ITV

Category: e-commerce

  • Zepto gets to the root of fresh supply with farmer-first new playbook

    Zepto gets to the root of fresh supply with farmer-first new playbook

     MUMBAI: From mandi mayhem to farm-fresh flair, Zepto’s shaking up the supply chain. Zepto co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha has revealed how the quick commerce player is rewriting the rules of India’s fragmented fresh produce market, one collection centre at a time. In a detailed post, he shared how the startup has quietly scaled its fresh category by 4x in just 12 months, leaping from 6.4 lakh to 22.1 lakh units sold per day.

    What’s behind this massive growth spurt? A shift away from the traditional mandi-led chaos to a tech-powered, decentralised model built on trust with farmers and rapid movement of goods. Zepto now sources directly from thousands of farmers across 70-plus Collection Centres hyperlocal hubs where fruits and vegetables are graded, packed, and dispatched within 12 hours of harvest.

    A key weapon in Zepto’s fresh arsenal is the Bloom app, the startup’s proprietary sourcing platform that turns real-time mandi price tracking, vendor scoring, and dynamic procurement into a science. The result? Better price visibility for farmers, automated planning for Zepto, and a win-win loop that cuts out intermediaries and reduces waste.

    This model isn’t just about speed, it’s also about dignity and predictability. “For the first time, Indian farmers are becoming part of a demand-driven, digital-first ecosystem,” Palicha noted. Through Bloom, they gain access to live market benchmarks, input support, and assured offtake features unheard of in India’s informal agri-supply chains.

    Even last-mile delivery hasn’t been spared a makeover. Zepto has invested in smart handling systems that preserve freshness while slashing delivery timelines. Combined with direct relationships with farmers, this allows the company to keep quality high and prices sharp, something traditional retail has long struggled with.

    In a sector long marred by price volatility and perishability, Zepto’s fresh strategy is a rare blend of logistics, localisation, and digital insight. The real disruptor here isn’t just tech, it’s trust.

  • Instamart’s sunny ad stunt makes mangoes glow, nostalgia flow, and delivery go

    Instamart’s sunny ad stunt makes mangoes glow, nostalgia flow, and delivery go

    MUMBAI: There are print ads, and then there are mangoes that blush under the sun. Instamart turned the country’s favourite summer fruit into a showstopper with a print campaign that literally ripened in daylight. In a bold blend of science and sentiment, the company launched a full-page newspaper ad using photochromatic ink technology—a first in Indian print media.

    The interactive creative illustrated a lush mango tree surrounded by children playing and plucking fruit, harking back to old-school summer holidays.

    But here’s the twist: expose the ad to sunlight, and the mangoes morph into golden yellow.

    Cue the oohs and aahs.

    “Just like real mangoes ripen in the sun, this ad transforms with sunlight, making the magic unfold right before your eyes”, said Instamart head of brand Mayur Hola. “It’s our tribute to the season and what Instamart stands for: freshness, speed, and small moments of everyday joy”.

    The campaign follows last year’s mango-scented print ad that had readers sniffing their way to summer nostalgia. This year’s sensory sequel keeps the senses on high alert while hammering home Instamart’s core pitch: ripe produce, rapid delivery, and creative chops that go well beyond your average grocery drop.

    The in-house creative team led the concept, with Havas as the media partner. By blending tactile storytelling with ink-based innovation, Instamart doubled down on its commitment to make every 10-minute delivery feel like an experience, not a transaction.

    With this cheeky seasonal drop, Instamart once again proved it can deliver not just mangoes, but also marketing that sticks. If mangoes are the king of fruits, Instamart may well be the jester of genius brand moves.

  • Amazon India turns up the AC and tech to cool delivery blues and boost worker wellbeing

    Amazon India turns up the AC and tech to cool delivery blues and boost worker wellbeing

    MUMBAI: If there’s one place in India where the mercury never messes with productivity, it’s Amazon’s fulfillment centres. While much of the country battles sweltering heatwaves and endless traffic snarls, Amazon India has been quietly rewriting the rulebook on how warehouses and logistics hubs should care for their people—not just parcels.

    During a walkthrough at its DEL5 Fulfilment Centre in Haryana, Amazon India showcased its climate-controlled spaces and ergonomic layouts designed to keep its teams not just moving, but thriving. The company’s operations, built for speed and scale, now wear a wellness-first badge with pride.

    “We’re constantly upgrading our fulfillment infrastructure to raise the bar on employee and associate experience and operational excellence,” said Amazon India director – operations Salim R Memon. “Our buildings are designed to deliver on both speed and safety—ensuring a high-performance environment that supports our teams every day”.

