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Softbank-backed e-commerce firm <keyword id="19911893" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Meesho" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Meesho" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Meesho">Meesho</keyword> will start its annual <keyword id="23217664" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="festival-sale" source="keywords">festival sale</keyword>, Meesho <keyword id="23217663" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mega-Blockbuster-Sale" source="keywords">Mega Blockbuster Sale</keyword>, from September 27 onwards with the highest number of sellers onboard among its competitors, the company said on Tuesday. The company has recorded about 42 per cent surge in sellers on a year-on-year basis to 20 lakh for the upcoming festival season. "Meesho's Annual 'Meesho Mega Blockbuster Sale' Starts on 27th September. With over 20 lakh sellers and 12 crore product listings across 30 categories, Meesho aims to make festive shopping more accessible, affordable, and convenient for shoppers across the country," the company said in a statement. Meesho claimed to have 14 lakh sellers onboard for Meesho Mega Blockbuster 2023. <keyword id="19910508" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Amazon India" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Amazon India">Amazon India</keyword> has seen a 14 per cent growth in <keyword id="23217665" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="seller-base" source="keywords">seller base</keyword> but remains lower than that of Meesho for their upcoming annual festival sale "<keyword id="23217666" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Great-Indian-Festival" source="keywords">The Great Indian Festival</keyword>". "Our current seller base exceeds 16 lakh sellers from all across the country," Amazon India, Director, Selling Partner Services, Amit Nanda, said. Interest of sellers for <keyword id="19896939" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Flipkart" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Flipkart" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Flipkart">Flipkart</keyword> has remained muted on a year-over-year basis. While announcing annual festival sale dates "The Big Billion Days" on Monday, <keyword id="19896940" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Walmart" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Walmart" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Walmart">Walmart</keyword> group firm Flipkart had said it has over 50 crore users and more than 14 lakh sellers on the platform, including sellers of its other platform Shopsy as well. Flipkart had reported the same level of sellers onboard before the TBBD in 2023. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/amazon-great-indian-festival-sale-to-begin-on-september-27/articleshow/113445238.cms">Amazon Great Indian Festival sale to begin on September 27</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/triumph-speed-t4-launched-in-india-with-a-price-tag-of-2-17-lakh/slidelist/113429766.cms">Triumph Speed T4 launched in India with a price tag of ₹2.17 lakh</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/xiaomi-and-samsung-accused-of-colluding-with-amazon-and-flipkart/articleshow/113381204.cms">Xiaomi and Samsung accused of colluding with Amazon and Flipkart</a>

Meesho to begin annual festival sale from September  27, sees 42% surge in seller base

In her <keyword id="19906106" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Interim-Budget" source="keywords">Interim Budget</keyword> speech in February 2024, <keyword id="20385790" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Finance-Minister" source="keywords">Union Finance Minister</keyword> <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> celebrated what she termed as the Modi government's landmark achievement: unleashing 'nari shakti' or women's power through various initiatives since 2014. Among these, the creation of one crore 'Lakhpati Didis' — women whose annual household income exceeds one lakh rupees — under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), has garnered significant attention. <h2>The hype around it </h2>Imagine being a <keyword id="20416259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lakhpati-Didi" source="keywords">Lakhpati Didi</keyword> — a rural woman whose annual household income exceeds Rs. 1 lakh. These women are not just financial achievers; they are community leaders who inspire others through their entrepreneurial journeys. Their success stories highlight the transformative impact of self-help groups (SHGs) and collective action in rural India. Launched amid much fanfare on August 15, 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme aims to empower women through diverse skill development programs, from producing LED bulbs to operating agricultural drones. Partnering with entities like Patanjali, Flipkart, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the initiative also focuses on branding and marketing these products, ostensibly connecting women with credit lines and MUDRA loans for financial support. Almost an year on, the scheme is all set to get some well-deserved boost in the Budget 2024 to be presented on July 23. However, the time also apt to examine if it has actually contributed to <keyword id="20009191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women-empowerment" source="keywords">women empowerment</keyword> in the country. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111915324" title="Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to table Economic Survey in Parliament today" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>The reality check </h2>Critics argue that such schemes may inadvertently tether women's SHGs to corporate networks, potentially benefiting transnational agribusiness giants aligned with the government. Programs like 'Namo Drone Didi', allocated Rs. 500 crore in the Interim Budget, exemplify this trend by integrating women into digital agriculture, albeit under the influence of corporate agendas. Further, while the Interim Budget championed the narrative of women's economic prosperity, it failed to adequately address their basic needs. Despite claims of empowerment, essential schemes such as PM Awas Yojana (Rural) and Har Ghar Jal have seen significant budgetary underspending, raising concerns about the government's commitment to women's welfare beyond mere rhetoric. For instance, the underutilisation of funds in Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and the shrinking allocations for crucial subsidies like nutrition and education further highlight the disconnect between budgetary outlays and on-ground impact. This trend suggests a shift in responsibility towards state governments without commensurate support from the Union government, leaving vulnerable populations like widows and rural women at risk. Overall, the well-intentioned narrative around the scheme needs better translation and execution on ground to achieve desired outcomes. <h2>Looking ahead </h2>Until now, the budgetary allocation for women-centric programs have remained disproportionately low, with the Ministry of Women and Child Development having been allocated Rs 26,000 crore in 2024-25, an increase of 2.52% compared to the previous budget. This paltry investment underscores a broader pattern of neglecting systemic issues such as gender-based violence, social discrimination and pro-corporate stance. As Budget 2024 approaches, stakeholders eagerly anticipate policies that not only boost economic growth but also empower rural women as entrepreneurs and leaders. While Lakhpati Didi stands poised to empower rural women with opportunities and support, more steps are needed to make it more sustainable. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111689743" title="Union Budget 2024: A handy FAQ guide to decode the upcoming budget" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Budget 2024: Can Lakhpati Didi Yojana’s reality inspire better focus on women?

