Celebrate this Christmas with joy and mindful shopping by staying up-to-date on shopping trends and advice from business experts
As Christmas approaches, the air is filled with holiday cheer, and neighbourhoods transform into festive wonderlands adorned with the classic hues of red and green. The hustle and bustle takes on a jolly tone, creating an atmosphere that radiates happiness. Twinkling lights not only illuminate the dark winter nights but also symbolise hope and foster a sense of community.
Amidst the joyful ambience, the season brings with it the tradition of Christmas shopping. Streets come alive with the buzz of people, and shops become vibrant hubs of activity as individuals embark on the quest for new decorations, furniture, clothes, shoes, and thoughtful gifts for their loved ones. However, it is essential to acknowledge that this joyous time also involves a considerable amount of expenditure.
Therefore, it is essential to approach shopping with vigilance, prioritising necessity and practicality. The landscape of shopping has transformed with the rise of sustainable practices and the buzz of thrifting. In response to these changes, businesses are adapting their sales strategies to align with the evolving patterns in consumer behaviour.
Recognising the dynamic nature of shopping trends and understanding the challenges that businesses and consumers face in the realms of sales and shopping, we, at Business Goa, sought insights from prominent names in the business sphere hoping to put forth the emerging shopping trends, business strategies, and effective and cost-efficient methods to help you shop this Christmas!
“I would definitely recommend customers to buy festive gifts this Christmas from local vendors. There are so many creative people who can give better pocket friendly options for the festive season. Strictly avoid buying ‘made in China’ bulk production gifts. Pick your gifts from Christmas markets, local stores, and local artisans”
KRUPA KHOLKAR
Founder, Lit n Glow Handmade Candles
In business, understanding and adapting to evolving shopping trends is essential for staying relevant and successful. Hari Kaul, General Manager at CMM Arena, sheds light on the intricate nuances of contemporary shopping dynamics. We have observed that consumers still prefer shopping in physical format, however, that does not mean online shopping has not increased. Both formats are growing and the same trend of co-existence will continue for many years. Retailers need to make it convenient for consumers to shop in-store or online seamlessly, he shares.
Kaul further delves into the impact of online platforms on consumer behaviour, pointing out the surge in impulse buying facilitated by social media accessibility. This trend is particularly noticeable in sectors like food, fashion, and lifestyle. However, for items like furniture and appliances, physical shopping remains preferable, allowing consumers to personally inspect quality and identify defects. Nonetheless, the online space serves as a valuable source for product research, influencing consumers in making informed decisions about quality.
A noteworthy trend highlighted by Kaul is the increasing expectations of consumers, who now seek responsible and personalised experiences from brands. The connection between consumers and retailers, bolstered by effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM), timely communication, and personalised experiences, has become a significant factor in enhancing business success.
“Christmas brownies, gingerbread cookies, Christmas cupcakes are also popular especially when it comes to Christmas parties for children. We have different types of doughnuts, meringue kisses and chocolate bombs that are put in steaming cups of milk and served along with marshmallows; making them a children’s favourite”
SHRIYA PHADTE
Director, Pastry Palace
Budgeting and intentional shopping also have taken centre stage in the current consumer landscape. Kaul observes a shift in focus, with consumers concentrating more on functionality, sustainability, and digital comparisons. The gig economy, coupled with the importance of timely delivery, has become pivotal in winning consumer trust.
In the post-Covid era, there is a noticeable surge in spending on home improvement. Hence, CMM Arena itself has started extending services, such as the Modular Kitchen and Wardrobe department, to cater to both individual and business clients. The positive responses they have received indicate a growing demand for such interior services.
Contrastingly, unnecessary filling of spaces and impulsive in-store shopping are on the decline, giving way to the rise of minimalistic styling. Consumers are now more cautious with their spending, prioritising functionality and value for money.
“A few points to remember would be: prepare a purchase list, track spending, and choose time over money. Early shopping and wise spending help avoid panic purchases. Moreover, buy gifts that are useful or just settle for a gift voucher”
HARI KAUL
General Manager, CMM Arena
When it comes to sweets, Shriya Phadte, Director, Pastry Palace says that along with the traditional sweets like Bebinca, Dodol, other sweets are also in great demand. “Christmas brownies, gingerbread cookies, Christmas cupcakes are also popular especially when it comes to Christmas parties for children. We have different types of doughnuts, meringue kisses and chocolate bombs that are put in steaming cups of milk and served along with marshmallows; making them a children’s favourite.”
