2 hrs ago
Apparel Retailers Expect Festival Season Growth Despite Inflation
Clothing companies think they will sell more during this year’s festival season.
Prices are still rising, and uncertainty has made some shoppers careful with money.
But many people still want to buy clothes and other things for special occasions.
They are looking for good quality, useful styles, and products that feel worth the price.
Some shoppers are starting their festival shopping earlier and discovering products online before visiting stores.
Companies say the longer festival season gives them more chances to reach customers.
Libas and Madame expect stronger growth, while Fabindia expects a smaller increase.
Early sales around Raksha Bandhan and Onam have also encouraged retailers.
Apparel companies expect growth this festival season despite inflation and geopolitical uncertainty.
Organised apparel retailers say the festive period contributes 35–40% of annual sales.
Libas expects year-on-year growth of 20–25%, while Madame projects 15–20%.
Fabindia expects high single-digit growth, citing encouraging indicators and positive regional trends.
Retailers report value-conscious shoppers remain willing to spend, with a longer shopping window and early digital discovery supporting demand.
- Who
- Apparel retailers and platforms, including Libas, Fabindia, Madame and Myntra.
- What
- Companies expect festival-season sales growth despite inflationary pressures.
- Where
- Across markets; the article specifically mentions Onam and Puja in eastern India.
- When
- The festival season discussed in an article published October 7, 2026.
- Why
- Retailers cite a longer shopping window, positive consumer sentiment and continued willingness to spend on occasion-related fashion.
Cautious outlook
Growth expectations
Consumer spending amid inflation and uncertainty
Cautious outlook
Inflation and geopolitical uncertainty have weighed on discretionary spending, and shoppers are increasingly value-conscious.
Growth expectations
Retailers say consumers remain willing to spend for festivals when products offer value, quality, newness or occasion relevance.
Expected festive sales performance
Cautious outlook
The articles describe pressures on spending and do not suggest that growth is assured.
Growth expectations
Libas expects 20–25% growth, Madame 15–20%, and Fabindia high single-digit growth; companies cite a longer season and encouraging indicators.
Key facts
- Organised apparel sales share
- Festival season accounts for 35–40% of annual sales for organised apparel players.
- Libas growth outlook
- 20–25% year-on-year, according to Bhavay Pruthi.
- Madame growth outlook
- 15–20% year-on-year, according to Akhil Jain.
- Fabindia growth outlook
- High single-digit growth during the festive period.
- Shopping behavior
- Consumers are value-conscious but still willing to spend on fashion they consider worthwhile.
- Early indicators
- Myntra said early trends during Raksha Bandhan and Onam set a positive tone.
- Publication date
- October 7, 2026.
Quotes
Bhavay Pruthi
Senior vice-president of e-commerce and product management at Libas.
“While inflationary pressures continue to influence consumer spending, we are seeing consumers remain willing to spend during key festive occasions, particularly on products that offer a strong value proposition.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“Consumers had been holding back on discretionary spending amid geopolitical uncertainties, but market indicators have been encouraging, and we expect high single-digit growth during the festive period.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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