The Festive Retail Pulse 2026 (KPMG Switzerland)

Summary

• Retailers surveyed reported sales 8 per cent higher in September 2026 than in September 2025, with positive growth across all four regions.p.5
• West led regional sales growth at +10%, followed by South +9%, North +7% and East +5%.p.5
• 57% of households intend discretionary festive purchases beyond routine essentials.p.4
• 49% say quality is a primary consideration.p.4
• In the cited urban-consumer survey, 72 per cent selected apparel, footwear and accessories.p.6
• Home appliances and furniture, and travel and holidays, were each selected by 45 per cent.p.6

Key insights

1. The opportunity is no longer concentrated around Diwali, as regional celebrations, weddings and year-end occasions create multiple demand peaks.p.4
2. Apparel, home, electronics and jewellery now compete visibly with travel, dining and experiences for the festive wallet.p.4
3. Navratri began on 11 October in 2026, versus 22 September in 2025, so September growth largely reflects pre-festive momentum.p.5
4. Gold price rose 45% year-on-year in Q3 2026 while jewellery volume demand moved +3%, so value and volume diverge.p.6
5. The consumer survey covered more than 67,000 urban-consumer responses across 307 districts.p.6