ITV

Tag: E-commerce

  • How AI and automation are transforming e-commerce logistics

    How AI and automation are transforming e-commerce logistics

    E-commerce is altering the future of businesses by offering consumers ease of access, be it goods, services or information. While e-commerce means the simple buying and selling of products and services over the Internet, its success relies on the complexities of accuracy and timely delivery. And, e-commerce logistics handle just that!

    Logistics in e-commerce consists of the steps of sourcing products from sellers to buyers when consumers shop online. It involves tasks such as keeping a check of inventory, storing products, packaging them for shipment, placing labels on them, generating bills, arranging delivery, securing payments, and managing returns when required. For this reason, effective logistics powered by AI guarantee that the products promised to customers reach them securely.

    Market overview

    As of 2023, the global e-commerce logistics market size reached $431.6 billion. Looking ahead, it is expected to reach $1,437.9 billion by 2032, showcasing a growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9 per cent during 2024-2032, according to a report by the IMARC Group. These statistics indicate the growing demand for rapid and reliable shipping services.

    In such a fast-shifting domain, AI and automation are steadily replacing conventional processes. Its algorithms are designed to boost last-mile delivery efficiency by mitigating costs. AI is particularly apt for logistics thanks to its ability to forecast future production and conveyance volumes, leading to more efficient resource utilisation. By enabling this, industries can bring forth a synergy and improve customer experience.

    A step towards AI

    AI is forging a change in e-commerce logistics too by spearheading the adoption of advanced technologies. It modernises operations and improves the customer experience via an array of tasks such as the fulfillment of orders, shipment tracking, route optimisation, data analysis, etc. Notably, the global AI market size was estimated at USD 196.63 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 36.6 per cent from 2024 to 2030, as per Grand View Research.

    From the initial ordering to the final delivery, AI’s speed, capability and processes cater to the convenience of consumers. AI assists in predicting the demand for new products, raising inventory levels, and streamlining processes. An AI-led warehouse management system powers order processing tasks such as picking, packaging, and shipping, reducing manual labour and the possibility of errors. When put in place, it allows workers to focus on tasks involving higher mental ability and intelligence.

    Additionally, route optimisation for delivery efficiency becomes simplified with AI. It tracks products in real-time, monitors parcels, and enhances shipping routes. Such optimisation reduces delivery time and saves fuel costs. Alongside, AI-powered voice assistants aid users in interacting with e-commerce platforms, solving product queries and expediting purchases. When it comes to feedback, AI comes into the picture by reading through messages, complaints and queries. Besides, AI-driven systems simplify returns management by automating processes, marking returned items, and defining their further treatment. It ensures these items are sent back to the warehouse via appropriate routes in a secure manner. With the help of AI, industries have a chance to take the sustainability route and recommend sustainable practices by analysing data and identifying areas where resource consumption can be lessened.

    AI can also make significant strides in providing tailored recommendations for customers. It can be put in place to create refined recommendation systems that analyse customers’ buying history, browsing habits, and consumption patterns. Such will empower e-commerce players to enable a quick shopping experience for their users.  

    The way forward

    As AI and automation continue to evolve, it will support e-shops, courier companies, and third-party logistics firms alike. Moreover, AI will enhance the speed at which goods are delivered across borders. Powered by AI, systems will be able to ensure that products are available and set to dispatch as soon as an order is placed.

    However, trials for the successful integration of AI in businesses will persist such as the cost of implementation and skilling of labour. Therefore, e-commerce businesses must have a comprehensive logistics process to meet customer expectations and enjoy a competitive edge. It is advised to them to be up-to-date with the recent AI advancements and automation to enhance capabilities locally and globally.

    This article has been authored by Fship Logistics CBO Raju Sinha.

  • Nine West by Bata now available on Myntra

    Nine West by Bata now available on Myntra

    Mumbai: As the global fashion scene shifts its focus to India, Nine West by Bata has launched on Myntra to enhance its presence. By blending contemporary style with classic elegance, the footwear aims to elevate women’s everyday wardrobes while redefining modern fashion. This collaboration strengthens the brand’s omni-channel strategy, allowing Nine West to reach fashion-forward women across the country by combining global trends with local style.

    The collection features over 100 styles tailored for the dynamic lifestyle of urban women, including sleek stilettos, classic pumps, versatile mules, elegant slingbacks, and chic flats, sandals, and slides. The range offers a palette of metallics, bold colors, neutrals, and pastels, with modern embellishments. Additionally, handbags, such as patent monogram totes and stylish sling bags, complete the collection, providing the perfect finishing touch for any outfit.

