With 24x7 shopping, night-time spending surges in India

Night-time spending in India has increased by 60 per cent in the past year with seven states allowing retail stores and establishments to operate 24 hours a day, and consumers showing an increasing inclination to shop at unconventional hours, according to data released by Simpl’s Checkout Scan.

New Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Karnataka and Telangana are among states that have permitted shops to remain open round the clock, which in turn has led to a 60-per cent increase in payment volume between 10 pm and 4 am. Orders processed have grown by around 30 per cent, the data shows, while average order value has seen a 10-per cent increase.

The surge in business has been noted across the board, from food and beverage to mobility and on-demand delivery, and many other states are considering the 24-hour model for businesses.

Food and beverage merchants top the charts followed by mobility services, on-demand drivers and parking providers. Leading the on-demand delivery bandwagon for the quick commerce segment are Zepto, Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart, while Zomato and Swiggy are the top two in food and beverage segment. Myntra and Nykaa lead the fashion segment.

According to the data, India’s night-time spending spree is driven by lifestyle trends such as late-night house parties among the youth and extended weekends, besides a cricket season that continues almost all year round.

Based on the data, Simpl’s Checkout Scan suggests that Indian retail could be poised for a move towards 24X7 operations that would suit consumers as well as merchants.