Gone are the days when the aspirations of Indian women were confined to the boundaries of their homes. Today, these empowered women are breaking free from societal norms and embracing the world of entrepreneurship with open arms. This journey towards gender parity and economic independence, has been a gradual one but filled with inspiring stories. In the vibrant tapestry of India’s economic growth, women-led businesses have emerged as a dynamic force that is driving progress. Their contribution to the entrepreneurial ecosystem is not just a matter of statistics, but a testament to the resilience and determination of these women. And while it's true that they have been instrumental in building the strength of our economy, one must understand that this road to success has not been without its set of trials. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Women entrepreneurship in India: The evolving landscape" comment="subhead" text="Women entrepreneurship in India: The evolving landscape">Women entrepreneurship in India: The evolving landscape</cmsannotation> Despite the rising interest in entrepreneurship among women, various challenges hinder their entry into this space. Factors such as family restrictions, limited time flexibility, lack of professional connections and inadequate access to reliable advisors ensure that the number of women actively engaged in entrepreneurship is smaller than its potential, leaving resources untapped. Amidst these obstacles that <keyword id="74945" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women-entrepreneurs" source="Orion">women entrepreneurs</keyword> face, <keyword id="6354742" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flipkart" source="Orion">Flipkart</keyword> has emerged as a beacon of hope and transformation – a homegrown marketplace platform that has revolutionised women entrepreneurship. By defying conventional norms, Flipkart has shattered the myth that women cannot effectively manage both their professional and personal responsibilities. This paradigm shift has not only paved the way for dismantling societal biases but has also provided a powerful platform for women to realise their dreams. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Redefining possibilities: Women entrepreneurs thrive with Flipkart" comment="subhead" text="Redefining possibilities: Women entrepreneurs thrive with Flipkart">Redefining possibilities: Women entrepreneurs thrive with Flipkart</cmsannotation> Flipkart is serving as a catalyst for women in India to challenge traditional societal norms and boost the economy through better labour participation and expansion across sectors. Take for instance <a href="https://stories.flipkart.com/sellfmade-flipkart-seller-momtrepreneur/">Yogita Jain's</a> journey. As a buyer on Flipkart who loved her shopping experience, she was always curious about how the journey as a seller on the platform would be. And she transitioned from being a buyer to becoming a successful seller on the platform with her brand, AADISALES. Born out of curiosity, it now stands testament to her entrepreneurial spirit. In just three months, Yogita transformed into a flourishing ‘mompreneur’, overseeing a team of six skilled professionals who handle essential business functions like accounting, packing, and loading. She says, "The support I received through Flipkart was truly remarkable." Flipkart’s positive impact also extends to promoting sustainability by empowering businesses with a focus on creating a cleaner future. One such business is <a href="https://stories.flipkart.com/stonesoup-flipkart-samarth-partner-sustainability/">Smita Kulkarni’s</a> StoneSoup. After spending ten years in the IT industry, the computer science engineer wanted to tackle the problems of waste segregation and garbage reduction. And she found her calling in promoting sustainability through her venture that offers eco-friendly solutions to millions of customers across India. Leveraging Flipkart’s access to over 450 million customers, her business is able to sell their products, including compost kits, menstrual cups, and cloth sanitary pads, all across the country. Moreover, her commitment to social empowerment led her to employ women from self-help groups and those with disabilities, providing them with means to achieve financial independence. Through Flipkart’s platform, this Bengaluru-based business has helped uplift the lives of over 100 women. Another area where Flipkart has made a significant difference is in addressing financial and marketing related challenges for women entrepreneurs. The platform facilitates easy access to loans — a major obstacle for many women in starting their businesses. For <a href="https://stories.flipkart.com/flipkart-seller-small-business-charu-gupta/">Charu Gupta</a>, this became a life-changing factor. Faced with sudden financial difficulties at home, Charu needed additional income. From kick starting her business, Saikara Collections, with only ₹5,000 to generating a revenue of ₹5 crore through her association with Flipkart, her journey is one of courage and determination. “There were many e-commerce platforms,” Charu recollects, “but Flipkart’s onboarding process was the easiest.” Securing term loans through the support of Flipkart’s Account Managers during the pandemic, she kept her business afloat. Overcoming financial hurdles and building her business through challenges with a team that comprises 50% women staff, Charu’s story epitomises the spirit of a modern Indian woman – resilient, determined and unyielding. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Driving positive change" comment="subhead" text="Driving positive change">Driving positive change</cmsannotation> The ripple effect of Flipkart’s initiatives extend beyond individual success stories. By empowering women entrepreneurs, Flipkart is playing a pivotal role in fostering financial independence, diminishing gender barriers and boosting labour force participation. This wave of change, facilitated by such e-commerce platforms is a growing example of the potential of women entrepreneurship and the impact it can have on the society and our economy by extension. As women continue to challenge traditional norms and embrace entrepreneurship, they are propelling the nation towards progress, equity and inclusivity. These stories of change are not just about breaking the glass ceiling but leaving behind a trail of inspiration for the next generation. Flipkart’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs has not just transformed individual lives but is reshaping the society, one story at a time. Disclaimer: This article is generated and published by the Insider Studios team. You can get in touch with them on <a href="mailto:insiderstudios@businessinsider.in">insiderstudios@businessinsider.in</a>