    Commenting on the launch, Bata India VP & head – e-commerce, Sharad Thakur said, “We are excited to expand our relationship with Myntra with the exclusive online marketplace launch for Nine West. We’ve crafted this collection as a versatile wardrobe for the modern woman, seamlessly blending elegance and practicality to match a fast-paced urban lifestyle. We’re confident these pieces will transform everyday fashion, empowering women to navigate their day with both confidence and style. We look forward to elevating the shopping experience and making fashion accessible for every occasion.”

    With this new collection, Nine West combines timeless designs with modern versatility, setting a new standard in urban fashion.

  • U.S. Polo Assn joins Zepto’s quick commerce

    U.S. Polo Assn joins Zepto’s quick commerce

    Mumbai: In a significant move advancing quick-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. (USPA), the official brand of the United States Polo Association, has partnered with Zepto to offer its exclusive collection, delivered in 10 minutes.

    This collaboration broadens Zepto’s seller portfolio and marks a shift in how shoppers access fashion. Beyond groceries and personal care, customers can now purchase clothing from premium international brands within the same fast delivery window.

    On the announcement, Zepto co-founder & CEO Aadit Palicha shared, “We’re thrilled about this partnership. USPA, a brand that is synonymous with premium quality and timeless style. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our quick-commerce journey as Zepto expands into the fashion and lifestyle space. With USPA on board, our sellers are delivering a new level of convenience to fashion shoppers across India.”

    Arvind Fashions Ltd MD Shailesh Chaturvedi said, “With U.S. Polo Assn.’s sporty coolness and Zepto’s lightning-fast delivery, we are bringing a new level of accessibility and convenience to our customers. That’s such an exciting trend-setting solution for modern-day needs of our consumers .”

    U.S. Polo Assn’s collection is now available on Zepto, offering users a curated range of timeless apparel. From classic polo shirts to casualwear, customers can receive iconic USPA pieces within minutes. This partnership marks a shift in quick commerce, with Zepto expanding from essentials to premium fashion. Whether it’s getting a polo shirt before an event or casualwear for a last-minute outing, Zepto delivers fast, quality fashion—providing a new level of convenience for those who value both speed and style.

  • Strategies for global brands to enhance customer loyalty in e-commerce

    Strategies for global brands to enhance customer loyalty in e-commerce

    In today’s rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape, global brands must continuously innovate to foster and sustain customer loyalty. Maintaining a strong, loyal customer base is essential to long-term success with the proliferation of choices and increasing competition. In this article, we will explore strategies that global brands, especially in the luxury and premium sectors, can employ to enhance customer loyalty.

    Understanding the value of personalisation

    Personalisation is a key driver of customer loyalty in e-commerce. In an era where customers expect tailored experiences, global brands can leverage data to understand individual customer preferences and behaviors. Brands can enhance their customer journey by offering personalized product recommendations, curated content, and exclusive offers. For example, e-commerce platforms can suggest products based on browsing history or previous purchases, making the shopping experience more convenient and engaging.

    In the luxury and premiumization space, this strategy becomes even more critical. High-end consumers are not just looking for products; they seek unique experiences that reflect their tastes and preferences. Offering personalized consultations, bespoke product customization options, or even early access to new collections can go a long way in building emotional connections with these customers. The deeper the connection, the more likely customers will return, fostering long-term loyalty.

    Elevating customer service to a premium level

    Exceptional customer service is fundamental to any successful e-commerce strategy, but for global brands operating in the luxury market, this service must go beyond the basics. Offering dedicated support teams, VIP customer service lines, and even personal shopping assistants can significantly enhance the customer experience. For instance, many premium brands in the luxury home fittings industry provide live chat features where customers can interact directly with brand representatives, ask questions, and receive prompt responses.

    Incorporating seamless return policies and flexible payment options also fosters trust, reducing friction in the buying process. For premium brands, the idea is to offer a smooth, enjoyable experience from the moment a customer visits the website to when the product is delivered. Elevating these elements of service instills a sense of exclusivity and care, encouraging repeat purchases.

    Emphasizing exclusivity and limited editions

    Exclusivity is a hallmark of luxury and premium brands. Offering limited-edition products or early access to new collections can create a sense of urgency and desirability among customers. By introducing limited-time offers or exclusive online sales, global brands can make their customers feel valued and privileged. This approach not only drives immediate sales but also enhances brand loyalty by making customers feel part of an elite group.

