The Onam White Goods market in Kerala, often considered Bellwether’s upcoming festival periods in the rest of the country, has witnessed unexpected irony this year. The notification of the main revision in the structure of the tax on goods and services (GST), which is expected to move consumption with a significant reduction in prices, had some negative impact at the time of the merchants at a time when the sales, the sales market, the Onam market.
Many consumers have postponed their purchasing plans that expect a price drop as soon as they come into force of the tax revision from September 22. The prices of several high -valuable electronic items, including TVs, air conditioning, refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines, are expected to be reduced under the new two -stage taxes with a rate of 5% and 18%. Items that were previously taxed at 28% now fall within 18% of the holder. The decision was announced by the Minister of Treasures of the Trade Unions Nirmal Sithaman 3 September. Key merchants on the market Kerala said they had to deal with customers, especially for TVs, after the announcement.
8% immersed in TV sales
“TV sales initially became good. However, after reports on the GST revision, our preliminary estimate is that this season has decreased television sales approximately 8% this season, compared to the previous year. One of the reasons is considered to be a decision to wait for consumers. The washing machine remained almost flat.
“Confusion between buyers”
VA Afzal, CEO of Bismi Home Appliances, shared a similar picture. He said that GST -related reports have caused some confusion between part of the buyers, although most consumers have decided to buy.
“We found consumers that onam prices, including discounts and special offers, would be a better solution compared to the expected price drop to reduce GST.
He said that 10-15% of customers can postpone the purchase to new GST rates and their sales data after handover. Compared to the previous season, it also indicated a decline in approximately 40%.
Meanwhile, Sudheesh P. Suresh, a branch, manager Nandilath G-Mart, said the GST announcement had no negative impact on their sale, even though they also encountered “doubts about buyers”. “We could convince them of the benefits of Onam prices,” he said.
Published – 7 September 2025 9:24