Inspiring Stories of Women Entrepreneurs on Flipkart's Platform

<ul><li>Vipul Shukla from Lucknow rebuilt his family’s Ayurvedic venture, Meghdoot Herbal from a local gem to nationwide digital phenomenon on <keyword id="6354742" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flipkart" source="Orion">Flipkart</keyword>.</li><li>Rina, a 35-year old entrepreneur from Gujarat whose passion for creating unique women’s ethnic sets led to establishing a successful business. </li><li>Smita Kulkarni from Bangalore, co-founder of StoneSoup, a social enterprise dedicated to converting waste into value. </li><li>Piyush Aggarwal from Mathura transformed adversity into an opportunity during the pandemic and built a venture specialising in organic agarbattis and dhoop products.</li></ul>Embarking on a journey that resonates with innovation and success, we unveil the compelling stories of entrepreneurs hailing from diverse regions across Bharat. These entrepreneurs, navigating the dynamic realm of e-commerce, have soared to new heights fuelled by firm dedication to their craft and unwavering support from Flipkart. And their stories symbolise innovation-driven growth. These inspirational entrepreneurs showcase the potential of e-commerce to carve unique paths in their industries, embodying the festive spirit that brings forth new avenues. As we delve into the motivating journeys of these entrepreneurs, we celebrate the dynamic spirit of these innovators who have not only embraced the digital age but have thrived in it. Bridging Tradition and Modernity Seller name: Vipul Shukla Business: Meghdoot Herbal Location: Lucknow In 1985, Vipul’s grandfather invested all his hard-earned savings to establish ‘Meghdoot Herbal’, a small Ayurvedic enterprise in a remote village near Lucknow. This modest venture provided local employment and gained recognition from the UP Khadi and Village Industries Board (UPKVIB). Vipul, an IIT (BHU) graduate, later embraced the family legacy, aspiring to expand Meghdoot Herbal’s reach nationwide by transforming it from a brick-and-mortar presence to a digital phenomenon. Seeking partnership with Flipkart, Vipul navigated this transformation seamlessly, leveraging the platform’s onboarding process and training. Speaking about his venture, Vipul said, "As an Ayurvedic products business owner, I am convinced that the widespread appeal of our products is rooted in the longstanding tradition within Indian households to embrace herbal and traditional remedies. With the invaluable support extended by Flipkart which provides us with comprehensive training and customer insights, we are further enhancing the reach and effectiveness of our herbal solutions to millions of customers with the help of online platform." Now, with an extended customer base and e-commerce exploration, Meghdoot Herbal thrives, symbolising a harmonious blend of heritage and innovation in the e-commerce landscape. Weaving success in threads Seller Name: Rina Business: Rajvi Creations Location: Gujarat Another inspiring story is that of Rina, a 35-year-old entrepreneur from Surat, Gujarat, who embarked on a remarkable journey in the competitive apparel industry. Armed with a degree in Electrical Engineering and a passion for crafting women's ethnic sets, she faced initial hurdles due to her limited knowledge of fabrics and related materials. Transitioning into e-commerce about two and a half years ago, Rina chose Flipkart as her platform of choice, leveraging its reach to grow her business. With a team of 11, she meticulously crafts rayon viscose ethnic sets and has earned popularity on Flipkart with over 4500 listings and 1700 daily orders. Her commitment to quality and affordability, especially during festive sales, has solidified her success. Rina credits the platform for uplifting her journey as a woman entrepreneur. “My ultimate goal is to elevate my growth on this remarkable platform. I envision a bright and prosperous future for my business, and Flipkart's partnership is a vital part of that journey," she added. Rina’s success story exemplifies the 'Innovator' motif, showcasing how her collaboration with Flipkart has transformed her business and captured customer loyalty through a seamless blend of fabric curation, quality and affordability. Flipkart’s Samarth program has played a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurs nationwide, creating awareness of the potential of e-commerce and fostering positive change. Transforming waste into value Seller name: Smita Kulkarni Business: StoneSoup Enterprises Location: Karnataka StoneSoup, a Bengaluru-based social enterprise founded by Computer Science engineer Smita Kulkarni and IIM Kolkata alumna Malini Parmar, transforms waste into value. After a decade in the IT industry, Smita, now a neighbourhood activist, realised the inadequacies of existing waste management infrastructure. In 2015, StoneSoup was born, to offer easy sustainability solutions to citizens. “We needed to deliver sustainability at people’s doorsteps for the idea to really grow roots. And what better way to reach the masses than a platform like Flipkart!,” Smita said. StoneSoup joined the Flipkart Samarth program – a move that opened up StoneSoup’s products, including compost kits, menstrual cups, and cloth sanitary pads, to over 500 million customers on India’s homegrown marketplace. Over 110 women have benefited so far from the employment generated through this partnership, including those with disabilities. All StoneSoup products are ‘Made in India’. The reusable pads are, in fact, handmade by women from 20 Self Help Groups across small villages and towns in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The firm’s initiatives have helped divert 12 million pads from landfills, composted almost 10 tonnes of wet waste, and reduced plastic bags usage by five million. Smita emphasises the switch to a sustainable lifestyle not just for the planet but for future generations. StoneSoup's commitment to social inclusion and waste reduction reflects a powerful intersection of environmental consciousness and <keyword id="107737" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="entrepreneurship" source="Orion">entrepreneurship</keyword>. The incense of success Seller name: Piyush Aggarwal Business: Shank Mathura Location: Uttar Pradesh Flipkart became the lifeline for Piyush Agrawal, transforming him from unemployment to becoming a successful entrepreneur. After losing his job during the pandemic in Mathura, Piyush armed with a renewed purpose, conceived the idea of “Shankh Store.” Recognising the pilgrimage-heavy environment of Mathura, he focussed on handmade incense sticks and locally sold products. His instincts were spot on and his entrepreneur mindset helped him set up his business from scratch. Partnering with Flipkart, Piyush’s brand, Shankh, now offers organic agarbattis, dhoop sticks, and dhoop cones. “After getting onto the Flipkart platform, I started getting orders from all corners of the country. What I used to earn monthly, I began to earn weekly,” reveals Piyush. The platform’s reach elevated Piyush’s earnings, enabling him to expand from a home-based operation to a small manufacturing unit. Proud of his achievements, Piyush aims for a monthly revenue of ₹1 crore and dreams of seeing his products in homes across the country. Disclaimer: This article is generated and published by the Insider Studios team. You can get in touch with them on insiderstudios@businessinsider.in

Innovation remains at the heart of entrepreneurship fueled by Flipkart’s unwavering support

