This festival season is expected to generate up to two lakh jobs across key sectors like retail, ecommerce, logistics, and consumer services
As India’s festive economy has traditionally been a major driver of consumer spending, a report has highlighted that this festival season is expected to generate up to two lakh jobs across key sectors like retail, ecommerce, logistics, and consumer services.
Several large quick commerce and ecommerce players are projected to retain 26 per cent of this expanded workforce beyond the festive window, pointing to a structural shift rather than a seasonal spike. In contrast to previous years, when 70 to 75 per cent of gig roles were typically phased out post-festivities, workforce demand is now expected to stabilise at higher levels, NLB Services said in a report.
Hiring during the festive period is up by approximately 20 to 25 per cent compared to last year. Sectors such as quick commerce and third-party logistics are driving the uptick, supported by significant investments in supply chain and last-mile delivery infrastructure. Of the projected new jobs, 70 per cent are expected to be gig roles, while 30 per cent are permanent, the report noted.
“Over 35 per cent of businesses are now rethinking festive hiring as a component of their long-term talent strategy. We’re seeing companies invest in pre-festive skilling initiatives, revisit their workforce diversity goals, and increasingly view seasonal demand as a testing ground for agile workforce models. While metros like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi continue to lead in demand by volume, the real growth momentum is clearly shifting to tier 2 and tier 3 cities,” highlighted Sachin Alug, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NLB Services.
Locations such as Bhubaneswar, Kochi, Indore, Surat, and Nagpur are anticipated to see a 30 to 40 per cent increase in gig hiring compared to the same period last year. With these cities emerging as micro-fulfilment hubs for retail and ecommerce companies, Tier 2 cities accounted for 47 per cent (YoY) of total gig hiring during the last festive season, a figure expected to rise to 50 per cent in FY26.
The gig economy, particularly in sectors like customer experience, delivery, grooming, and food services, is expected to see a notable rise in female workforce involvement. Compared to FY25, this season is projected to witness a 30 to 35 per cent increase in women taking up short-term or gig-based roles.