    The fulfilment and sortation centres now feature real-time heat index monitoring systems, allowing site managers to tweak shifts and break schedules depending on external weather conditions. The buildings come equipped with cold water stations, electrolyte supplements, ergonomic workstations, air-conditioned rest areas, and on-site Amcare units staffed with medical professionals.

    Outside the warehouses, Amazon is extending comfort to the kerbside. Its ‘Project Ashray’—now expanded to 100 locations—offers fully air-conditioned roadside rest points for delivery associates. These spaces include washrooms, mobile charging stations, hydration setups, shaded seating, and first-aid kits, making them safe havens on long delivery routes.

    To beat the heat even further, the company has deployed smart routing technology that charts optimal delivery paths based on real-time weather and traffic, cutting down exposure to harsh conditions. And in emergencies, the Dial 4242 ambulance service stands ready with no-cost basic and advanced life support.

    The e-commerce giant also plans to offer free health check-ups to over 80,000 delivery associates and partners across India by the end of 2025. These measures mark Amazon’s ongoing push towards building a resilient, people-first supply chain.

    With year-round demand stretching the workforce thin, the focus on associate wellbeing could prove to be Amazon’s biggest productivity hack yet.

  • Paula’s Choice makes a no-nonsense Nykaa debut for Indian skincare buffs

    Paula’s Choice makes a no-nonsense Nykaa debut for Indian skincare buffs

    MUMBAI: The skincare aisle just got smarter. After wooing the Indian market via a direct-to-consumer entry in 2023, Paula’s Choice, the science-forward skincare brand with a global cult following, has now landed on Nykaa.com. This move marks its official leap into India’s omnichannel beauty game.

    Known for formulas that deliver more punch than perfume, Paula’s Choice has made a name with its ingredient-led hits. Products like the cult Skin Perfecting 2 per cent BHA Liquid Exfoliant, the high-strength Niacinamide 20 per cent Treatment, and the 10 per cent Azelaic Acid Booster have earned the brand a devoted user base worldwide. The launch assortment now live on Nykaa includes these icons alongside favourites such as the Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser and the Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner.

    “We’re pleased to partner with Nykaa to strengthen our presence in India and bring Paula’s Choice to a wider audience. Indian consumers have shown strong affinity for our science-backed, transparent approach to skincare. This launch enables us to scale accessibility through a trusted platform and further our mission of empowering individuals to make informed, effective skincare choices”, said Paula’s Choice Skincare GM – southeast Asia Viksita Singh Menon.

    Nykaa, known for spotting beauty gold before it goes mainstream, didn’t hold back on the praise either. “The launch of Paula’s Choice, a brand synonymous with ingredient transparency, product efficacy, and science-backed skincare, is a powerful addition to our specially curated beauty offering”, said a Nykaa spokesperson. “This launch underscores our commitment to offering beauty that’s not just coveted but deeply considered”.

    For India’s skincare-literate generation, this collaboration means access to proven formulas that prioritise performance over fluff. No glow-up gimmicks, just clear, clinical results. The brand’s arrival on Nykaa.com and the Nykaa app strengthens its local presence and offers users an easy path to build high-performance skincare routines.

  • Click, cart, commitment: India’s e-shoppers want more than just speed

    Click, cart, commitment: India’s e-shoppers want more than just speed

    MUMBAI: Voice-activated shopping? Viral trends driving sales? Welcome to aisle 2030. Blue Dart Express Limited, part of DHL eCommerce, has just dropped the E-Commerce Trends Report 2025, and it’s clear: Indian online shoppers are not just clicking, they’re expecting. From AI-powered assistants to sustainability-first delivery, today’s buyers want tech with trust and purchases that feel purposeful.

    Drawing from consumer insights across generations and shopper types, the report explores what’s really pushing the buy button for Indians online. And it’s not just deals or discounts, it’s delivery reliability, eco-credibility, and the seamlessness of a Tiktok-to-checkout experience.

    Almost 89 per cent of Indian shoppers want AI-powered features think virtual try-ons, voice-based product search, and digital shopping assistants. And this isn’t wishful thinking 64 per cent are already shopping hands-free. AI isn’t a futuristic add-on anymore; it’s becoming the new filter on the retail lens.

    Forget browsers. 84 per cent of Indian consumers have already made a purchase via social media, and a whopping 90 per cent say Instagram, Facebook and Youtube could be their primary shopping destinations by 2030. Influencers are doing more than trending dances 93 per cent of Indian buyers say social buzz shapes what lands in their carts.

