GEN Z SHOPPING
Millennials lead AI shopping adoption in India at 84%, ahead of Gen Z: McKinsey
In India, Millennials are leading the adoption of artificial intelligence for shopping, with 84 percent using AI tools. Gen Z follows closely at 74 percent, showcasing a growing trend across age groups. The report reveals that India ranks second globally for AI shopping adoption, with 76 percent of consumers utilizing such tools. Trust in AI-powered shopping is notably high in India, with 87 percent expressing confidence in AI tools.
Gen Z rewrites festive gifting with AI-assisted picks, artisanal hampers and self-gifting
Gen Zers are embracing self-gifting while shopping for family and friends. Personalised gifts reflecting interests and lifestyles are becoming the norm during festivals. There is an increasing focus on supporting small businesses and understanding product provenance.
Gen Z protests reach Germany as thousands join Halloween rallies
Thousands of young people in Germany joined demonstrations to demand better education and lower living costs. Instigated by a movement called 'Gen Z regelt', protests took place in 34 cities, including Berlin and Munich. While participation was lower than expected, concerns about potential unrest arose due to extremist group involvement. The protests highlight economic pressures faced by younger generations amid an aging population and shrinking workforce.
Gen Z protests reach Germany as over 160,000 expected at Halloween rallies
Over 160,000 individuals are anticipated to participate in protests across 34 cities in Germany on Saturday. Organised by Gen Z regelt, the movement underscores the struggles of younger generations with rising living costs and education quality. Authorities expect the protests to remain largely peaceful but are concerned about potential extremist involvement. The demonstrations coincide with Halloween festivities, raising caution among local businesses in major cities.
Gen Z brands are breaching the last citadel of legacy consumer firms
India's Gen Z and D2C brands are challenging FMCG giants like Hindustan Unilever, ITC and Marico by expanding into kirana stores. New-age brands captured 21.7% of India's kirana market in H1 FY27, up from 14.8% a year earlier. As digital-first brands breach traditional distribution networks, legacy FMCG companies face growing competition for retail shelf space and consumer loyalty nationwide.
Brands need to shift to ‘Bharat-first’ strategy as digital usage grows
To effectively connect with rural customers, brands should embrace a 'Bharat-first' advertising philosophy. Digital channels are increasingly shaping the shopping behaviors of younger rural populations, with influencer marketing playing a pivotal role, particularly among female consumers. The integration of AI features alongside social media enhances the flow of product knowledge in these areas.
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Life beyond a metro: India's festive shoppers boost Myntra's orders by nearly 2X in key categories
Myntra's Big Fashion Festival resulted in nearly double the order volumes compared to regular business days. New customer additions from non-metro markets rose 74% during the festival period. Additionally, visits increased by 25% compared with the last edition of the event. The festival significantly boosted sales for many sellers on the platform, with one in four sellers doubling their sales.
Reel deal: The next big thing in online shopping is playing on your screen
E-commerce platforms in India are leveraging video content to enhance product discovery and customer engagement. Creator-led videos provide a new shopping experience, combining entertainment with direct purchasing options. Consumers in tier 2 cities are particularly benefiting from this innovative approach to shopping. Companies like Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra are adopting these technologies to boost sales. This shift may result in a significant increase in online shoppers in the coming years.
Luxe redux, it's a pleasure: Luxury retail in India is moving away from 'dictatorial' exclusivity to 'collaborative' empathy
India's luxury market is projected to surpass $12 billion by 2028, reflecting a significant shift in consumer behavior. Millennials and Gen Z account for nearly half of the active luxury consumer base, estimated at 20 million. While traditional markers of luxury are fading, there is a growing emphasis on personal connections and tailored experiences. The contemporary luxury consumer engages with brands primarily through social media and digital platforms.
Diwali Sale 2026: Buying fridge, AC, or washing machine online? Here’s how to get the best deal on big appliances and save more
Online sales of big appliances are growing at 25% as the festive sales begin. The Kagan 2026 Asia-Pacific Consumer Insights survey by S&P Global Market Intelligence, conducted in June 2026 among 1,000 internet adults each in China, South Korea and India, shows that most Indian respondents still primarily make retail purchases from stores.
