GST 2.0's grand debut: Record sales mark Day One of tax reforms

The rollout of GST 2.0 on Monday, the first day of Navratri, sparked a nationwide shopping spree, government sources said.

Hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a reform dedicated to the people of India,” GST 2.0 delivered lower prices, simplified tax slabs, and relief on daily essentials, transforming the festive season into a bonanza of savings and record-breaking sales.

Automobile Sector Hits Historic

Government sources said that the automobile industry emerged as the star of GST 2.0’s debut, with slashed taxes driving unprecedented demand. Smaller sub-4 meter cars, now taxed at 18% with the complete removal of the compensation cess, became the darling of buyers. Maruti Suzuki reported a staggering 80,000 inquiries and 30,000 car deliveries on Day 1, marking its best single-day performance in 35 years. Bookings for small cars surged by 50% compared to typical festive season rates. Hyundai also rode the wave, billing 11,000 vehicles in a single day, its strongest performance in five years. Tata Motors wasn’t far behind, delivering 10,000 cars and fielding over 25,000 inquiries, with showroom walk-ins and conversions soaring. For countless Indian families, GST 2.0 turned long-deferred dreams of car ownership into reality, making automobiles a true festive purchase.

e-Commerce Carts Overflow

The digital marketplace buzzed with excitement as shoppers flooded online platforms to stock up on fashion, home essentials, and festive must-haves. Flipkart and Amazon launched their festive sale events for loyalty program users on Monday, reporting robust early traction fueled by GST cuts. Fashion brand The Pant Project saw a 15-20% sales jump compared to last year, while Shadow Etail, a seller on both platforms, recorded a 151% surge in traffic for home essentials, sources said. Fashion brand Snitch reported a remarkable 40% increase in online orders, underscoring the GST-driven consumer rush.

Electronics Sales Soar

Electronics emerged as another success story, with households snapping up TVs and air conditioners at significantly reduced prices, the sources said, adding that Split ACs dropped by Rs 3,000-5,000, while high-end TVs saw price cuts of up to Rs 85,000. Haier reported nearly double its usual Monday sales, with many customers pre-booking to capitalize on the new rates. Blue Star noted a 20% sales increase compared to the same day last year, while TV sales, particularly in the 43-inch and 55-inch segments, surged by 30-35%, according to Super Plastronics Pvt Ltd, a key Flipkart seller. GST 2.0 has proven to be more than a tax reform—it’s a festival of savings that has slashed household expenses, revived demand across industries, and set the stage for a blockbuster festive season, the government said. From cars and electronics to groceries and fashion, every sector felt the surge of consumer enthusiasm. As PM Modi aptly described it, GST 2.0 is the “real Diwali gift” to the people of India, delivering joy, affordability, and a vibrant start to Navratri.