Why Indians are ditching weekend-only splurges for everyday joy: Razorpay POS Report

India is breaking free from traditional weekend-centric indulgence, according to a new report by Razorpay POS. The analysis of millions of weekday in-store transactions, conducted by Razorpay POS (the offline payments arm of Razorpay) across its extensive network of over 500,000 merchant touchpoints from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, shows that consumers are choosing to spend in ways that prioritize spontaneity, joy, and everyday celebration. This trend, highlighted in the 'Every Day’s A Weekend' report, is blurring the lines between weekdays and weekends.

Here are some key insights:

Because Looking Good Can’t Wait Till Friday: Self-care is no longer restricted to weekends! Apparel spending rose by 29%, and transactions at salons & spas increased by 27%, reflecting India’s growing penchant for feel-good spending throughout the week in FY’25. And for that extra sparkle, jewellery shopping took center stage, with purchases surging by 43% in FY’25. Notably, 55% of payments at jewellery shops were made through cards, highlighting that when it comes to big-ticket buys, card swipes continue to dominate.

Hobbies in Full Bloom: Hobbies are no longer just weekend affairs - they’re an everyday priority! With garden supply store payments soaring by 79% and bookstore transactions up by 27% in FY’25, it’s clear that personal time is taking center stage, even on busy workdays. From picking up a new novel to nurturing a green corner at home, Indians are intentionally carving out time for joy, not just chores. This shift reflects a growing desire to balance productivity with passion, proving that life's little pleasures deserve a spot in the daily routine.

Turning Errands into Escapes: Everyday errands are no longer just a chore - they’re a chance to unwind! With in-store shopping transactions up by 34% in FY’25, routine shopping has transformed into a mini escape. Whether it's browsing the aisles after work or a quick, mood-boosting mall run, consumers are reimagining ordinary routines with a touch of everyday joy.

Weekday Catch-Ups Are Brewing Strong: India’s love for stepping out isn’t waiting for the weekend anymore. With spending at cafes and restaurants surging by 25% and dining out across metro cities increasing by 33% - led by Delhi with a remarkable 78% rise in FY’25 - weekday catch-ups over coffee or comfort food are becoming the new norm. Whether it’s a Tuesday team lunch or a Thursday dinner date, dining out has evolved from being an occasional indulgence to more of an everyday connection.

Say hello to the Midweek Getaway: Indians have redefined the way they unwind, turning midweek breaks into the new travel trend! With hotel bookings surging by 29% during weekdays in FY’25, travel is no longer reserved for weekends. Red-letter days on the calendar aren’t the only holidays anymore. Catching mini breaks and going on staycations or vacations have become the new normal as Indians paint the days in the hues of their choice. The flexibility of remote work and the growing focus on work-life balance have inspired spontaneous midweek escapes — a clear sign that rest and recharge are now part of the regular workweek rhythm.

Kunal Gothivarekar, Head of Razorpay POS, said, “India’s spending habits are undergoing a fundamental shift—weekdays are no longer just for necessities; they’re for experiences, indulgences, and everyday celebrations. As consumers prioritise experiences over routine purchases, sectors like retail, hospitality, and lifestyle are seeing a surge in engagement. This evolution calls for a payment ecosystem that is not only seamless but also intelligent and adaptive."

"As businesses navigate this transformation, our goal is to ensure that every transaction, whether in a bustling metro or a growing tier II town, is frictionless and future-proof, driving India’s next phase of offline commerce," added Kunal.

As India embraces a new rhythm of everyday indulgence, the in-store experience must evolve to match. With innovations like UPI-enabled POS devices, AI-powered checkouts, barcode scanning, digital billing, and seamless omnichannel integrations, Razorpay POS is building the infrastructure for this shift — ensuring payments remain fast, secure, and effortless, as per the report.