<ul><li>Captain Indraani Singh from Haryana: Breaking barriers in aviation and <keyword id="65467" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="empowering" source="Orion">empowering</keyword> communities through Indha Crafts. </li><li>Nishat Begum, an inspiring entrepreneur from Madhya Pradesh: Leading the charge in preserving traditional handicrafts</li><li>Komal Prasad Paul, a resilient entrepreneur from West Bengal who turned a personal tragedy into triumph </li><li>Chitrangan Pal from Odisha, the heartland of Sambalpuri sarees and how he revolutionized the traditional handloom business bringing ancient craftsmanship into mainstream fashion.</li></ul> In the realm of business, where the focus typically revolves around financial gains and market dynamics, there is a distinctive group of individuals who have harnessed the transformative potential of entrepreneurship rooted in <keyword id="6355103" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="social" source="Orion">social</keyword> responsibility. They are the ‘<keyword id="484405" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Social-entrepreneurs" source="Orion">Social Entrepreneurs</keyword>’, who have not only achieved excellence in their entrepreneurial pursuits but have also dedicated themselves to uplifting and supporting the communities they hail from. Their inspiring journey reflects a deep alignment with the values upheld by <keyword id="6354742" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flipkart" source="Orion">Flipkart</keyword> – leveraging the power of e-commerce to bring about positive change, skillfully combining financial success with a positive societal influence. As we delve into the motivating journeys of these ‘social entrepreneurs’, we uncover stories of sellers who have excelled in business while leaving a significant mark on their communities. These stories represent not just financial success but a legacy of transformation. Empowering Artisans, Uplifting Communities Name: Nishat Begum NGO: Anuna Location: Madhya Pradesh India has a rich history in traditional handicrafts, handlooms, and handmade products. Over the decades, generations of artisans have passed down and honed their skills in specialized crafts of their choice. There are lakhs of such artisan clusters across India. Many of these artisans are marginalized women and men, and are often the sole bread earners for their families. Due to limited familiarity with modern digital market dynamics, these artisans often find themselves vulnerable to intermediaries, which, in turn, poses challenges to their livelihood. Consequently, this trend contributes to a waning interest in traditional crafts and a significant loss of income for the artisans involved. The problem can be addressed with professional training and handholding in digital entrepreneurship, and the medium of e-commerce, something that the Samarth program by Flipkart and its NGO partners are working towards. Flipkart Samarth is a program dedicated to helping underprivileged sections of society and supporting organizations that are committed to societal good. The program has been creating meaningful opportunities that empower millions of artisans, weavers, and micro-entrepreneurs to help them achieve financial independence. Since its launch in 2019, Flipkart Samarth has enabled pan-India market access for lakhs of ambitious entrepreneurs. Today, the program supports and benefits over 1.5 million livelihoods nationwide. Nishat Begum, who heads an organization of artisans in Bhopal, is among those who has experienced the benefits of going online and knows that it can make a world of difference to the lives of artisans, especially women. Nishat's organization has been working since 1990 to skill and support women in areas affected by the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984. As the driving force behind Anuna, an NGO associated with Flipkart Samarth, she empowers marginalized women through online entrepreneurship. Anuna is a social impact driven business that is open to all independent sellers with unique handmade or natural products. A part of the proceeds from Anuna's sales supports the training of artisans from economically backward classes. Under the Flipkart Samarth-Anuna partnership, about 120 women in Nishat's organization, skilled in crafts such as zari, zardozi, and macramé, have undergone training in the fundamentals of running an e-commerce business. Nishat appreciates the multifold benefits of the Flipkart e-commerce platform for her community of artisans - most importantly, the continued preservation of their art, and the access to a pan-India market. "It will boost sales and improve the standard of life for women and their families," she says. "With the steady income they can now earn, many women, like me, will become financially independent and fulfill their dreams." Nishat appreciates the multifold benefits of the Flipkart platform for her community of artisans - most importantly, the continued preservation of their art, and the access to a pan-India market. Empowering Women, one flight at a time Name: Capt. Indraani Singh Business: Indha Crafts Location: Haryana A renowned name in aviation, Capt. Indraani Singh is the first woman in Asia to fly the Airbus 320 and the world’s first woman commander on the wide-bodied Airbus 300. When she is not piloting flights, Capt. Indraani Singh is educating and empowering women and children in India’s underserved communities. Capt. Indraani Singh founded Indha Crafts, a social enterprise that imparts vocational training in crafts for underserved women and markets the products they create. She is also the founder of Literacy India, which educates underprivileged children, youth and women, empowering them to become self-reliant. Recently Indha Crafts joined hands with Flipkart Samarth to help women artisans sell their products online and expand their customer base to over 200 million. The partnership has positively impacted lives in these communities, says Capt. Indraani. Her drive has led to men also understanding the economic benefits of women channeling their talents. Capt. Indraani understood the need for a platform to monetize this talent and create sustainable incomes. “With Flipkart, we feel cared for. Other than helping us sell, they help us with promotions. They tell us how to list trending products and introduce variety in our listings. This helps us in marketing and in turn, helps the artisans. Flipkart also has been instrumental in our B2B sales. Many sellers have contacted us to grow their business,” says Capt. Indraani. Ever since Indha Crafts partnered with Flipkart Samarth, the organization has seen tremendous increase in sales. Moreover, the brand has witnessed a positive impact on the lives that they are trying to uplift. Capt. Indraani Singh with Indha Crafts and Literacy India is changing the narrative for the women she’s working with. When she began journey, she faced questions about the efficacy of the initiative: How would artisans earn money with these skills? How would it be beneficial? How is this additional income going to change their lives? Today, these women have written a new chapter in their lives, from contributing to their household income to helping their community’s healthcare, education, and independence. They are flying in more ways than one. Defying odds, embracing entrepreneurship Name: Komal Prasad Paul Business: Ultimate Hygiene Location: West Bengal In December 2017, 33-year-old medical representative Komal Prasad Paul was grievously injured after a collision with a truck in Barasat, a suburb of Kolkata. He was rushed to the ICU only after several hours but by then the damage was done: his right arm had to be amputated. This deep personal tragedy came as a turning point in Komal Prasad’s life: How would he provide for his family given his physical impairment? While painting and sketching uplifted his mind after a phase of depression during his month-long hospitalization, the burden of earning for his family weighed heavily on him. So, undeterred by his handicap, Komal Prasad went back to work upon discharge. But the feisty microbiology graduate who had been great at his job realised he could not keep up with the demands of the job. He thus started exploring ways to earn for his parents and his sister, who were extremely disheartened at the unfortunate turn of events. Komal turned to entrepreneurship. He tapped into his contacts and started selling products for new mothers and babies, such as nebulizers and breast pumps. Business started slow but an undeterred Komal had his mind set on success. After reference and research, Komal registered on the Flipkart Seller Hub in May 2019 and within a few days, a member from Flipkart’s team on-boarded him and took care of all his documentation. Thus began his new life. Komal sells personal care products on Flipkart under the Flipkart Samarth program which offers e-commerce opportunities to underserved entrepreneurs and artisans in India. On his debut as a seller on Flipkart, he made a single sale on his first day. Today, he sells over 50 products a day. His enduring effort and never-give-up attitude have helped Komal register over 100% growth in sales, which has allowed him to hire one employee to help him with packaging. The source of Komal’s motivation lies with his parents and God. And, he is certain that with Flipkart, he is on the right path, one that will lead to success. Weaving stories, creating opportunities Name: Chitrangan Pal Business: Odisha Handloom Location: Odisha There are sarees and there are sarees that tell stories transcending form and fashion. One such saree is Odisha’s Sambalpuri, which bears the imprints of the state’s famous tie-and-dye technique, wherein each saree goes through a journey of threads dyed, fabric woven, and made intricate with traditional motifs. Look closely, and a Sambalpuri saree is a handmade harmony of geometric patterns and landscapes from Odisha’s religious architecture, which could take as many as three months to create. Like a precious heirloom, local weaver families cherish the painstaking technique that goes into making a Sambalpuri saree. “We are the only ones here in India making Ikat (a fabric dyeing technique). This has been our work and tradition for over 100 years,” says Chitrangan Pal. 22-year-old Chitrangan is the founder of Odisha Handloom, a company representing over a thousand families, whose members draw livelihood from the warp and weft. But selling the Sambalpuri sarees, along with dress materials, stoles, dupattas, tables, and kitchen linen, was stuck in the old ways. In 2019, Chitrangan became a Flipkart seller. “Flipkart helped us in listing over 200 of our sarees and helped us with visibility for our products nationwide.” It also opened up his perspective on selling, adding specialties like market trends and location-based selling. Soon, he tapped the strong vein of demand in India’s southern cities. Going online allowed Sambalpuri sarees to grow out of the shadow of heritage and local demand, and into fashion that was more mainstream. “Before joining Flipkart, we were selling our products in our village or state, but now our products are available to customers across the country,” says Chitrangan. Working with Flipkart has also grown the weavers’ creativity. “Before Flipkart, we were traditional saree sellers for about 40 years. We worked with the same designs. Our profit margin was not great, and the designs remained old-fashioned,” he remembers. As Chitrangan says, “Orders are rising, and our community is very happy with their work. Selling on Flipkart means more work and more opportunities for my people to earn their living with dignity.” Disclaimer: This article is generated and published by the Insider Studios team. You can get in touch with them on insiderstudios@businessinsider.in

