Smart appliances fly off shelves with GST benefits, easy finance | Lucknow News
Lucknow: Attractive offers driven by reformed GST slabs and easy financing options fuelled sales of smart appliances and energy-efficient gadgets at major showrooms in the city on Dhanteras.Retailers in Hazratganj, Alambagh, and Aliganj said discounts of up to 25%, exchange offers, and EMI plans starting at Rs 999 per month have encouraged customers to make bigger purchases. Compact and affordable kitchen gadgets such as air fryers and cooktops also saw sharp growth.“Consumers are increasingly choosing modern appliances that combine efficiency and style. High-end refrigerators and smart TVs have done exceptionally well this year,” said Suresh Chablani, president of Akhil Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal, Lucknow.Sales of high-end and mid-range home and kitchen appliances such as refrigerators, smart TVs, air fryers, microwaves, and induction cooktops rose by nearly 40% compared to last year. In 2024, the segment recorded sales worth Rs 20 crore, which have now surged to around Rs 28 crore, marking one of the strongest festive performances in recent years.Chablani added that the shift in buying habits is evident. “People have almost stopped buying iron and steel utensils on Dhanteras. Instead, they are investing in smart appliances and energy-efficient gadgets that enhance their lifestyle,” he said.Shalini Verma, a homemaker, said, “We replaced our old refrigerator and bought a smart microwave. The festive discount made it worth the upgrade.”With strong consumer enthusiasm and better financing support, retailers said this Dhanteras has been one of the most successful in the past five years.
