As the festive season lights up the horizon, Indian consumers are already prepping their shopping carts, and this spells a huge opportunity for advertisers. 89% of consumers plan to start their year-end holiday shopping before November, according to Integral Ad Science’s (IAS) Holiday Shopping in India 2024 report. Online shopping is the star of the show, and brands that can play to this trend will unwrap success in the coming months.
The Early Birds (with Bigger Wallets)
Holiday shoppers are getting a head start—89% plan to begin their buying spree before November, aiming to avoid high prices and snap up early discounts. It’s a classic case of ‘the early bird gets the best deal,’ and brands that launch their campaigns early could catch these eager buyers.
In addition, 88% of shoppers are expanding their budgets, ready to splurge more than they did last year. That’s a gift for advertisers, even though 32% are trimming their gift lists to deal with rising prices. Fewer gifts, maybe, but with more value on each? There’s an opportunity there for smart brands.
Mobile Phones: The New Shopping Malls
Shoppers are bypassing the bustling markets for their smartphones this season. 79% of consumers plan to shop online, with 80% using mobile devices to hunt for gifts. E-commerce sites and social platforms are the top destinations for buying, meaning advertisers have a direct line to festive wallets through digital platforms.
Ads Aren’t Annoying Anymore (If Done Right)
Surprisingly, 93% of consumers say online ads are key for discovering new products, and 95% agree these ads make it easier to find budget-friendly promotions. In fact, the holiday season has consumers in a more ad-friendly mood—52% say they’re more receptive to online ads now than any other time of year. But here’s the kicker: they want relevance. Ads that feel ‘just right,’ offering deals based on previous purchases or appearing on trusted sites, are the ones that will hit the mark.
It’s clear: if your ad speaks to the consumer in a helpful, timely way, you’re not just interrupting their feed, you’re saving their day.
Stress-Free Shopping, Courtesy of Ads
For time-crunched shoppers juggling holiday lists, 54% believe online ads help reduce the stress of hunting down the perfect gift, while 55% say ads save them time. This means your ad could be the hero that makes their holiday shopping experience smoother—and drives them to click ‘buy.’
The Big Takeaway for Advertisers
This festive season, it’s not just about who can shout the loudest with big sales; it’s about who can provide the most seamless, relevant, and convenient online shopping experience. Target the early birds, use mobile-first strategies, and serve ads that add value instead of clutter. Those who strike this balance are likely to unwrap a very happy holiday season of their own.