Empowering communities: The impact of Flipkart Samarth's social entrepreneurs

<ul><li>The <keyword id="12594925" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="netflix-hub" source="Orion">Netflix Hub</keyword> will roll out into more than 2,400 <keyword id="80487" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="walmart" source="Orion">Walmart</keyword> stores with a new streaming gift card.</li><li>Through specially crafted Concession Kits, the <keyword id="6590294" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="hub" source="Orion">Hub</keyword> is bringing a theatre experience home.</li><li>Seasonal product releases will keep popular trends available all year long for customers.</li></ul> Retail giant Walmart has announced a partnership with <keyword id="128682" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="netflix" source="Orion">Netflix</keyword> to bring the Hub, which claims to bring viewers closer to their shows and movies. The Netflix Hub will roll out into more than 2,400 Walmart stores with a new streaming gift card. "Walmart customers will find even more music, apparel, collectibles, games and seasonal items from all their favourite shows and films including 'Stranger Things', 'Squid Game', 'The Witcher' and more," the company said. Additionally, the retail company will sell discounted streaming gift cards. Customers now have the option to stream popular trends without using a credit or debit card. Through specially crafted Concession Kits, the Hub is bringing a theatre experience home. The company brings themed kits with everything customers need to enhance the couch-centric watching experience, including popcorn, candy and collectible cups. Seasonal product releases will keep popular trends available all year long for customers. Recently, the retail giant was reportedly raised up to $3 billion for its e-commerce giant <keyword id="6354742" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="flipkart" source="Orion">Flipkart</keyword> to further expand its operations in the country. With new funds, Flipkart's valuation was set to soar to more than $40 billion, giving a fillip to the Indian funding scene which was going through a harsh winter. <keyword id="3515858" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="flipkart-group" source="Orion">Flipkart Group</keyword> in July last year raised $3.6 billion to grow and advance the digital commerce ecosystem in India. The investment valued the group at $37.6 billion post the money then. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/sensex-shrugs-off-weak-global-cues-to-hit-60000/articleshow/95135992.cms">Sensex shrugs off weak global cues to hit 60,000</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/over-150-million-kids-in-africa-in-the-grip-of-poverty-climate-disaster-report/articleshow/95135176.cms">Over 150 million kids in Africa in the grip of poverty, climate disaster: Report</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/musk-is-now-twitter-boss-fires-indian-origin-ceo-agrawal-other-top-execs/articleshow/95134427.cms">Musk is now Twitter boss, fires Indian-origin CEO Agrawal, other top execs</a>

Walmart, Netflix partner to expand Hub experience to more viewers

<ul><li><keyword id="6354742" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="flipkart" source="Orion">Flipkart</keyword>’s metaverse shopping space <keyword id="15279828" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Flipverse" source="Orion">Flipverse</keyword> will allow customers to access various digital collectibles. </li><li>Brands including Puma, Noise, Nivea, Lavie, Tokyo Talkies, Campus, Ajmal Perfumes are participating in the Flipverse. </li><li>Phase one of Flipverse is an <keyword id="6355645" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="android" source="Orion">Android</keyword> only experience, and will be live for a week. </li><li>The metaverse market value is expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2030. </li></ul>Flipkart, one of India’s largest e-commerce platforms on Monday announced the launch of Flipverse - a metaverse space where consumers can shop in a photorealistic virtual destination. Flipverse will give customers access to brands, Supercoins and digital collectibles, using the web3 technology being provided by Polygon-incubated company eDAO. Polygon is arguably India’s most famous crypto startup. The objective of the launch is to 'flip' the shopping narrative, Flipkart said. “The launch of Flipverse will continue to have an impact on innovative industries like e-commerce and enhance the customer experience while delivering a gamified and an immersive shopping experience, especially in light of the adoption of the metaverse and web3 platforms by multiple brands in India,” <keyword id="9730459" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="naren-ravula" source="Orion">Naren Ravula</keyword>, VP and head, product strategy and deployment, Flipkart Labs, said. Flipverse will enable a multiverse of brands to create unique product launches for engaging users. Brands including Puma, Noise, Nivea, Lavie, Tokyo Talkies, Campus, VIP, Ajmal Perfumes, Himalaya, Butterfly India etc. would be participating in this edition, Flipkart said. Flipverse will be available on Flipkart’s newly launched platform,<a href="http://firedrops.flipkart.com/"> FireDrops</a>, which can be accessed from the e-commerce platform’s app, the company said. Phase one of Flipverse is an Android only experience, and will be live for a week, from October 17. The idea is to have millions of users experience Flipverse and open the doors to the future of shopping, Flipkart said. Metaverse is a hyper-immersive virtual world whose value is steadily increasing. The market is expected to reach $1.3 billion by <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/metaverse-emerging-as-a-fast-developing-technology-sector/articleshow/94865535.cms">2030.</a> “While we have only just begun to scratch the surface of what's possible in the metaverse, we see e-commerce as one of the killer use cases. Combining top brands with Flipkart's e-commerce expertise in a virtual environment stands to revolutionise online retail as we know it,” <keyword id="11257748" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sandeep-nailwal" source="Orion">Sandeep Nailwal</keyword>, co-founder of Polygon, said. “Flipverse can unlock much value over time, but for Diwali, we simply optimised for delight. Bringing creative and technical heft to Flipkart’s vision is a privilege for eDAO,” Anand Venkateswaran, CEO of eDAO said. In July this year, Flipkart entered the world of web3 partnering with Nothing phone, announcing special perks for the customers through ‘Nothing NFT drops’. Flipkart and eDAO had also recently partnered to create a digital treasure hunt during Flipkart’s Big Billion Days sale. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/indians-above-40-are-feeling-younger-healthier-than-gen-z-millennials-report/articleshow/94918231.cms">Indians above 40 are feeling younger &amp; healthier than Gen Z, millennials - report</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/pvr-reports-net-loss-of-71-23-crore-in-q2-attributes-it-to-bollywood-hollywood-flops/articleshow/94917917.cms">PVR reports net loss of ₹71.23 crore in Q2, attributes it to Bollywood, Hollywood flops</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/you-can-travel-in-these-countries-with-the-indian-rupee-but-there-are-limits/slidelist/94913764.cms">You can travel in these countries with the Indian rupee, but there are limits</a>

