E-commerce and quick delivery services prepare for the Diwali festive season with expanded assortment

Unlike consumers who spend between 3,000 and 4,000 rupees on a t-shirt in expensive boutiques like Zara or H&M on weekends, the preferences of Generation Z youth (aged 18–25) are different. This cohort values stylish and beautiful design more than expensive brand labels.

A popular weekend plan for young people has become going out with friends with a 500 rupee note and creating a celebrity-worthy look by visiting vintage markets in Delhi-NCR or Mumbai. At these venues, one can find many options for creating streetwear with elements such as oversized t-shirts and wide jeans, at a small cost.

Residents of Delhi-NCR can opt to visit markets like Sarojini Nagar, Janpath, Majnu Ka Tilla, and other local markets instead of shopping malls on weekends.

On Janpath (Streets No. 11 and No. 12) and in Sarojini Nagar, oversized jeans can be purchased for 200 rupees. Additionally, vintage jackets and t-shirts are available there for 100–150 rupees.

Majnu Ka Tilla Market is a favorite spot for Generation Z because it offers cardigans, hoodies, and beautiful Korean-style accessories related to K-pop and anime.

At local Sunday markets, such as Mangal Bazaar in Tilak Nagar and Sector 22 Noida, a large number of vintage items, including denim and Korean tops, can be found for only 150 rupees.

Mumbai youth also have their own unique approach to weekend shopping. The main spots for them are Fashion Street, located near CSMT, Hill Road in Bandra, and Link Road.

Trendy crop tops, streetwear-style trousers, and bucket hats can be found on Bandra Hill Road and Link Road in the price range of 200 to 300 rupees.

Fashion Street near CSMT is a place where first-year college students can put together a complete outfit for 500 rupees, including a t-shirt, jeans, and sunglasses.

When visiting vintage markets, it is not enough just to buy things; it is crucial to know how to make the right choices. During weekend shopping, attention should be paid to clothing coordination, arrival time at the market, accessories, and the possibility of modifying clothes independently.

It is important to focus on the harmonious combination of items rather than haggling. For example, a simple black oversized t-shirt for 200 rupees paired with white cargo pants for 250 rupees can create a street look similar to that of Ananya Panday or Ishana Khatter.

It is recommended to arrive at the market early in the morning, around 10 am, before the crowds gather. At this time, sellers unpack new batches of goods, where the cheapest, unused samples can be found.

Accessories can significantly enhance the appearance: sunglasses for 50 rupees, a silver ring, or a beautiful canvas bag can give an ordinary 300 rupee outfit the look of something worth five thousand rupees.

The 'vintage and DIY' approach should also be utilized. If you find an item that is too big or loose, do not worry. Modern couples and friends often shorten or alter vintage clothing themselves to give it the desired style.

Shopping at vintage markets is not just a way to save money. For the current generation, it is also part of a lifestyle that includes hanging out with friends, enjoying street food, and forming one's own fashionable identity on a modest budget. In the specified markets of Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, a complete streetwear look can be assembled while adhering to the 500 rupee budget and making the right choices.

Jio Platforms presented its first post-listing results, noting a 13.7% rise in consolidated net profit to ₹8,389 crore for the September quarter of 2026. This growth is attributed to an increase in subscribers, higher revenue per user, and stable development of digital services.

According to regulatory filings, the company's consolidated operating revenue for the reporting quarter grew by 11.4%, reaching ₹40,475 crore. This report is the first since the successful listing of the company's shares on the stock exchange this week, and the results briefing was the first opportunity for Managing Director Akash Ambani to address investors during the quarterly review.

Commenting on the figures, Ambani emphasized that the current quarter's results reflect the power of the company's 5G network, as well as the expansion of broadband access and digital services coverage. He stated plans to continue building potential in satellite communications, 6G intellectual property, and integrating artificial intelligence into core voice and packet services to create long-term value for all stakeholders.

During the results presentation, Ambani outlined Jio's growth strategy, which includes international business models and opportunities in the enterprise segment, leveraging the technology stack and infrastructure built by the company. He noted multiple growth drivers in mobile, home, enterprise, and international markets, asserting that the company proves this at scale, possessing a clear path to growth and profitability supported by a very strong balance sheet even before IPO proceeds.

Net profit attributable to owners stood at ₹8,389 crore in the concluded quarter, compared to ₹7,379 crore a year earlier. On a sequential basis, consolidated net profit grew by 8% compared to ₹7,765 crore in the June quarter, and operating revenue increased by 3.3% compared to ₹39,173 crore.

Ambani pointed out that the enterprise segment will be a significant growth opportunity, where the company intends to actively invest and attract users to its network. He added that small and medium enterprises in the country represent a unique chance. The company will approach international markets selectively, not selling its patented stacks as hardware commissions or software as a service. Instead, the proposed business model involves partnering with clients as a managed service provider.

The company's net debt decreased by 78.6%, amounting to ₹8,822 crore in the reporting quarter compared to ₹41,161 crore a year ago. Jio Platforms attributed the revenue growth to attracting new subscribers, increasing the average revenue per user (ARPU), and healthy growth in digital services.

Connection revenue grew by 11%, while digital services showed a 16% increase during the quarter. The company's total subscriber base increased by 7.1%, reaching 54.24 crore people from 50.64 crore a year earlier, with 91 lakh subscribers added in September. Monthly ARPU rose to ₹218.8 from ₹211.4 a year ago and from ₹215.6 in the June quarter; average monthly data consumption per user increased by 14.2% to 44.2 GB.