    Cart abandonment isn’t about indecision, it’s about expectation. 80 per cent of shoppers say they’ll cancel a purchase if their preferred delivery option isn’t available. And if the returns process doesn’t match expectations? Another 81 per cent walk away. Even trust in the courier matters: over half (54 per cent) won’t buy from retailers with unreliable logistics partners. In e-commerce, convenience is king and logistics is the throne.

    Sustainability is no longer a bonus, it’s a baseline. 82 per cent of shoppers now weigh eco-friendliness before clicking “buy.” Whether it’s over packaging waste or carbon-heavy delivery, 59 per cent have ditched carts due to sustainability concerns. Plus, 52 per cent say they’re opting for pre-owned goods, and 81 per cent are open to recycling or buy-back schemes.

    “Convenience, choice and control are non-negotiable,” said Blue Dart managing director Balfour Manuel. “Despite digital leaps, delivery and returns remain the heartbeat of consumer experience. Brands must evolve beyond tech towards transparency, purpose and seamless execution.”

    As AI reshapes interfaces, social media morphs into shopping malls, and sustainability steers decisions, this report offers a sneak peek into the shopper of tomorrow. Retailers that listen closely and deliver boldly may just turn browsing into belonging.

    Because in 2025, a smooth checkout isn’t enough. Shoppers want a story, a stance and same-day delivery.

  • Flipkart unveils annual beauty trends report with NielsenIQ at Glam Up Fest 2025

    Flipkart unveils annual beauty trends report with NielsenIQ at Glam Up Fest 2025

    Mumbai:  Flipkart’s beauty game just hit glow mode. At its flagship Glam Up Fest 2025, the homegrown e-commerce giant joined hands with NielsenIQ to unveil its first-ever Glam Up Annual Beauty Trends Report — a sizzling dossier on what’s hot, what’s viral, and what’s flying off carts in the beauty aisles.

    The numbers are blinding. Five beauty products sold every second, over 148 million items purchased in 2024, and premium beauty growing at 70 per cent year-on-year. India’s online beauty obsession has officially entered its golden age — and Gen Z is running the show.

    “The beauty landscape in India is in the midst of a vibrant transformation, and no one is driving it more than GenZs. Their evolving preferences, digital fluency, and expressive approach to beauty are reshaping the industry as we know It,” quipped Flipkart head of business (Cleartrip, FMCG, general merchandise) Manjari Singhal. “At Flipkart, we’ve always believed in staying close to the consumer. The Glam Up Trends Report is a reflection of that belief, an effort to listen, understand, and anticipate what beauty means to the next generation. This report is the result of a deep, collaborative effort between Flipkart and NielsenIQ teams.”

    Here are sone of the  key findings of the report: 
    * Skinimalism is the new glam: Sales of gel moisturisers shot up 120 per cent, serums by 80 per cent, and face washes cleaned up with a 123 per cent rise. Active ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, and vitamin C are skincare royalty.
    * Slugging, glazing, and SPF-ing: Sun protection is now a religion. Sunscreen sales have doubled; SPF product searches soared 76 per cent. Hydration-led rituals are here to stay.
    * K-Beauty craze goes full K-drama: Snail mucin, hydrating essences, and sheet masks clocked 90 per cent YoY growth. Searches for Korean skincare grew 81 per cent. Seoul clearly has India’s skincare vote.
    * Fragrance goes full ‘scent-sational’: Perfume isn’t just a splash; it’s a statement. Sales doubled, attars surged 2.5x, and gourmand notes (think marshmallow and brown sugar) are ruling scent playlists.
    * Hair’s having its serum moment: Goodbye champi, hello peptides. Flipkart saw 2x growth in hair serums and an 85 per cent spike in scalp care. Haircare is now high-performance skincare in disguise.
    * Cherry Cherry Lady and Surma surge: Glossy lips, barrier-friendly blush, and hybrid makeup formats are hot picks. Searches for Surma-inspired looks skyrocketed 33x, proving culture and colour can coexist.
    * Beauty by geography: From Delhi’s dust to Kerala’s humidity, Flipkart is going hyper-local with assortments tailored to regional skin and hair woes.

    Flipkart’s bet? Beauty is Gen Z-led, creator-powered, science-fuelled — and only just getting started.

    Flipkart senior director research and insights Priyanka Bhargav, said: “Beauty today is bold, expressive, and constantly evolving and no one captures that spirit quite like Gen Z. Whether it’s their focus on skin health, passion for active ingredients, love for nostalgic aesthetics, or embrace of hybrid formats, they’re redefining the beauty playbook. The Glam Up Trends Report helps decode this dynamic shift. With rich data, real consumer voices, and cultural context, it highlights what’s truly resonating. Trends like Hydration Daze, Scientific Obsession, kiSKIN, and Cherry Cherry Lady go beyond surface appeal, they reflect how young India is engaging with beauty in deeper, more expressive ways. This report is the result of a thoughtful collaboration between the Flipkart Insights Team, the beauty and personal Care team, and our intelligence partner, NielsenIQ. We hope it sparks fresh thinking, challenges conventions, and inspires the next wave of beauty innovation.”