It’s time to shop in the metaverse as Flipkart launches Flipverse

<ul><li>The e-commerce platforms in India achieved $5.7 billion of online retail sales during the first festive week. </li><li>A total of 75-80 million shoppers placed orders across e-commerce platforms. </li><li><keyword id="3515858" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="flipkart-group" source="Orion">Flipkart Group</keyword> led the online retail sales in terms of GMV with Amazon placed second. </li><li>Over 56,000 mobile phones were sold per hour during the sale period, contributing to ~41% of the gross merchandise value. </li></ul><keyword id="6354742" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="flipkart" source="Orion">Flipkart</keyword> group remains the e-commerce festival sales leader in India with 62% market share in gross merchandise value (GMV), based on data from the first week of sales, according to <keyword id="3359665" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="redseer" source="Orion">Redseer</keyword>’s Ecommerce Festive Season ‘22 report. Amazon was placed second with a 26% market share in terms of GMV. GMV refers to the total value of items sold. Flipkart was also a leader in terms of order volumes, <keyword id="3480589" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="meesho" source="Orion">Meesho</keyword> emerged the second largest, capturing 21% of the market, said the report by Redseer, a strategy consulting firm. As per <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/india/amazon-india-calls-redseer-report-on-festive-season-sales-numbers-as-speculative-11665100456595.html">reports</a>, e-commerce player <keyword id="6354743" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="amazon-india" source="Orion">Amazon India</keyword> has called the Redseer report on festive season sale numbers as "speculative which lacks transparency", while the consulting firm defended it as an independent research. The e-commerce industry in India achieved $5.7 billion of online retail sales this year during the first week of festive sales, i.e 22 -30 September – which is a 27% year-on-year growth (for the first week of sales). E-commerce platforms in India usually hold three grand sales ahead of Diwali in India. The Festive Sale week 1 included sale events conducted by all online retail platforms between September 22-30. And for platforms that did not run a sale during any of these dates, the report had considered BAU (business as usual) order volumes. “Flipkart Group (Flipkart, <keyword id="319719" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="myntra" source="Orion">Myntra</keyword> and <keyword id="12587365" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="shopsy" source="Orion">Shopsy</keyword>) continues to maintain its leadership position with 62% market share in GMV during the festive sale week 1. In terms of order volumes, Meesho, with its low AOV (average order value) and high penetration in Tier-2 cities, emerged as the second largest player capturing 21% of the market share while Flipkart Group leads here as well,” <keyword id="210394" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sanjay-kothari" source="Orion">Sanjay Kothari</keyword>, associate partner, Redseer Strategy Consultants said. A total of 75-80 million shoppers placed orders across e-commerce platforms during the first week of the festive season, said the Redseer report. Over 56,000 mobile phones were sold per hour during the above-stated time frame. Mobile contributed to around 41% of the GMV. Fashion contributed to 20% of gross merchandise value, which was 48% higher than last year's festive period. White goods (large appliances) are expected to gain momentum after the slower start, revealed Redseer. The shopper base increased by 24% year-on-year during the first week of sales, with over 65% shoppers coming from tier 2 cities. The spend per online shopper also increased by 3%. “Consumption, especially in Tier 2+ cities, generally tends to happen closer to festivities. While the beginning of last quarter was slow on demand, we saw a good uptick in consumer sentiment and consumption patterns in late August/ September. This we expect will further lead to demand recovery in build-up to Diwali,” said Redseer. Spending on fashion, beauty and home decor is expected to rise further as consumers look to upgrade their homes and lifestyles, especially to welcome guests, estimated Redseer. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/news/t20-world-cup-2022-indias-squad-schedule-past-performance-and-all-details-here/slidelist/94700007.cms">T20 World Cup 2022: India’s squad, schedule, past performance and all details here</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/instagram-is-developing-a-nudity-protection-feature-to-block-unsolicited-nude-photos-in-dms/articleshow/94697784.cms">Instagram is developing a ‘Nudity Protection’ feature to block unsolicited nude photos in DMs</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/gadgets/news/spotify-kills-11-original-podcasts-lays-off-less-than-5-staffers/articleshow/94696549.cms">Spotify kills 11 original podcasts, lays off less than 5% staffers</a>

Flipkart group leads e-commerce festive sales, Meesho is second largest contributor in order volume: Redseer

Consumer spending in India is soaring during the festive season, with people splurging on cars, smartphones, TVs and other items, boosting the country's economic growth, media reports said. Sales at e-commerce platforms like <keyword id="18635" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="amazon" source="Orion">Amazon</keyword> and <keyword id="6354742" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="flipkart" source="Orion">Flipkart</keyword> surged by almost a fifth in the first week of the festive season, compared to the same period last year. Digital payments made via Unified Payments Interface (<keyword id="6358921" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="upi" source="Orion">UPI</keyword>) also increased by 40# in October from a year earlier. Economists see easing inflation and rising wages, especially in rural areas. Consumer confidence hit a four-year high in September, according to the latest figures by the central bank, and demand for bank loans is near a 12-year high despite interest rate hikes this year. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India's GDP will grow at the fastest rate among major economies in 2023 and 2024, at 6.3% in both years. Aside from the festive season, the Cricket World Cup and the forthcoming wedding season are likely to boost consumption. Online sales from Amazon, Flipkart and others reached 47 billion rupees ($565 million) in the week through October 15, said the report by the market research firm Redseer Strategy Consultants. High average selling price (ASP) items such as mobiles, electronics and large appliances emerged as the largest contributor to the sales, driving 67# of the total sales, it mentioned. Flipkart Group continued to assert its leadership in week 1 of the festive season sale, further gaining market share over last year's sales to reach 63# in terms of Gross merchandise value (GMV). Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra and others began the festive season sales from October 7 which is expected to reach Rs 90,000 crore worth of online GMV in the festive month -- up 18-20# from last year's festive month sales.

