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62% of festive shoppers begin their journey within the final month, with 33% starting two to four weeks before the festival and another 21% beginning about a week before. Eight per cent start shopping less than a week before the festival.
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Storyboard•24-09-2026, 15:22
Festive Spending Soars: 77% of Shoppers Boost Budgets as Buying Nears Season
  • •77% of festive shoppers are increasing their budgets for 2026, with three in five planning to spend over ’10,000.
  • •The shopping window is compressing, with 62% of shoppers starting their journey within the final month before the festival.
  • •AI-led discovery is gaining traction, with 88% of Gen Z and 90% of Millennials interested in smart search suggestions.
  • •Millennials show the largest spending appetite and budget growth, while household members increasingly influence purchase decisions.
  • •Regional and demographic differences impact shopping behavior, with Tier 2 shoppers more likely to prefer Hindi content and Android users showing greater discovery through TV ads with QR codes.
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Key Questions Answered

According to InMobi Advertising's study, 77% of festive shoppers have increased their shopping budgets compared to the previous year. Additionally, three in five shoppers plan to spend over ₹10,000 during this festive season.

The festive shopping journey has become more compressed, with 62% of shoppers beginning their journey within the final month before the festival. Specifically, 33% start two to four weeks prior, 21% start about a week before, and 8% begin shopping less than a week before.

Fashion remains the largest planned purchase category, with 51% of shoppers planning to buy apparel, footwear, and accessories. Jewellery follows at 40%, and grocery and daily essentials account for 37% of planned purchases.

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