As India’s festive season unfolds, a surge in hiring across logistics, e-commerce, and hospitality is setting a new benchmark for job creation, according to a report by Apna.co. This season has seen over 2.16 lakh job openings, marking a 20% year-on-year increase from last year’s 1.8 lakh. Driven by a blend of revived consumer spending and sector-specific growth, the hiring spree highlights a steady rebound from economic challenges.

Logistics and E-commerce Lead Hiring Surge

The logistics and operations sector emerged as the frontrunner, reporting a remarkable 70% increase in job opportunities. The e-commerce and retail sectors also witnessed a robust 30% rise, spurred by both online and offline consumer demand. With rapid expansion in the quick commerce space, companies such as Rapido, Delhivery, E-cart, and Shiprocket are filling over 30,000 roles, including logistics managers, warehouse associates, and delivery personnel.

Strong Consumer Demand Expected to Drive Continued Growth

Nirmit Parikh, CEO and Founder of Apna.co, emphasized the significance of the current festive season, noting that it provides a vital opportunity for businesses to regain momentum amidst revived consumer demand. “Our go-to-market strategies enabled us to craft tailored hiring solutions across industries, addressing the growing needs in logistics, e-commerce, and quick commerce,” Parikh explained. This renewed demand has fueled the addition of 18,000 roles in the retail and e-commerce space, including positions such as category growth managers and customer support personnel.

Hospitality Sector Gains Momentum

The hospitality sector is also enjoying a resurgence, with nearly 14,000 job openings for roles like restaurant managers, front office staff, and administrative personnel. This growth is partially driven by the expansion of quick-service restaurants and malls in both metro and non-metro areas, capturing the attention of job seekers and boosting overall hiring demand.

Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities Contribute to Hiring Boom

While metro areas like Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Hyderabad have experienced a 20% increase in job postings, demand has surged in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Job postings in cities like Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bhubaneswar, and Patna have risen by 25%, driven by factors like urbanization and improved consumer spending.

With the holiday season in full swing, India’s job market reflects a vibrant landscape where rising consumer demand and sector-specific growth continue to drive employment opportunities across the nation. This hiring trend not only underscores the resilience of key industries but also paints an optimistic picture for India’s economic recovery trajectory.