    Flipkart’s Glam Up Report isn’t just a data drop — it’s a blueprint for beauty’s next billion. With a marketplace of over 1.4 million sellers, 500 million+ users, and innovations like UPI, no-cost EMI and easy returns, the platform is blending global trends with Indian needs at scale.

    As Kartheek Kanumuru, Sakait Choudhary, Priyanka Bhargav and Manjari Singhal unveiled the report, one thing was clear: Flipkart is no longer just delivering products — it’s delivering beauty revolutions in a box.
    Glam up, log on, and swipe right on that serum.

    (Pictured above: Left to Right: Sakait Choudhary, Priyanka Bhargav, Manjari Singhal, Kartheek Kanumuru at Flipkart Glam Up 2025)

  • Dreamwear gets a glow up as Ammarzo hits Myntra in style

    Dreamwear gets a glow up as Ammarzo hits Myntra in style

    When it comes to beauty sleep, Ammarzo believes the dream begins before your eyes shut. The luxury sleepwear label, founded by actor-entrepreneur Chahatt Khanna, has officially launched on Myntra, bringing its signature blend of elegance, comfort, and quiet sensuality to bedrooms across India. Think sculpted silhouettes, wisps of lace, and fabrics that whisper you deserve this.

    The debut collection is anything but sleepy offering standouts like the ethereal Lace Robe, the flirty Babydoll & Shorts Set, and the elegant Slip Dress designed to make women feel divine even on a Tuesday night. With price tags that deliver indulgence without intimidation, Ammarzo hits the sweet spot between self-care and soft power.

    “For me, it was never just about fabric,” said Ammarzo founder & CMD, Chahatt Khanna. “It’s about how a woman feels in that fabric. This launch is about creating pieces that wrap you in confidence and femininity even when no one’s watching.”

    More than fashion, the label is threading a shift in mindset. Ammarzo’s arrival on Myntra underscores a growing appetite for innerwear that isn’t merely functional but empowering, intimate, and in sync with a woman’s evolving sense of self. Each piece captures what the brand calls “cinematic minimalism” sunlight on skin, linen blinds, and a glass of wine that says I’ve earned this.

    With over 50 million active users, Myntra gives Ammarzo the perfect pillow to rest its ambitions on offering national visibility while staying true to its central credo: that softness and strength can absolutely sleep in the same bed.

    So, here’s your sign to ditch that old tee and slip into something more you. Because nightwear, as Ammarzo proves, isn’t just what you wear to bed, it’s how you carry yourself before the dreams begin.

  • Try and buy gets a tech glow up with Black’s virtual fashion mirror

    Try and buy gets a tech glow up with Black’s virtual fashion mirror

    MUMBAI: Why try when you can tap? With a flick of the screen and a dash of AI, Black, the fashion-first app from Kiranapro is turning your phone into a mirrorless fitting room. And with its latest acquisition of Likeo, things just got a whole lot more immersive. Kiranapro, India’s fully ONDC-integrated, AI-powered quick commerce platform, has zipped up a deal to acquire Likeo (likeo.me), a startup specialising in augmented reality–powered virtual try-ons. The strategic acquisition is stitched neatly into the rollout of Black, Kiranapro’s fashion-forward commerce app tailored for Gen Z, transforming shopping into a tech-fuelled playground of self-expression.

    With Likeo now in the closet, Black becomes India’s first app to offer a cross-category, AI-powered virtual trial room spanning apparel, jewellery, and eyewear. It’s a swipe, snap, and strut solution that replaces dressing room dilemmas with hyper-personalised, confidence-boosting previews.

    The acquisition also sees Likeo founder & CEO Saurav Kumar take the reins of AI and visual computing at Kiranapro, steering Black’s evolution into a tech-tuned fashion juggernaut. “We’ve always believed virtual try-on can remove hesitation and bring confidence to the online purchase journey,” said Kumar. “With Black, we finally have a canvas to scale this to millions.”

    The Likeo-powered trial room begins its runway rollout in the coming weeks, with early access opening for fashion and accessories. Designed to reduce return rates and elevate the joy of discovery, the feature transforms scrolling into strolling digitally, of course. From couture to casual, Black users can now see it, style it, and strut it virtually before they ever hit ‘buy’.