    For example, in the luxury home fittings industry, some brands offer exclusive premium kitchen and bathroom fittings or personalized design consultations for select customers. This sense of rarity and exclusivity fosters a deeper connection with customers, who are motivated to return for future unique offerings, whether it’s custom-made fixtures or high-end accessories that reflect their sophisticated taste and elevate the luxury of their homes.

    Building emotional connections through storytelling

    Storytelling is a powerful tool for building emotional connections with customers, especially in the luxury segment. Global brands can use their digital platforms to tell the stories behind their products, from the craftsmanship involved to the sustainability initiatives they support. By doing so, they create an emotional resonance that goes beyond the functional benefits of their products.

    In the world of e-commerce, consumers often seek brands that align with their values and aspirations. For premium brands, weaving narratives around heritage, craftsmanship, or social responsibility can foster a stronger emotional bond with customers. This connection can turn first-time buyers into brand advocates who share their positive experiences with others, further enhancing customer loyalty.

    Enhancing the e-commerce experience with technology

    Technology plays a vital role in customer loyalty strategies, especially in the e-commerce space. For luxury brands, offering innovative technological experiences can set them apart from the competition. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) tools, for instance, allow customers to visualize products in their homes before making a purchase. This level of interaction creates a more immersive shopping experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction.

    Global brands can also utilize AI-driven chatbots to provide 24/7 customer support or integrate AI-powered recommendation engines to offer tailored product suggestions. These technological innovations not only streamline the shopping process but also ensure that customers feel catered to and understood, boosting their overall loyalty to the brand.

    Focusing on sustainability and corporate responsibility

    Consumers are increasingly gravitating toward brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Global brands, particularly those in the luxury sector, must integrate sustainability into their business models to resonate with conscious consumers. By offering eco-friendly products, reducing packaging waste, or supporting fair trade practices, brands can attract and retain a loyal customer base that values responsible consumption.

    In e-commerce, transparency is crucial. Global brands can use their platforms to showcase their sustainability efforts, whether it’s through detailed product descriptions or dedicated sections that explain their ethical sourcing and environmental initiatives. Customers who feel that their values align with those of the brand are more likely to remain loyal and advocate for the brand.

    Conclusion

    For global brands, particularly those operating in the luxury and premium sectors, customer loyalty in e-commerce is built on a foundation of personalized experiences, exceptional service, and emotional connections. By focusing on exclusivity, technology, and sustainability, brands can foster long-term relationships with their customers, ensuring repeat business and advocacy. In the sanitaryware industry, the focus on customization, innovation, and eco-friendly practices can set brands apart, creating a loyal customer base that values quality and responsibility.

    The article has been authored by hansgrohe India head of marketing Abhijeet Sonar.

  • XYST partners with Amazon, Nykaa, Myntra & Flipkart

    XYST partners with Amazon, Nykaa, Myntra & Flipkart

    Mumbai: XYST, a skincare brand that is FDA-approved and derma-certified, has announced a partnership with e-commerce platforms Amazon, Nykaa, Myntra, and Flipkart. This move aims to enhance XYST’s market presence and supports their goal of achieving 100 crore revenue in the next three years.

    This announcement aligns with the growing skincare market in India, projected to generate $9.88 billion in revenue in 2024. XYST’s products have outpaced the industry growth average of eight per cent YoY, and the new e-commerce partnerships are expected to further boost their market position.

    XYST co-founder Gunjan Agarwal shared her views on the development saying, “The Indian skincare market is witnessing unprecedented growth and our objective is to align our expertise to supplement this rise with premium products that offer a unique combination of nature and science. XYST is dedicated to offer derma-certified, solution based formulas that deliver visible results. Through this major strategic initiative, our goal is to address the accessibility challenge of clinically proven and highly effective skincare products consisting of safe ingredients beyond urban India, and we hope to impact the broader market favourably soon.”

    More of XYST’s expansion plans are already in the pipeline, which are being designed to partner with more mainstream and consumer-focused marketplaces to penetrate key geographies across India, ensuring continued growth.

    The brand presently caters to 18-35 age group, irrespective of gender and skin types to drive its mission of transforming the Indian skincare market with premium products. Their derma-certified formulations come from plant extracts, and unique nature-forward ingredients like Cica and Hemp blended into high-performing actives like Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Vitamin C in their purest forms. This has helped XYST to foster an intimate connection with its consumers that has ensured a robust growth of the brand since 2022.

