Festive season spending on the rise; experts advise budget-friendly shopping strategies

Hyderabad: The festive season often comes with excitement, celebrations and shopping sprees. However, without careful planning, expenses can quickly escalate.

Financial experts and retail strategists suggest that adopting simple, budget-friendly shopping strategies can help consumers save money while still enjoying the festive spirit.

Plan purchases in advance

Impulse shopping is one of the biggest reasons for overspending during festivals. Creating a list of what you truly need helps narrow down choices and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Anya Malhotra, Personal Finance Advisor, speaking to NewsMeter, noted, “Festive sales create a sense of urgency. Having a shopping list ensures you stay focused on essentials and do not get carried away by attractive but unplanned deals.”

Shoppers are advised to prioritise items they need over items they want and set spending limits before entering a store or logging onto an e-commerce site.

Compare prices across platforms

Retailers and online platforms often offer different discounts on the same products. Comparing prices before purchase can make a significant difference.

Anish Desai, E-commerce Analyst, explains, “Many buyers assume that one platform’s festive sale has the lowest prices, but comparison across two or three platforms can easily save 10–20 per cent. Price comparison apps and browser extensions can simplify this process.”

This applies not just to electronics but also to clothing, home décor, and groceries.

Leverage cashback and reward programs

Banks and digital wallets often roll out special festive offers in the form of cashback, loyalty points, and additional discounts.

Richa Sharma, Retail Banking Consultant, advises, “Always check your credit or debit card tie-ups before making a purchase. Some banks provide extra discounts on specific e-commerce platforms during festive periods, which can add up to substantial savings.”

Customers should also redeem accumulated reward points, which are often overlooked.

Buy in bulk where practical

Bulk purchasing of non-perishable items, such as dry fruits, packaged snacks, or cleaning supplies, can reduce costs over time. However, this should be done strategically.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Expert Maira Kapoor suggests, “For items like dry fruits, buying larger packs in advance is economical, especially during festive gifting. But it’s important to check expiry dates and storage needs to prevent wastage.”

Pooling bulk purchases with friends or family members can also help lower costs.

Use coupons and discount codes

Coupons and promotional codes are frequently shared on social media, brand newsletters, and coupon aggregator websites. These can provide additional savings over existing discounts.

“Most shoppers don’t take the extra step to search for discount codes. But even a five-minute check online can provide significant savings, especially on fashion and electronics,” says Malhotra.

Opt for off-peak shopping

Shopping during the early days of sales or at less crowded hours in stores can help buyers access better stock and avoid rushed decisions.

In addition, waiting until the end of certain sale cycles can sometimes yield further markdowns on unsold stock.

Explore pre-owned and rental options

With the growing acceptance of sustainability, many platforms now offer refurbished electronics, pre-loved fashion, or rental services for festive outfits.

Sustainability Consultant Neha Bhatia explains, “Instead of buying an expensive ethnic outfit you may wear once, renting it at a fraction of the price is a smart option. Similarly, certified refurbished gadgets come with warranties and cost significantly less.”

Festive shopping doesn’t have to strain budgets. By planning ahead, comparing prices, leveraging offers, and exploring alternatives like bulk buying or rentals, consumers can enjoy the season without financial stress.

As Malhotra summarises, “The key is not to cut back on celebration, but to shop mindfully. Smart shopping ensures both joy and savings during the festive season.”