    Kiranapro founder and CEO Deepak Ravindran, called the acquisition “a bold step” in reinventing online shopping. “Black is not just an app, it’s a cultural movement,” he said. “Likeo’s tech allows us to give users a mirrorless shopping experience that’s deeply personal, fun, and frictionless.”

    The move cements Kiranapro’s twin strategy digitally empowering India’s local kirana network via ONDC on one end, while elevating e-commerce experiences for Gen Z on the other. With AI as the backbone and cultural cool as the vibe, Black positions itself as more than just a shopping app, it’s fast becoming India’s most stylish tech experiment.

    So if your fashion wishlist needs a test drive, Black’s new fitting room won’t just show you the look, it’ll help you own it, without ever leaving your screen.

  • Brandmusiq hits a six with Asian Paints in sonic spin on cricket fever

    Brandmusiq hits a six with Asian Paints in sonic spin on cricket fever

    MUMBAI: When cricket season hits India, everyone shows up batsmen, bowlers, brands, and now, basslines. In a pitch-perfect move, Brandmusiq and Asian Paints joined forces to create a rousing, regionally tuned campaign titled Coloursofcricket, turning fan passion into full-throttle soundscapes. Across the country, stadiums weren’t the only places roaring speakers were too. Crafted using the Asian Paints sonic identity, BrandMusiq composed distinct high-energy regional anthems laced with local instrumentation, language, and the emotional cues of each cricket-loving city. Think dhols in Punjab, Carnatic strains from Bengaluru, Mumbai’s bold brass and tutari, Hyderabad’s royal rhythms, Delhi’s street-style beats, and Kolkata’s folk soul, all seamlessly woven into sonic signatures that felt more like musical jerseys than just tunes.

    “India’s relationship with cricket is emotional, but every region expresses that emotion differently,” said Brandmusiq founder & soundsmith Rajeev Raja. “These aren’t just anthems, these are rallying cries, ‘musical jerseys’ for fans to wear with pride.”

    The campaign also drummed up digital participation with a contest encouraging fans to remix, dance to, or creatively express support using their city’s anthem turning passive viewing into creative cheerleading. The result? A campaign where sound met sentiment, and where branding hit a beat fans could move to.

    The Coloursofcricket initiative is a testament to the power of sonic branding done right cutting through the advertising noise, building recall, and fuelling fan pride with cultural authenticity and emotional punch.

    For a country that speaks in many tongues but cheers in one voice, this was the sound of India in surround sound.

  • Mouse house monsoon magic as Disney Jr. tour hits Mumbai stage

    Mouse house monsoon magic as Disney Jr. tour hits Mumbai stage

    MUMBAI: Grab your umbrellas and your little ones, this monsoon, Mumbai’s forecast is full of magic, music, and mouse ears. For the very first time, Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play! is set to charm preschoolers and their families with a spectacular stage production from 4th to 6th July 2025 at the Dome, SVP Stadium, with eight exclusive shows over the weekend. The show is ticketed exclusively on District by Zomato, with pre-sales already creating quite the buzz.

    The high-energy, interactive concert will bring Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Ariel, Team Spidey, SuperKitties, and Puppy Dog Pals to life with 3D effects, acrobatics, and a setlist packed with singalongs like Hot Dog! and Do the Spidey. The story unfolds around Mickey’s playdate gone awry, thanks to some mysterious green weather and the arrival of Marvel’s mini superheroes to save the day.

    “After delighting audiences across the U.S. and marking its official international debut in London, we are so excited to share this magical production with families in Mumbai this summer,” said Terrapin Station Entertainment producer Jonathan Shank.

    The full schedule includes:

       * 4 July (Friday): 4 am, 7 pm

      * 5 July (Saturday): 11:30 am, 2:30 PM, 5:30 pm

       * 6 July (Sunday): 11:30 am, 2:30 PM, 5:30 pm

    An exclusive pre-sale for HSBC India cardholders is live until 29 May, 12 pm, followed by general ticket access at 1 pm the same day, only on the District app.

    “We are excited to team up with Disney and Terrapin Station Entertainment to bring the ‘Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play!’ immersive concert experience to young children and their families. We firmly believe that live entertainment has the power to captivate audiences of all ages. Through these unique shows, we aim to provide young children and their families the chance to see many of their favourite Disney Jr. characters live on one stage,” said District by Zomato CEO Rahul Ganjoo.

    Whether your kid’s a Goofy giggler or a Spidey superfan, this is a playdate you won’t want to miss. Because when Mickey says, “Let’s play,” Mumbai listens.