AI Reshapes India's 2025 Festive Shopping Landscape: InMobi and Glance Report

AI Revolutionizes India's Festive Shopping Experience

As India gears up for the 2025 festive season, a groundbreaking report by InMobi Advertising and Glance reveals a significant shift in consumer behavior, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking center stage in shaping shopping experiences. The "Marketer's Guide to India's Festive Season 2025" highlights how AI is not just enhancing but redefining the way Indians shop during this crucial period 1

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AI-Powered Shopping: The New Norm

The report unveils a staggering statistic: nearly 80% of Indian consumers now actively seek AI-powered shopping recommendations to guide their purchases, personalize experiences, and discover new products 1

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. This trend is further emphasized by the fact that 87% of respondents prefer virtual try-ons, citing greater confidence in their purchase decisions 2

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Digital Dominance in the Consumer Journey

The festive season of 2025 is set to be predominantly digital, with 64% of consumers completing their festive purchases entirely online. An even more significant 83% of shoppers plan to conduct extensive research on digital platforms before making their final purchases 1

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. This digital shift is not limited to shopping alone; 88% of respondents welcome AI-driven festive content directly on their lock screens 2

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Increased Spending and Consumer Confidence

The report paints a picture of robust consumer confidence, with 83% of shoppers planning to spend more this festive season compared to the previous year. The average expected spend is set to exceed ₹23,000, indicating a significant boost to the retail sector 1

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Category Preferences and Shopping Motivations

While technology is reshaping the shopping experience, traditional motivations remain strong. Apparel, footwear, and accessories top the list of preferred categories at 63%, followed by health, beauty, and wellness at 42%, and home décor and furniture at 40% 2

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. The report also notes that 85% of consumers cite shopping as their top festive activity, underlining the cultural significance of festive purchases.

Implications for Marketers

The evolving landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for marketers. Kunal Nagpal, Chief Business Officer at InMobi Advertising and Glance, emphasizes the importance of consistency across channels, stating, "When consumers see the same brand story and personalized offers across their lock screen, social feed, and shopping app, it doesn't just catch their eyes, it cements trust and drives action" 2

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The Future of Festive Shopping

As AI continues to shape the festive shopping experience, the line between tradition and technology blurs. The report suggests that while gifting rituals and apparel shopping still dominate, the tools shaping these purchases are increasingly algorithm-driven. This shift presents a new challenge for brands: maintaining consistency across channels while offering variety and relevance in an AI-driven marketplace.