In the realm of fashion, renowned designer Philu Martins sheds light on the growing impact of technology on consumer experiences. Smart trial rooms, chat GPT, augmented reality, and 5G-driven digitalisation are transforming the way customers interact with brands. Martins emphasises the shift towards quality over quantity, reflecting a global trend. “Our brand is inspired by international brands doing extremely well in India. Like them, our brand concentrates more on the product quality in terms of fabric selection, stitching finishes, and embellishments, and spends less on marketing, so that we can give better offers to our clientele during the festive season, especially Christmas”, she shares.
“We are inspired by international brands that are doing extremely well in India. Like them, our brand concentrates more on the product quality in terms of fabric selection, stitching finishes, and embellishments, and spends less on marketing so that we can give better offers to our clientele during the festive season, especially Christmas”
PHILU MARTINS
Fashion Designer
Hence, it becomes obvious that as businesses navigate these shifts in shopping patterns, staying updated with relevant trends and adapting strategies accordingly becomes crucial for sustained profitability. The evolving landscape calls for innovative approaches and a keen understanding of consumer preferences to remain successful in the ever-changing business landscape.
Keeping this in mind, CMM Arena demonstrates a proactive approach to the ever-evolving buying patterns of consumers by continuously offering enticing promotions and staying abreast of market changes. With thorough analysis of consumer data and behavioural shifts, the retailer has responded by introducing new products in its appliance and furniture section, aligning itself with the latest trends in the market.
Further, understanding the importance of customer convenience, Kaul highlights the retailer’s commitment to provide a hassle-free shopping experience. “CMM Arena not only ensures a smooth shopping process but also recognises the evolving needs of customers by offering easy upgrade and exchange options based on changing family requirements. Additionally, we offer discounts, combo offers, freebies, cashback, EMI, loyalty points on cards, and so on. Such a comprehensive range of offers caters to diverse consumer preferences and adds an extra layer of value to the shopping experience at CMM Arena”, adds Kaul.
Having explored emerging shopping trends and business strategies, valuable advice from seasoned observers can significantly enhance the shopping experience. Kaul, drawing from his extensive business experience, generously shares a few key points to keep in mind, which he says are: prepare a purchase list, track spending, and choose time over money. Early shopping and wise spending help avoid panic purchases. Moreover, buy gifts that are useful or just settle for a gift voucher, he shares.
Additionally, staying focused on planned purchases is necessary to navigate the pitfalls of marketing tricks and over-purchasing. Social media plays a significant role in tempting consumers into impulsive buying; hence, awareness and resilience against such influences become crucial.
Martins, with a keen eye on the garment industry, emphasises on the need for consumers to be more conscious of their purchases. Beyond merely spending money, she encourages a responsible approach. “One should look from a sustainability point of view too because it is not only about spending money. One also has to be responsible, keeping in mind global warming and climate change because the garment industry is the second highest polluting industry in this area”, she asserts.
Meanwhile, Krupa Kholkar, founder, Lit n Glow Handmade Candles says, “I would definitely recommend customers to buy festive gifts this Christmas from local vendors. There are so many creative people who can offer better pocket-friendly options for the festive season. Strictly avoid buying ‘made in China’ bulk production gifts. Pick your gifts from Christmas markets, local stores, and local artisans.”
In conclusion, customers must approach their purchases with a mindful and deliberate mindset. Taking the time to browse through various offers and discounts, both in- store and online, allows for a comprehensive understanding of available options. By comparing these offerings, customers can make informed decisions that align with their preferences and budgetary considerations.
Moreover, embracing discounts and other promotional offers should not be overlooked, as they serve as effective tools for saving on expenditures. Rather than shying away from such incentives, customers should take full advantage of these opportunities, maximising their benefits and contributing to a more economical shopping experience. By adhering to these principles, shoppers can navigate the shopping landscape with confidence, ensuring that their decisions are well-considered and aligned with their needs. This mindful approach not only minimises the stress associated with shopping but also enhances the overall enjoyment of the festive season.
