E-commerce festive sales volumes rise 21% in first six days; quick commerce up 85%: Unicommerce

E-commerce order volumes rose 21% year-on-year (YoY) during the first six days of the festive season sales this year, according to an analysis by Unicommerce, an e-commerce enablement SaaS platform.

The comparison is based on over 40 million transactions processed on its flagship platform Uniware during the corresponding period last year and this year’s sale events that began on different dates across platforms.

Quick commerce was the standout segment, registering an over 85% increase in order volumes. Unicommerce said this reflects the growing demand for faster deliveries and positions quick commerce as one of the biggest growth drivers of this year’s festive sales.

 “This highlights the growing consumer preference for faster delivery, positioning quick commerce as a key growth driver in this year’s festive sales,” said the report. 

Brand websites saw a 31% increase in order volumes, largely driven by beauty and wellness products, including makeup, personal care, and hygiene. Fashion, led by apparel and jewellery, also saw strong demand.

Buying patterns

Consumer spending outside metros continued to shape festive buying patterns. Tier II and III cities accounted for 58% of total festive transactions in the first week of sales. Order volumes in metros and Tier I cities grew 22% year-on-year, while Tier II and III cities together saw a 20% rise compared to the corresponding period last year.

The overall rise in transactions was led by categories such as FMCG, especially healthy foods, followed by beauty and wellness, health and pharma products with strong demand for nutraceuticals and supplements, and electronics, where home appliances saw notable traction. Home décor also contributed to the uptick.

Unicommerce said that the increasing participation from smaller towns highlights their growing importance in festive season demand.