A survey conducted by the UBS Evidence Lab, encompassing 1,500 respondents aged 18 to 54 from across India, has revealed that despite inflationary concerns, Indian consumer spending is expected to rise during the upcoming festive season. This optimism is driven by increasing income levels among affluent consumers, with 70 percent of those surveyed anticipating higher festive spending, while 18 percent plan to maintain their current spending levels.

The UBS Evidence Lab arrived at this conclusion as 73 percent of respondents reported stable or increased incomes, with only 11 percent expecting minimal expenditures during the festive season. The surveyed individuals were categorized as A (upper) and B (upper-middle class), and their spending decisions significantly influence the country’s demand dynamics.

Furthermore, 70 percent of respondents believe that their income may continue to grow in the coming year, and approximately 65 percent noted that their household income has outpaced inflation.

Regarding shopping habits, 46 percent reported purchasing fewer personal care and packaged food products compared to the previous year, with 16 percent observing no significant changes. Home care product purchases remained relatively neutral compared to the previous year. Additionally, the survey found that 58 percent of consumers plan to buy a 2-wheeler vehicle within the next 2 years, while 55 percent purchased one in the previous year.

The Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale 2023 is gearing up for an exciting run just before the festive season. While the exact sale dates are yet to be unveiled, Flipkart, the online shopping platform under Walmart’s ownership, is offering a sneak peek into some exclusive discounts for shoppers using specific bank cards or opting for installment payments (EMI).

Flipkart has crafted a dedicated landing page that provides a preview of what to expect during the upcoming Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale in 2023. According to the information on this page, customers using select ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Kotak Bank debit or credit cards can enjoy immediate discounts of up to 10 percent.

Furthermore, Paytm is set to provide assured savings on transactions conducted through Paytm, UPI, and digital wallets during the sale. Interested buyers can also take advantage of the Flipkart Pay Later feature, allowing them to make purchases and settle payments at a later date. Additionally, there will be options like no-cost monthly installments and discounts for trading in old items.

Flipkart has chosen to keep the most significant discounts under wraps until the first day of the sale. They intend to unveil deals for iPhones on October 1, Samsung’s smartphone offers on October 3, Xiaomi’s smartphone bargains on October 7, and Pixel handset deals on October 5. Shoppers will need to patiently await these dates to discover the exciting discounts on these coveted products.

During the upcoming Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale, shoppers can anticipate substantial price cuts on a wide range of smartphones from renowned brands such as Apple, Samsung, Google, Realme, Oppo, Xiaomi, Nothing, and Vivo. Flipkart has already offered glimpses of some of the smartphones that will feature discounts of up to 80 percent. This impressive lineup includes models like the Moto G54 5G, Samsung Galaxy F34 5G, Realme C51, Realme 115G, Realme 11x 5G, Infinix Zero 30 5G, Moto G84 5G, Vivo V29e, and Poco M6 Pro 5G. For those in search of a new smartphone, this sale presents an excellent opportunity to secure one at a more affordable price.

Last week, Mumbai experienced a surge in fashion collaborations that transcended the boundaries of sports, art, and music. These partnerships are reshaping the fashion landscape, and we’ll delve into some recent ones.

Art, music, sports, and fashion have become intricately intertwined, each influencing the other more than ever before. From sportswear and home decor design to skincare and artistic blends, Indian fashion collaborations are striving to encompass influential figures from a wide array of professions. Whether it’s renowned fashion labels or boutique houses, the trend is hardly surprising.

Fashion, in essence, is wearable art meticulously curated and endorsed by suitable public figures. Collaborations across these domains prove mutually advantageous: fashion gains credibility through association, and celebrities expand their reach to a broader audience. As art, music, and sports continue to intersect with fashion, let’s explore some recent collaborations making waves in Mumbai.

Westside, a cherished Indian brand under the TATA umbrella, recently celebrated its 25-year journey of redefining fashion, lifestyle, and home decor. With a commitment to style and a profound connection to Indian heritage, Westside transformed the shopping experience. Their silver jubilee celebration at NCPA’s Experimental Theatre featured a captivating fashion show, dynamic dance performances, and displays of thoughtfully curated makeup and skincare lines, along with an innovative interpretation of Indian fashion. Westside has firmly established itself as India’s quintessential fashion brand, offering convenience through well-organized, clutter-free displays and exploring diverse concepts, such as a podcast collaboration with Sameera Reddy.

U.S. Polo Assn. and Arvind Fashion Ltd. achieved significant milestones in India, with the launch of the iconic “Legends Forever Play Together” marketing campaign and a revamped U.S. Polo Assn. website. This strategic move is poised to elevate U.S. Polo Assn. in India to new heights. The campaign featured ’90s icons Arjun Rampal and Milind Soman, exuding their timeless charm in the brand’s latest ready-to-wear pieces. Tennis legends Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati also lent their support, highlighting the brand’s historic sponsorship of major tennis events. Palak Tiwari, a youth icon and passionate equestrian, joined as the brand ambassador for the Women’s line, adding her input to the collection’s designs. The event featured a lively pre-show performance by Madboy/Mink music band, founded by Saba Azad and Imaaduddin Shah. Among the notable attendees, polo sensation Padmanabh Singh, the flamboyant prince of Jaipur, stole the spotlight.

Whether discussing royalty, art, music, or sports, the common language was fashion. The result: nearly a century of boundary-pushing innovation and fashion evolution. Fashion has evolved into wearable art, and these collaborative efforts are generating excitement among their target audiences. Whether brands merging with other brands or joining forces with designers, celebrities, or royalty, it’s all about power clothing and thoughtfully crafted collaborations that defy expectations.