Discounts Soar Up to 30% Higher as Quick Commerce Platforms Compete for Festive Shoppers

As of August 19, 2025, a fierce price war is unfolding in the quick commerce space ahead of the peak festive season. Platforms are offering discounts up to 30 percentage points higher than last year across daily essentials, staples, and personal care products.

In addition to the top three players - Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart - newer rivals Flipkart Minutes, BBNow, JioMart, and Amazon Now are also aggressively promoting products typically in high demand during the festive season. Some of these platforms are offering up to 70% discounts on select categories, notably ethnic wear, dry fruit and chocolate gift boxes, and lower-value consumer electronics.

This heightened competition between platforms is translating to higher discounts and promotions, as they aim to attract price-sensitive shoppers and drive higher order volumes and purchase frequency. Brands are also being pushed to increase discounts during the festive season to capitalize on the improved consumer sentiment.

While the price war is intensifying, it is also leading to increased losses for the platforms. For the April-June quarter of 2025, Swiggy's net loss doubled to Rs 1,197 crore, mainly due to operating losses in quick commerce. Similarly, Blinkit's parent Eternal saw its profit plummet to Rs 25 crore compared to Rs 251 crore a year earlier, as the quick-commerce business increased spending.