Flipkart, Amazon Announce 80% Discount Sale Before GST Kicks In

Triggered by the GST levy, ecommerce platforms such as Flipkart and Amazon India are offering upto 80% discount on apparels and furniture.

According to the rates announced by the GST Council for the textiles industry, garments priced over INR 1,000 will be taxed higher. While ready-made clothing below this price will be taxed at 5%, those above the price range will be charged with a 12% tax.

Commenting on the sale, Rishi Vasudev, Head –  Flipkart Fashion said, “The objective behind our hosting this exclusive sale event is to reach out to the millions of fashion-savvy Indians across the country, and make aspirations a reality for them. With our exclusive offers, discounts, exciting contests and new features, we will enable our customers to shop better and smarter, as buyers like to evaluate products, and compare prices before making a purchase in order to get the best deal.”

The ‘Flipkart Fashion Days’ sale will be live from June 10 to June 18. As a part of the sale, Flipkart will introduce ‘Matchmaker’ deals. This will allow customers to curate their own fashion in case they are unsure of how to create the next fashionable look for themselves. Brand Stock Exchange is another new concept where top brands will be offered at high discounts across the day, as a part of limited deal offers.

Flipkart will also host a ‘Guess the Brand’ Quiz, to involve the customers and encourage them to identify brand logos. A ‘Bid n Win’ contest will also be open for the customers during the 9 day sale and the lowest bidders will win prizes.

On the other hand, Amazon has brands like Puma, Reebok,Tommy Hilfiger, etc. on sale. Amazon Prime members are getting a minimum of 50% off on clothing and accessories from United Colors of Benetton and Indigo Nation.

Discounts can also be availed on other items on Amazon including coffee tables, bean bags and wall shelves, recliners and sofa beds.

In May 2017, both Amazon and Flipkart already held sale events.  Amazon had its ‘Great Indian Sale’ which was from May 11 to May 14, following which, Flipkart had ‘The Big 10 Sale’ from May 14-18, 2017. In the same month, ecommerce platform Snapdeal also announced its last ‘Grand Unbox Sale’ followed by a rumoured merger with Flipkart.

(This development was reported by ET)