FlexiLoans sees FMCG and kirana MSME festive credit inquiries rising 42%

FlexiLoans forecasts the strongest September-December 2026 working-capital demand from FMCG and kirana retailers, followed by ready-made garments and electronics, as merchants fund pre-festive inventory and rapid restocking.

— Source publishedWed, 23 Sept, 2026, 16:25 IST·First seen Wed, 23 Sept, 2026, 16:41 IST·Source Business Today · Latest

What happened

FlexiLoans forecasts the strongest festive working-capital demand from Indian FMCG and kirana MSMEs, followed by apparel and electronics, as retailers build

Key facts

  • FMCG and kirana loan inquiries projected +42% YoY in September-December 2026
  • Ready-made garments +38%
  • Durables and electronics +31%
  • Mobile and accessories +26%; jewellery +24%; auto ancillaries +22%; pharmacy +18%
  • India online festive GMV projected at ₹1.50-1.55 lakh crore, +25% YoY

Why this matters

FMCG and kirana operators should secure working-capital lines early for the September-December 2026 festive period as credit inquiries are forecast to rise 42% amid heavier inventory and replenishment needs.

What to watch

  • Loan inquiry-to-disbursement conversion rates and average ticket sizes by FMCG, kirana, garments and electronics.
  • September-December retail sales growth, especially same-store sales and distributor order frequency.
  • Borrowing rates, lender approval criteria and availability of unsecured working-capital lines.
  • Inventory days, stock-out rates and replenishment lead times at kirana and FMCG distributor networks.
  • January-February repayment behavior, delinquency trends and merchant discounting levels.