Appliances sales rise 30% in Navratri

Appliances and consumer electronics companies have reported high double-digit growth in sales during this Navratri season, with e-commerce platforms seeing good traction as shoppers opt for contactless buying.

Leading manufacturers like Sony, LG and Panasonic have reported over 30% jump in sales year-on-year during the 10 days of Navratri and Dussehra this festive season.

"We have seen a positive start to this festive season with a 30 per cent growth across air conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine and microwave categories over last year...the demand for LEDs has surpassed the supply," said Manish Sharma, president and CEO of Panasonic India and SA.

According to Sharma, under the changed circumstances, this season consumers are now seeking contactless routes and hence are preferring online purchases.

"Earlier, mainly smallsized appliances such as grooming products, audio accessories had a preference across online purchase. However, this year we have seen a significant increase in demand for large appliances such as refrigerator and washing machines," he said.

"We witnessed an exponential growth of 11.7X this festive season on e-commerce platforms." Echoing his views, Sony India Managing Director Sunil Nayyar said the company witnessed exceptional growth in sales of large TVs (55-inch and above).

"The auspicious period of Navratri turned out to be very favourable for our television and soundbar sales in India, with an exceptional growth in the 55-inch and above segment," he said.