Indians spent big on festive season sales, UPI transaction up 40% in Oct: Report

<ul><li><keyword id="6357886" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="phonepe" source="Orion">PhonePe</keyword> said that all its subsidiaries have migrated from Singapore to India. </li><li>The payment service company has also migrated ESOPs from <keyword id="15153736" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="phonepe-singapore" source="Orion">PhonePe Singapore</keyword> to PhonePe India. </li><li>IndusOS, owned by PhonePe, has also shifted operations from Singapore to PhonePe India. </li><li>PhonePe currently has over 350 million registered users. </li></ul>Walmart-backed Indian payments service company PhonePe, today announced that it has completed three steps involved in moving its domicile to India. Over the past year, PhonePe has moved all businesses and subsidiaries of PhonePe Singapore to PhonePe Pvt Ltd - India directly. This includes its insurance broking services and wealth broking businesses, the company claimed. “Following these actions, all <keyword id="15154047" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="phonepe-group" source="Orion">PhonePe Group</keyword> businesses and entities are now wholly owned by and consolidated under PhonePe Pvt Ltd - India,” PhonePe revealed in a statement. PhonePe’s board recently approved the creation of a new employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) plan and the migration of over 3,000 PhonePe Group employees’ existing ESOPs by issuing new ESOPs under PhonePe India’s new plan. Under the newly liberalized automatic overseas direct investment ODI rules, PhonePe has also moved the ownership of recently acquired IndusOS Appstore (<keyword id="15154048" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="oslabs-pte-ltd" source="Orion">OSLabs Pte Ltd</keyword>) from Singapore to India. <keyword id="30067" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="rbi" source="Orion">RBI</keyword>, in effect from August 22, 2022, announced changes in the ODI rules for fintech firms. The ODI rules come under <keyword id="88944" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="foreign-exchange-management-act" source="Orion">Foreign Exchange Management Act</keyword>. Last year, PhonePe acquired Samsung-backed IndusOS, an Indian smartphone application and content discovery platform. PhonePe, founded in December 2015, is one of India’s largest payments apps, which crossed 350 million registered users in January this year. It forayed into financial services in 2017. <keyword id="6354742" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="flipkart" source="Orion">Flipkart</keyword>, one of India’s largest ecommerce platforms and the largest shareholder in PhonePe, continues to be headquartered in Singapore. One in four Indians use services of fintech <keyword id="15154046" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="platform-phonepe" source="Orion">Platform PhonePe</keyword> with 150 monthly active users making it one of India’s widely used Unified <keyword id="4303474" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="payment-interface" source="Orion">Payment Interface</keyword> (UPI) apps. The Bengaluru-based fintech startup declared in April this year that it crossed 100 million transactions in a <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/phonepe-says-it-clocked-100-million-transactions-in-a-day-for-the-first-time/articleshow/90823278.cms?from=mdr">day</a>. To further strengthen its enterprise, PhonePe acquired <keyword id="9655220" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="gigindia" source="Orion">GigIndia</keyword> in March 2022, a marketplace for gig workers for an undisclosed amount. GigIndia has 1.5 million entrepreneurs onboard its platform. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/electronics-mart-india-ipo-set-to-open-on-oct-4-commands-grey-market-premium-of-30/share/articleshow/94620046.cms">Electronics Mart India IPO set to open on Oct 4; commands grey market premium of ₹30/share</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/mangalyaan-all-you-need-to-know-about-indias-first-historic-mission-to-mars/slidelist/94617244.cms">Mangalyaan: All you need to know about India’s first historic mission to Mars</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/millions-of-indian-smartphone-users-might-have-to-wait-till-2024-for-5g-say-experts/articleshow/94614275.cms">Millions of Indian smartphone users might have to wait till 2024 for 5G say experts</a>

PhonePe moves domicile from Singapore to India

<keyword id="8009942" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="walmart-owned-flipkart" source="Orion">Walmart-owned Flipkart</keyword> on Friday announced that it will be distributing <keyword id="6355975" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="axis-bank" source="Orion">Axis Bank</keyword>'s <keyword id="35520" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="personal-loans" source="Orion">personal loans</keyword> on the e-commerce platform. The platform, which has 450 million customers, will be distributing loans of up to ₹5 lakh which can be repaid in up to three years, it said in a statement. The announcement comes amid reports of <keyword id="30067" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rbi" source="Orion">RBI</keyword>'s concerns on the high growth in the more riskier unsecured lending segment like personal loans and credit cards. "As Indian consumers continue to evolve, an increasing aspiration exists to enhance their lifestyles," the Flipkart statement said. The facility in tie-up with the third largest private sector lender will empower customers with increased purchasing power, it added. Flipkart's senior vice president for fintech and payments group, Dheeraj Aneja said the e-commerce platform already offers financing avenues like Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), Equated Monthly Installments (EMI), and Co-branded Credit Cards to support buyers. "Our focus is to enable credit and enhance purchasing power by granting access to liquidity precisely when needed. These financial solutions cater to the evolving demands of consumers, offering greater flexibility and convenience throughout their purchasing journeys," Aneja added. Axis Bank's president and head of digital business and transformation, Sameer Shetty, said the bank will be able to offer lending to a wider spectrum of customers through the partnership. Customers will be able to get loan approvals in 30 seconds under the partnership, the statement said.

