It's raining offers on Republic Day

Industry estimates R-Day sales are eight times the usual for big retailers

Retailers and automobile and real estate firms are geared to cash in on the Republic Day fervour.

The period marks high sales for companies. With this year’s Republic Day falling on a weekend, retailers are looking to make the best of the season.

According to industry estimates, sales on Republic Day are eight times the usual sales for big retailers.

Kishore Biyani’s Future Group is leading the pack. Central, the mall format of the group, has been offering 50 per cent discount on 200 brands in the four days leading to R-Day.

Tata’s Star Bazaar has announced a Republic Week Carnival, with a flat 70 per cent discount on clothing. Reliance Retail is holding an eight-day mega sale.

Hypercity, a hypermarket chain owned by Shoppers Stop, has come out with a “26 pe 26” offer — 26 per cent additional discount on 26 items. It also conducts an event during the month, called Hypersale, where it offers up to 50 per cent discount.

Big Bazaar is holding a five-day “Sabse Sastha 5 Din” from January 23-27.

“The Republic Day period has become the biggest of shopping days for any retailer, beating festivals such as Dussera and Diwali,” said Rakesh Biyani, deputy managing director of Pantaloon Retail, which runs Big Bazaar.

Maruti Suzuki is offering Rs 4,000 worth of additions and Rs 60,000 worth of benefits to buyers. A Delhi-based Maruti Suzuki dealer said, “The Republic Day offers are better than last year’s as it has coincided with the marriage season, which is expected to extend up to February. We have seen some heavy bookings in the last few days.”

Korean automaker Hyundai is offering discounts and benefits totalling Rs 35,000-45,000 on small cars and sedans. Consumer benefit schemes of 5-10 per cent discounts on cars are being offered.

Select real estate companies have also joined the bandwagon.

Mumbai-based Ravi Group is promising savings of Rs 3 lakh to Rs 7 lakh for the first 26 home buyers in its projects in Mumbai for bookings in the next nine days. It is also offering additional savings to defence personnel and senior citizens.