Leading marketplaces battle it out to win customers during festive season

All eyes are following the activities of the leading majors in Indian ecommerce. With the festive season approaching, the industry is looking at what Amazon, Snapdeal and Flipkart are doing to ensure maximum revenue for themselves.

So what are they up to?

Flipkart has recently opened its 18^th warehouse in the country. Located at Lucknow, this is the company’s second in Uttar Pradesh. The new warehouse will help cater to the increasing demand, said the company. Saikiran Krishnamurthy who heads Ekart said,

“This warehouse will not only enable same day and next day deliveries for our large base of customers in Uttar Pradesh but also empower sellers to operate without any logistical barriers.”

Apart from this, Flipkart has earmarked roughly Rs. 40 crores for the Big Billion Day sale. The sale is slated to be held during the first week of October. The company is also exploring options for loans for its customers. The Indian ecommerce company is talking to lenders regarding pre-approved loans for shoppers. Flipkart might focus its efforts on app-based buyers again this year.

Snapdeal is doing its best to minimise the distance between its toughest contenders, who appear to be miles ahead. The company recently unveiled its new logo and tagline; a part of its rebranding. CEO Kunal Bahl has confirmed that the company is investing Rs. 200 crores on the brand revamp and marketing for the shopping season.

Amazon is betting big on its elite club ‘Prime’. The company recently introduced Prime, which is quite popular in the US. The service is free of cost for the first sixty days for those who sign up. Towards this, the company has reportedly spent $25 million. The company is also believed to be planning a sum of Rs 150 crores for the festival sales, which is expected to be held from October 1^st to 5^th.

The sales figures

According to reports, Amazon is netting a monthly sale of Rs. 2,000 crores, and Flipkart with the combined strength of Myntra and Jabong is making a cool Rs. 2,400 crores in its monthly sales. Snapdeal is lagging behind at Rs. 700 crores. Perhaps its makeover will help move the goods.

Everyone is eagerly looking forward to the festival time. Who will have the biggest smile? We can take stock of things post Diwali.