Gen Z Prioritizes Smart Planning and Digital Deals for Diwali 2025, Shifting Away from Impulse Spending

This analysis of India's Gen Z consumers, aged 18-28, reveals a significant shift in festive spending habits for Diwali 2025. Instead of impulsive splurges, this digital-native generation approaches the festival with meticulous planning, price awareness, and a focus on purpose. Their festive shopping journeys begin online, driven by influencer content, creator recommendations, and platform-specific offers, with e-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra being primary destinations. Flipkart showed strength among men, and Myntra among women, while Amazon led overall.

Their strategy involves scouting across e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit and Zepto for essentials, and utilizing food delivery services such as Swiggy and Zomato for convenience. Digital deals, smart savings, and coupon stacking are key tactics, replacing last-minute buying.

Beyond shopping, Gen Z integrates wellbeing into their festive lifestyle, balancing celebrations with fitness and mindful consumption. They also value authenticity, ethics, and sustainability in brands, gravitating towards creators offering 'real talk.' Brands like Lakmé, Nykaa, Mamaearth, Nike, and Adidas remain popular, but choices are guided by discerning value.

Impact: This trend directly impacts companies in the e-commerce, retail, quick commerce, food delivery, and consumer goods sectors. Investors will need to monitor how brands adapt to this value-driven, digitally savvy consumer base. Companies that can offer genuine value, transparency, and align with Gen Z's ethical considerations are likely to perform better. The shift signifies evolving consumer loyalty and spending power, crucial for market forecasts. Rating: 8/10.

Difficult Terms: * **Gen Z**: The generation born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, characterized by their upbringing in the digital age. * **Digital-native**: People who have grown up with digital technology and are inherently comfortable using it. * **Conscious consumption**: The practice of making purchasing decisions based on ethical, environmental, and social impacts, rather than just price or convenience. * **E-commerce**: The buying and selling of goods or services over the internet. * **Quick-commerce**: A type of e-commerce focused on delivering products very rapidly, often within minutes. * **Discernment**: The ability to judge well, making wise choices and distinctions. * **Vibes**: A feeling or atmosphere; in this context, it means brands that align with their personal style or values. * **Real talk**: Honest, straightforward communication, often in contrast to superficial or overly curated content. * **Desi**: Relating to or characteristic of India or its people. * **Wellbeing**: The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. * **Mindful consumption**: Similar to conscious consumption, but with an emphasis on being aware of the impact of one's purchases and consuming deliberately.