Poll memorabilia much in demand, etailers do brisk business

Clothing items and general merchandise for the ongoing general elections in India have been selling on business to business (B2B) e-commerce platforms such as IndiaMart and ExportersIndia. T-shirts, headbands, caps, and flags made to show support for the various political parties participating in India’s ongoing general election have proven highly popular, especially on B2B platforms. Most online purchases are being made through the B2B channel due to the high order volumes.

In March 2019, IndiaMart saw a substantial increase in the number of enquiries for BJP flags, T-shirts and Congress fatkas. The business reported a 100 per cent rise in demand for election merchandise. ExportersIndia has had a 40 per cent increase in demand for election clothing and merchandise compared to the previous general election in 2014. T-shirts with logos and slogans for different political parties are some of the most popular items. Apart from these, bazaars have sarees with larger than life images of Narendra Modi. Khadi and Village Industries Commission stores are having high sales of the popular Modi jackets.

The general elections are currently on in full swing and the results will come in on May 23. Over 900 million people are eligible to vote in these elections.