Flipkart to distribute Axis Bank personal loans of up to ₹5 lakh

<ul><li>Walmart-backed e-commerce platform <keyword id="6354742" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="flipkart" source="Orion">Flipkart</keyword> employs huge fulfilment centres as storage facilities for its goods.</li><li>It has warehouses, fulfilment centres and delivery hubs spread across the country to ensure a seamless operation for its business.</li><li>Business Insider India tries to decode the complex supply chain that Flipkart relies upon and its newly installed robotic machines.</li></ul>E-commerce giant Flipkart uses hundreds of robots and cobots to improve its operations and ensure a smooth delivery experience to your doorstep. Its warehouses, fulfilment centres and delivery hubs that are spread across the country ensure a seamless operation for its business. At its biggest fulfilment centre in India, located 50 kilometres from <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/flipkarts-asias-largest-fulfilment-centre-to-process-a-million-shipments-a-day-during-bbd/articleshow/93851477.cms">Kolkata at Haringhata</a>, the facility uses new technologies such as automated storage and retrieval systems, robotic packaging arms, cross belt sorters, a nine-kilometre-long network conveyor belt and automated guided vehicles. Nearly 70% of these automation technologies deployed at Haringhata were built in India and it reduces Flipkart’s turnaround time by 35-50% in shipment movement. “With the help of route optimisations and dynamic planning, Flipkart ensures reliable deliveries to customers while optimising for cost and resources in all eventualities, including supply-chain disruptions,” Hemant Badri, senior vice president and head of supply chain, Flipkart Group told Business Insider India. Using robots to speed up delivery Before your order reaches your doorstep, it goes through several stages at Flipkart’s fulfilment centres. If you order a teddy bear from Flipkart – from unloading a package from various sellers into the centre to sending it to you – it goes through a long supply chain. In-bound: Products from various sellers are unloaded into the fulfilment centre and they go through a quality check by employees. Sorting and retrieval: Products are sorted by an intelligent conveyor belt, shelved as per their categories, and retrieved when an order is placed. For example, your teddy bear could be shelved in a soft toy section, retrieved when you place an order. Packaging: The teddy will then be packed into a box as per its size. It is not just humans that choose the right size, robotic packaging makers produce boxes too and drop the packages containing the product into a white courier bag. The robot is managed by an engineer. Shipments: The teddy then sits on a 9-km-long cross-belt sorter, which assigns shipments as per different pin codes. Out-bound: Here, your teddy will go through one last quality check and shipped as per your pincode. After the package reaches a delivery hub, a machine called Allocation Engine takes over. Explaining the machine’s role, Badri said, “[It] distributes goods among the many delivery models that offer the fastest time allocated to the location of the consumer.” With an increasing demand for quick deliveries, Flipkart relies on Automated Beat Planner, which predicts the average reaching time. It also predicts any roadblocks that might cause delays. “It forecasts the attempt time, padded with data-backed buffers and round-offs, to account for on-field deviation in plan execution and prediction of inaccuracies in quick deliveries using technologies like Automated Beat Planner (to suggest the delivery agent's route) and FLIP (to gauge customer's address accuracy),” shared Badri. In India, Flipkart has over 80 facility centres – 18 of which are large facilities that store appliances and 21 fulfilment centres are for groceries. Three new big boxes, or fulfilment centres, will be launched in the next three years. Using solar energy to power robots Flipkart’s newly added machines, which have increased efficiency, also require a huge amount of electricity to function. Walmart-backed Flipkart has installed solar panels which can power heavy machinery. “We are running at least eight hours on solar and 25-30% of power consumption savings we have done so far,” said Prabhakr Kolla, VP, F&amp;I at ekart, Flipkart. The facility has a three-megawatt solar power plant and the platform aims to touch 40 megawatts all across facilities in a few years. The process of commissioning a 2.75 megawatt rooftop solar power plant at Haringhata has also begun. Badri said that with increased storage at Kolkata’s new centre, combined with automation, Flipkart’s productivity has gone up 15-20% before their<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/flipkarts-asias-largest-fulfilment-centre-to-process-a-million-shipments-a-day-during-bbd/articleshow/93851477.cms"> flagship Big Billion Days sale</a>.

Inside Flipkart’s Big Box: how robots, cobots help pick and pack your package

<ul><li>Flipkart's upcoming Big Billion Day sale is expected to be the biggest sale so far.</li><li>The e-commerce giant's new facility centre near Kolkata, which is allegedly Asia's largest fulfilment centre, will play a key role in amping up its storage capacity.</li><li>Flipkart is hiring 400-500 people every day at Haringhata to prepare for its flagship sale. It will also launch three new big-box facilities in three years to cater to growing demand.</li></ul>Flipkart's new big-box fulfilment centre located 50 kilometres away from Kolkata at Haringhata is seeing furious activity as the e-commerce giant ramps up preparations for its flagship Big Billion Days sale (BBD). Evidence of that is most visible at the Haringhata fulfilment centre, which was officially inaugurated in April this year. It has over 3,000 employees and is hiring at least 400 new employees every day and can house 11,000 employees at once. Called the big-box centre, it’s spread across 110 acres, has 5 million cubic feet of storage. Flipkart claims that it is one of Asia’s largest facilities. With the new centre, Flipkart now has over 210 lakh square feet of warehousing space now, the highest ever, which will enable faster deliveries during the festive rush. During its flagship sale, Flipkart's big box plans to process a million shipments from across the country at Haringhata. <div type="image" title="Aerial view of Flipkart&amp;#39;s largest fulfillment center at Haringhata, West Bengal" msid="93851805" hostid="261" sizebytes="1822613"></div> Consumer sentiment to pick up this festive season Hemant Badri, senior vice president and head of supply chain, Flipkart Group said that they are extremely bullish about the upcoming BBD sales as they expect people to come out in full force and buy after the pandemic. The festive season is also important for e-commerce companies as a lot of new users come onboard for the first time due to discounts or exclusive selections, Badri said. <div type="image" title="A woman employee packaging products to be delivered, once a customer places the order, the system draws the product from the racks and takes it to the packaging area" msid="93851922" hostid="261" sizebytes="357694"></div> This year, on an industry level, 40-50 million new users are expected to come onboard. A majority of them could be from Tier III and IV towns. Badri is optimistic about seeing healthy growth across categories, led by non-metro regions. "The consumer sentiment towards the festive is very positive, and this includes (for) a good mix of all categories including mobiles, large appliances, fashion, furniture, home improvement products and you name it. Our teams are working very closely with sellers and brand partners to bring the selection and offerings as per consumer demand," said Badri. With close to 20,000 sellers, West Bengal is a crucial region for Flipkart. Sellers from West Bengal primarily engage in kid's and men's clothing, mobile and fashion wearables, skincare, etc. Targeting the next 200 million customers "This year, it should be better for us from every aspect. With our storage combined with automation, our productivity has gone up 15-20%. We're far more bullish for the next 200 million customers in India to shop with us. Three out of five orders are from Tier II and III regions," Hemant Badri, senior vice president and head of supply chain, Flipkart Group said. Flipkart hit the first 100 million registered users milestone in 2018, more than a decade after its establishment in 2007. It has more than 400 million registered users today on the platform and now aims to fulfil the demands of its next target 200 million customers. Flipkart has over 80 facility centres in India and to cater to the next 200 million customers, it is planning to add three more big-box facilities, Badri said, in the next three years across North, South and West India. It has already added several large-scale fulfilment and sortation centres over the last three years across Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal. This, along with thousands of delivery hubs added across the country, are helping deliver shipments across 100% serviceable PIN codes.

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