India’s festive-period retail trade hits record ₹5.40 lakh crore with services adding ₹65,000 crore

India’s retail sector logged its highest-ever festive season haul this year, as a nationwide survey by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) found that goods sales reached approximately ₹5.40 lakh crore and services contributed an additional ₹65,000 crore. The surge highlights resilient consumer demand despite global headwinds and signals buoyant sentiment ahead of the new financial year. Analysts note that strength in discretionary segments and ‘swadeshi’‐oriented buying helped drive the expansion, though they caution on narrow margins and rising input costs.