Back on track! Consumer appliances record highest-ever sales in Diwali quarter

Consumer appliances registered highest ever sales in the July-December quarter, The Economic Times reported.

According to a report by market researcher GfK India, sales of air-conditioners grew by 25%, microwave ovens by 39%, washing machines by 24% and refrigerators by 15%, calculated on the basis of the number of units sold in both online as well as retail stores.

The rise in sales happened at the time of Diwali.

Last year in the second half, smartphone sales were affected due to some supply issues but the sales regained and as per GfK, it logged the highest value growth since 2011 which indicated that despite the pandemic, consumers were still upgrading the technology.

In the festive quarter of November-December, sales volume showed tremendous growth. Microwave and AC sales climbed by 49%. Refrigerator sales spurged by 25% and television sales rose by 8%.

GfK revealed that the surge in appliances sales can be credited to the lockdown. The pandemic forced people to stay at home which made them realise the need to mechanise their household chores. This is why the demand for television and smartphones edged higher.

People were also spending more time at their homes, which shifted their focus to more entertainment and automated options.