NO BIG BANG

This Diwali is turning out to be lacklustre

for most retailers, including organised and traditional trade

Experts attribute this to a pullback in

spends by consumers under stress due to demonetisation, GST, and poor increments this year

The rural sector has also felt the pressure

of drought and flash floods, hampering agricultural income

Overall sales growth in the run-up to

Diwali this year is expected to be 5-10% versus 15-20% last year

Categories most affected include

apparels, durables, and fashion