According to the consumer tracker released by Deloitte, sales of FMCG companies, including those selling packaged foods, daily use items, electronics and apparel, have recovered faster in July 2021 than the year-ago period.

Deloitte has been tracking consumers’ mood across major global markets since the onset of the pandemic. In its latest report, it surveyed Indian respondents till June 30, covering the second COVID-19 wave.

According to the report, the pace of vaccination has uplifted the consumer sentiment as witnessed from a slight increase in discretionary spends after easing of restrictions in June.

Working from home has helped employees save significantly on transport and employers on rent, the report says. As restrictions ease, consumers plan to spend more on discretionary items such as clothing, footwear and electronics, it adds.

The present steadiness in sales leading to recovery can be attributed to pent-up demand from consumers. People are escaping to tourist destinations and malls to take the much-needed break from confinement. Adding to the demand recovery, the coming festive months will be very crucial for malls, opines Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director, Pacific Group, which operates malls in the national capital region.