Wallet war: More new things are fighting for every rupee Indians earn
Indian Consumer Spending Trends: Indian households are increasingly shifting their consumption patterns, which reflects a richer variety of spending options. This changing consumer behavior shows significant growth in non-food expenditures over the years. The introduction of quick commerce has further diversified available products, making various goods more accessible. Both urban and rural consumers are seeking premium products alongside traditional staples.
Meesho shares surge 5% as strong festive sales, Q2 biz update boost sentiment. Should you buy?
Meesho shares rallied as much as 5% after the company reported a 75% year-on-year jump in Day 1 orders during its Mega Blockbuster Sale 2026. Orders on Meesho Mall surged over 200%, while creator-led commerce grew 3.7 times. Meanwhile, Nomura initiated coverage with a Reduce rating, citing rising competition, while UBS raised its target price by 24% to Rs 260.
Ecommerce firms sell goods worth Rs 24,000 crore in first two days of festive sales: Redseer
Players like Amazon and Flipkart are using their quick commerce arms for sales and increasing their salience on the platform, which saw 4 to 5 times higher GMV than the BAU daily average.
E-commerce festive sales touch Rs 24,000 crore in first two days, mobiles lead
E-commerce companies in India sold about Rs 24,000 crore in the first two days of festive sales. Mobile phones accounted for the largest share of sales, representing nearly 40 percent of total revenue. Fashion and electronics also saw significant growth, with contributions from Tier 2 cities and rural shoppers. Approximately 60-65 million shoppers participated in these initial sales, with first-time shoppers noticeably increasing.
Amazon, Flipkart festive sales begin at midnight: iPhone 17, Galaxy S25 Ultra, OnePlus Nord CE 6 and more deals
Amazon and Flipkart are set to begin their festive sales featuring various smartphone discounts. Smartphones such as Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will have significant price reductions. Both platforms are offering additional bank card discounts to encourage purchases during the sales. The events are expected to attract numerous buyers looking for affordable technology. These sales aim to enhance the upcoming festive shopping experience through attractive offers.
The Comeback of the Physical Store—and What It Means for Your Business
Brick-and-mortar retail is not declining but evolving, as stores take on new roles as logistics hubs, experiential destinations, and powerful drivers of demand and brand equity. Rising digital acquisition costs and operational challenges are pushing companies to integrate physical and online channels, using stores to improve fulfillment, customer engagement, and marketing effectiveness. The broader lesson for leaders: assets once viewed as liabilities can become competitive advantages when their role is reimagined and aligned with changing economics and customer behavior.
Indian is 1000 times safer than London: Bengaluru-based founder Kaushik Mudda describes alleged distraction theft in London
Ethereal Machines CEO Kaushik Mudda said he narrowly prevented two men from stealing his luggage outside London’s Euston railway station. The Bengaluru-based deeptech startup co-founder said one man distracted him by claiming the cab’s tyre was punctured while another reached into the boot. Mudda later wrote on X that India is “1000 times safer,” prompting users to share similar experiences.
Gen Z’s festive shopping playbook: From Instagram trends and Reddit reviews to upcycling and bargain hunting
Festive shopping habits among Gen Z consumers reflect a mix of traditional and modern approaches. They explore social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest for trends and product recommendations. Many prefer upcycling and personalizing outfits using family heirlooms or combining designer styles with affordable dupes. Online shopping helps them compare prices while seeking reviews for informed decisions. This generation values unique, sustainable fashion choices that resonate with their cultural heritage.
Festive shopping gets costlier as brands plan to hike AC, TV and appliance prices from October 1
Consumer electronics and appliance manufacturers in India will increase prices of products by 5-8% starting October 1. The rise in prices is attributed to higher costs of raw materials like copper and steel. Companies including Blue Star and Haier have confirmed these increases ahead of the festive shopping season. Despite the increases, some dealers have inventory stocked at old prices for the upcoming festivals.
