Snapdeal launches Janus, its Omni-channel offline platform

In June this year, IOS reported about Snapdeal’s plan to tie-up with offline retailers and follow omni-channel model. This plan has materialized now with the launch of ‘Janus’, the ecommerce marketplace’s omni-channel platform.

About Janus

On Monday October 5th, Snapdeal announced its multi-channel venture, which combines online and offline retail efficiently. It has all the key elements of an online shopping experience along with the benefits of an offline store.

As usual, customers place the order online but what’s different is that they can choose to get the product delivered at doorstep or pick-up from the nearest store. Besides order & delivery, access to pre & post-sale services that includes customization, try & buy, product demonstration, installation, activation and returns via a nearby store adds to the appeal for customers.

For the same, the etailer has collaborated with several reputed retail brands and big-box stores such as The Mobile Store (TMS), Michelin, Luminous, and Shoppers Stop. Snapdeal will partner with more such outlets as the strategy progresses and the service will be available across 70 cities in India.

While speaking about Janus, Kunal Bahl, Co-Founder and CEO- Snapdeal said, “The synergies between online and offline commerce in India will be unlocked like never before. We are confident that our customers will find our omni channel offerings to be very intuitive, making their shopping experience extremely convenient.”

Why omni-channel is finding takers?

Integrating offline and online medium makes sense because it works for all parties involved, i.e. customers, sellers, retailers and online marketplaces. Many studies suggest that majority of Indian online shoppers are omni-channel buyers and they prefer to have multiple options.

It also leads to faster delivery and the possibility of buyer grievances getting resolved faster or reducing are high. This is why online & offline retailers like Amazon, Adidas are investing heavily on omni-channel strategy rather than sticking to one selling platform.