Furthermore, Jio crossed the milestone of 30 crore 5G subscribers during the quarter, adding 6.6 crore 5G users in the last 12 months. The JPL press release notes that customer engagement remained high, with 5G now accounting for nearly 56% of total wireless traffic. The fixed broadband subscriber base reached 3 crore. The release also indicates that Jio AirFiber, with a total base of 15.1 million subscribers, accounted for over 75% of Jio's fixed broadband growth in the last 12 months. Total data throughput grew by 22.1% year-on-year to 71.3 billion GB for the quarter.

This is the first announcement of results from the digital and telecommunications company following its major debut on the stock market this week, when the company's shares closed almost 27% above its issue price of ₹1,119. This transformed the telecom and digital technology startup from 2016 into the second-largest domestic company by market capitalization in 10 years. The company's IPO raised ₹30,188 crore, of which ₹27,500 crore was used to prepay certain external commercial loans of its subsidiary, Reliance Jio Infocomm.

Addressing the JPL conference, Ambani stated that Jio Platforms' blockbuster IPO surpassed records across all investor categories, despite challenging market conditions and foreign investment outflows. He expressed confidence that the company will create even greater value in the next decade than it did in the first ten years. He reiterated the message from his NSE speech, saying: 'Never let today's achievements limit tomorrow's ambitions, and that is what we want to push forward with Jio.'

Jio Platforms CEO Pankaj Punwar stated that the company does not bundle services in its offering but creates new markets and value for customers, thereby increasing the company's wallet share.

Preparing for the Diwali festival involves decorating the home with beautiful diyas, colorful lights, candles, and other decorative items, as well as purchasing sweets, dried fruits, and other gifts for relatives and friends. Although markets become filled with new arrivals during Diwali, people's expenses often rise due to high prices, which disrupts the festive budget.

If you live in or around Delhi, instead of visiting large shopping malls or department stores for Diwali purchases, you can look into well-known local markets. Delhi has many such markets that offer a wide selection of goods—from decorative items and clothing to jewelry, handicrafts, and gifts. Some markets are known for wholesale purchases and budget shopping, while others are famous for their unique and traditional goods. Here, shoppers can choose items according to their taste and budget, sometimes achieving discounts of up to half price.

Best Markets for Diwali Shopping:

1. Sadar Bazaar: For Bulk Purchases on a Small Budget

It is impossible to talk about Diwali shopping without mentioning Sadar Bazaar. This market is one of Delhi's well-known wholesale markets and is popular because it allows people to buy many items within a budget. It is suitable if you need to purchase a large quantity of items for home decoration or prepare many packaged gifts for friends and relatives during Diwali. During this festival, decorative lights, candles, diyas, bandanwars, festive accessories, and various household items are sold here.

If you are buying many items at once, it is profitable to compare prices in different shops. Here you can buy: decorative items, lighting fixtures, candles, diyas, and giftware at an affordable price.

2. Chandni Chowk: Best Selection for Traditional Decor and Gifts

It is extremely difficult to discuss Diwali shopping in Delhi without mentioning Chandni Chowk. In the old lanes of this area, you can find many things related to the festival. If you want to decorate your home in a traditional style, you can look for diyas, decorative items, clothing, jewelry, and other festive items here.

Kinari Bazar here is particularly known for items like gota-patti, zari, and decorative lace ribbon. Furthermore, Dariba Kalan houses numerous shops selling jewelry and traditional goods. Thus, if you need not only to decorate your home for Diwali but also to make traditional purchases for the family, this market will be a good option.

Here you can purchase: traditional decorative items, decorative lace ribbon, clothing, jewelry, and festive goods.

3. Lajpat Nagar: Options from Clothing to Home Decor

If you plan to buy new clothes for Diwali and simultaneously decorate your home, you can visit the Central Market of Lajpat Nagar. It features shops selling clothing, footwear, fashion accessories, and various household items. During the festive season, you can also find options for decorative items, candles, diyas, and gift sets.

A feature of this market is the availability of options for different budgets. This allows you to combine the purchase of clothing for yourself and your family with the selection of Diwali decorative items in one visit.

Here you can purchase: ethnic wear, accessories, home decor items, candles, and small gifts.

4. Dilli Haat: Come Here to Give Something Special

If you want to give someone something unusual, different from the goods available in regular markets, you should visit Dilli Haat. This market, located in INA, is known for handicrafts and traditional goods from various regions of the country. Here you can find pottery, decorative lamps, textiles, jewelry, and many beautifully made handmade items. These items can be used to decorate your own home or as a special gift for friends and relatives. However, the assortment of goods here may change over time.

Here you can purchase: handicrafts, pottery, decorative lamps, traditional jewelry, and home decor items.

5. Janpath Market: Purchases of Small Gifts and Accessories

If you need to buy small gifts for friends or relatives for Diwali, Janpath Market is also a good choice. This market, located near Connaught Place, offers accessories, decorative items, handicrafts, and various small things. You can choose items according to your budget. If you prefer to give something beautiful and useful rather than an expensive gift, a walk through this market will be worthwhile. When shopping, be sure to check the quality and price in different shops.

Here you can purchase: small decorative items, accessories, handicrafts, and budget-friendly gifts.

6. Karol Bagh: For Buying Clothing, Jewelry, and Festive Goods

If you want to buy new clothes for Diwali or purchase traditional gifts for the family, Karol Bagh can also be on your shopping list. Along Ajmal Khan Road and in nearby areas, you can find clothing.