Retail
Corner Office Conversation with Gunender Kapur, Manas Tandon & Nishant Sharma of Vishal Mega Mart
In this episode, we are tracing the journey of Vishal Retail, from surplus apparel exhibitions to a business that brought global fashion to the masses at unbeatable prices, this narrative explores the challenges of rapid expansion, the risks of short-term debt, and the disruptions that reshaped the market. Host Arijit Barman engages with Gunender Kapur of Vishal Mega Mart, Manas Tandon of Partners Group, and Nishant Sharma of Kedaara Capital to uncover a compelling story of ambition, resilience, and the transformative evolution of affordable retail.
10-min delivery is providing a 'quick' boost to FMCG brands in India
Quick comm is crucial for FMCG companies in India, making up 35% of their e-commerce revenue. Platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart, and BBnow are key. Companies like Nestle and ITC see significant growth through these platforms. Quick commerce platforms offer better inventory and delivery services compared to traditional stores. Large FMCG brands benefit from lower commission rates.
SC transfers Amazon-Flipkart antitrust petitions to Karnataka HC amid regulatory challenges
The Supreme Court has transferred 24 petitions related to alleged anti-competitive practices by Amazon and Flipkart to the Karnataka High Court’s single-judge bench in Dharwad. The move followed agreement by all parties and a request from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to consolidate the cases for efficiency.
Deep discounts persist across categories as brands struggle with high inventory & subdued demand
Discounts across apparel, footwear, and household products are soaring to clear high unsold inventory amid subdued demand and delayed winter. Auto manufacturers and electronics brands are delaying price hikes while continuing with December promotions.
Watch it! India having a better time than China with luxury timepiece revolution
Sales of luxury watches in India are hitting record demand in 2024, with significant growth in metro and smaller cities. Brands like Rolex, Montblanc, and Rado report strong performances, driven by rising income levels and an affluent class. Competitive pricing and brand expansion are making these premium timepieces more accessible.
Is the 10-minute dash becoming the way to sell in India?
Quick commerce, driven by consumer demand for speed, is challenging traditional retail and services sectors with rapid diversifications, including Blinkit's 10-minute ambulance service. Key players like Zomato, Swiggy, and others are expanding beyond food delivery, entering diverse areas such as groceries, handyman services, and B2B logistics.
Over 7 lakh sellers, service providers onboarded ONDC so far
Over seven lakh sellers and service providers have joined ONDC since its launch, making e-commerce accessible for smaller players. Promoted by the government, ONDC has empowered small enterprises, enabling over 150 million transactions and involving more than 200 network participants.
Blinkit launches 10-minute ambulance service in Gurugram
Blinkit launches a 10-minute ambulance service in Gurugram, operational with five fully equipped ambulances starting today. The service, aimed at addressing urgent medical transport needs, ensures high-quality care with trained personnel. The initiative focuses on providing affordable emergency services without prioritizing profit, with plans to expand to major cities over the next two years.
10-minute deliveries: Can't miss profit and regulatory hurdles to add profit in big basket
In 2024, Indians widely adopted quick commerce platforms for fast deliveries. This trend will grow in 2025, with more products available and higher demand in metro areas. Major companies like Flipkart, Amazon, and Myntra are joining this space. Challenges include profitability and expansion into smaller cities. The sector is projected to exceed $6 billion in sales.
Skye Air completes 1.5 lakh deliveries in Gurugram in Dec
Skye Air completed 1.5 lakh drone deliveries in Gurugram in December, driven by its tech infrastructure and partnerships with brands. Deliveries included premium gadgets and daily essentials, often within seven minutes. The milestone highlights Gurugram's readiness for modern logistics solutions and Skye Air's efficiency.
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#25 For 2025: Will businesses accept the 10-min delivery challenge?
Similar to past generations seeking better lives, quick commerce will continue to adapt and expand, offering faster access to a variety of products. Blinkit plans to open a store in Jaito by 2025, aiding many families.
HUL takes direct-to-Kiranas distribution route
Hindustan Unilever is streamlining its distribution process by directly supplying products to kirana stores in Mumbai, with the aim to reduce supply time to under 24 hours. Distributors will manage orders and payments, while HUL handles logistics. The initiative will expand to Delhi and other metros, enhancing service efficiency.
IKEA FY24 loss widens to Rs 1,299 crore, revenue up 4.5% to Rs 1,809.8 crore
Ikea India reported a loss of Rs 1,299.4 crore for FY24, compared to Rs 1,133 crore the previous year. Revenue from operations increased to Rs 1,809.8 crore. Losses were attributed to investments in omnichannel growth. The company maintained sales growth without price increases and expanded its online presence. New stores and further expansion are planned.
Retailers report 7% growth during the festive season
Retailers have recorded a 7% growth in the 2024 festive season as per the Retailers Association of India. This is lower than the anticipated 10% growth. West India led with 8% sales growth. Food and grocery category saw the highest growth at 14%, with QSR and jewellery following at 10% and 9% respectively.
2025 to be a year of transformation for retail industry; AI & automation to play a crucial role
The Indian retail industry is cautiously optimistic about 2025. New-age technologies like AI and automation will drive efficiency and personalisation. The sector is expected to grow with increased foreign investments and focus on sustainability. Retailers will enhance operations and customer experiences, while the rise in middle-income households is projected to fuel mass consumption across various sectors.
Ikea India's losses swell, sales growth falls to 6-year low
Ikea's India sales have grown by 5% in FY24, marking its slowest expansion since entering the market six years ago. The net loss widened by 15% due to large investments. Ikea continues to invest in India, aiming to open more stores and serve 200 million people by 2025.