Fewer Indians plan to raise festive budgets in 2026, but high spenders grow: Survey
A recent survey shows a decrease in the number of Indians looking to boost their festive budgets for 2026. While the willingness to spend over Rs 10,000 remains unchanged, the high-ticket segment increased marginally. Purchasing confidence is notably higher among Android users compared to iOS users this year. Consumers in tier-2 cities are leading the mid-budget spending category, reflecting changing shopping patterns.
India's festive shopping about to change as robots lend helping hand
This year's festive shopping in India is gearing up for a transformation as AI tools take center stage. With many intending to spend above ₹10,000, buyers are leaning towards premium purchases. Millennials exhibit a stronger affinity for AI recommendations than GenZ shoppers. In addition, Tier 2 city consumers are emerging as an essential demographic with robust budgets, with apparel and footwear forecasted as the top purchases during this festive time.
Akshay Kumar’s son Aarav shops only at thrift stores, has a Rs 4,500 per month job despite father’s Rs 2,500 net worth. Superstar reveals why: ‘He doesn’t believe…’
In an interview, superstar Akshay Kumar gushed about his son Aarav’s commitment to living sustainably. Previously, the ‘Khiladi’ had also praised his son for being completely self-sufficient and stated that he is not interested in following in his father’s footsteps but is determined to make a mark in the fashion industry.
In 2015, a woman dropped an Apple-1 at a California recycling center with old electronics without asking for a receipt; workers sold it for $200,000
An Apple-1 computer, dating back to 1976, was uncovered among a pile of old electronics at a recycling facility. This extraordinary gem sold for a remarkable price at auction. The recycling company is now on the lookout for the anonymous woman who donated this treasure, emphasizing the hidden value that may lie within electronic waste.
Credit for the next 50 crore: How PhonePe’s new co-branded cards target India’s underserved
At GFF 2026, PhonePe unveiled a suite of co-branded credit cards with HDFC Bank and SBI, plus the Wishcard for consumers with limited or no credit history. The products build on UPI-era behaviour to tap into formal credit, aiming to bring rewards, flexibility and credit-history building to Gen Z, homemakers, freelancers and semi-urban India.
39-Year-old worked 90 hours a week but could barely pay the bills. Now he makes £50,000 collecting from dumpster
Amir Jardan has turned his dumpster diving venture into a thriving full-time income, raking in about fifty thousand pounds each year from salvaged treasures. Together with his wife, they share their adventures on a well-received YouTube channel. This unique lifestyle not only alters their family's shopping habits but also empowers them to generously donate valuable items to local charities.
Jessica Alba turned her Hollywood Hills home “totally green” with salvaged furniture, eco turf, and low-impact materials; the designer later called her the “greenest” celebrity clienty client
Jessica Alba has beautifully remodeled her Hollywood Hills residence, emphasizing sustainability and family values. By integrating reclaimed furniture and vintage pieces, the designer significantly minimized waste. The landscaping now features eco-turf, effectively promoting water conservation. This innovative approach resonates with younger homeowners who prioritize style without compromising environmental responsibility, showcasing that green living and design can thrive together.
The big Gen Z market taking over how India spends, saves and strategises
India's youngest generation now leads consumption spending with unique preferences. Gen Z's influence is reshaping brand strategies and investment patterns significantly. This demographic is embracing early credit access and design-led purchases. Their spending power is projected to grow substantially in the coming years. Brands must adapt to evolving consumer behaviors and wider reach.
Luxury watchmakers say Gen-Z buying trends call for bold changes
Swiss watchmakers face declining exports and a need for innovation. GenZ consumers seek excitement and emotion over status and brand loyalty. The booming resale market offers alternatives to traditional purchases. Competition from Japanese and Chinese brands intensifies in the mid-price segment. The industry must adapt to attract a new generation of buyers.
Flipkart launches microdrama on main app to drive platform engagement
The vertical is placed within Flipkart's main ecommerce app under 'Play' – which has a content-led shopping discovery platform ‘Explore’ and microdrama vertical ‘Drama’. The move is intended to attract users to the platform and boost engagement ahead of the upcoming festive season.
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