rests on a confident middle class and credible institutions, but a stark failure in consumer complaint redressal threatens both. Delayed justice, weak capacity and rising pendency could slow consumption and get in the way of our economic ambitions.

The Centre is making QR code-based digital certification mandatory for all retail shops, empowering consumers to verify compliance with pricing and measurement norms via smartphone.

Improved tech and supply chains are reducing inventory risks, while quick commerce accelerates the purchase cycle.

GST 2.0 was meant to spur spending, with expectations of a shift to premium and branded goods. Though big-ticket items have seen some traction, the wider consumption uptick remains elusive.

As India's consumer landscape rapidly changes, traditional business moats are weakening with new D2C brands taking fresh approaches to market. Product differentiation, targeted marketing, and online distribution are key strategies for these new entrants.

This year’s National Consumer Day focuses on grievance redressal, but neither consumer commissions nor real estate regulators have helped homebuyers left staring at stalled projects. Insolvency seems like their last resort, but the nitty-gritty of resolution needs to be spelt out clearly.

E-bikes to eyewear, companies are scouting smaller cities to open shop and expand reach to cater to soaring growth