Indians hit stores in shopping frenzy ahead of new sales tax
NEW DELHI — At a crowded New Delhi market plastered with posters announcing massive sales, shoppers were vacuuming up household gadgets and high-end electronics in the last days before India’s new sales tax takes effect.
The single, nationwide tax starting Saturday replaces a complicated mix of state and federal taxes and will change the cost of nearly everything people buy.
In the Lajpat Nagar market, Nafees Ahmad scoured the stores for a new air-conditioner and LED television set with his wife and teenage son in tow.
“Our TV is fine. We did want to buy a new one, just not this soon,” he said with a smile as he checked prices at the Electronics Paradise store.