  • From local to global: The digital evolution of Pashmina.com with VTEX

    From local to global: The digital evolution of Pashmina.com with VTEX

    Mumbai: The art of Pashmina, crafted with centuries-old techniques by Kashmiri artisans, represents a rich tradition of exquisite craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Each piece, meticulously handmade, embodies the delicate balance of artistry and skill passed down through generations. In an effort to preserve and promote this timeless craft, Pashmina.com has emerged as a vital platform, connecting these artisans with a global audience.

    To further enhance its impact and operational efficiency, Pashmina.com has partnered with VTEX, a leading digital commerce platform. This strategic migration from Adobe Commerce to VTEX signifies a new chapter for Pashmina.com, focusing on global expansion and streamlined commerce operations. By leveraging VTEX’s innovative technology, Pashmina.com aims to amplify its reach while continuing to support and sustain the traditional art of Pashmina through its commitment to its artisan community.

    Indiantelevision.com’s Arth Chakraborty caught up with VTEX general manager, EMEA & APAC, Prakash Gurumoorthy and Pashmina.com founder Varun Kumar to gain deeper insights about their recent partnership, recent product announcements and updates and more.

    Edited Excerpts:

    On Pashmina.com planning to leverage VTEX for its global expansion and streamlined operations

    We wanted to create a seamless online shopping experience for our customers from around the globe by optimising our website Pashmina.com for the international markets. The fully integrated and centralised order management system provided by VTEX is helpful for automating processes and analysing the performance metrics for customer delight. Having a single product portfolio while managing multiple markets with varied currencies & languages was surely the core feature that made us want to go ahead with VTEX.

    On Pashmina.com’s migration from Adobe Commerce to Vtex, and the benefits it anticipates from this transition

    As VTEX provides a single platform for commerce and marketplace functions, it is easier to analyse and reach out to specific customer segments with the niche of product mix we offer. VTEX has eliminated costly integrations like payments, CRM, and logistics by providing a fully integrated omnichannel solution for our business to run smoothly.

    On VTEX ensuring faster, high-conversion, composable experiences for both B2C and B2B brands, and its differentiating aspect in terms of user experience and conversion rates

    VTEX has ascended as the composable and complete commerce platform of choice for renowned household names in B2C and B2B commerce such as Samsung, Colgate, Stanley Black & Decker, Sony, Whirlpool, and many others, due to its ability to solve the diverse needs of global retailers and brands.

    As part of its core, VTEX’s composable and complete platform delivers a unified commerce approach, seamlessly intertwining online stores, marketplaces, and physical retail outlets to deliver a connected commerce shopping experience. This strategy fuels collaboration between VTEX, the vendor in this case, and its customer, which nurtures brand loyalty by providing a collaborative and seamless journey that resonates with today’s buyer.

    Supporting this approach is VTEX’s modular and scalable architecture, which significantly enhances user experience and boosts conversion rates by allowing seamless adaptation to market changes while maintaining peak performance. VTEX ensures that retailers avoid the overhead costs associated with extensive developer teams and ongoing maintenance. This efficiency translates directly into a lower total cost of ownership (TCO), as our platform empowers retailers with intuitive tools like FastStore. These tools enable swift implementation of changes, optimisation of product displays, and enhancement of user experiences without compromising on speed or performance. Thus, VTEX not only improves operational agility but also reduces costs, making it a superior choice for retailers aiming to thrive in dynamic markets.

    In order to showcase how VTEX can empower brands, we commissioned a “Total Economic Impact” (TEI) study with Forrester Consulting, which evaluated the financial impact and contributions of VTEX on businesses. The study found significant benefits for brands that transitioned to VTEX within three years, including $5.8 million saved by migrating from legacy digital commerce platforms to VTEX, along with a 133 per cent return on investment (ROI).

    On the recent product announcements and updates from VTEX, particularly regarding AI, security, and data enhancements

    As the comprehensive and composable platform serving enterprise businesses like Samsung, Sony, WhirlPool, and others, VTEX is constantly listening, reviewing, and gathering data on B2C consumer and B2B buyer trends. Additionally, we actively engage with enterprise brands to understand their needs, particularly in reaching new audiences, achieving sales targets, and integrating new innovations to unlock growth opportunities.

    As we are constantly responding to evolving demands and economic changes, we strategically utilise AI algorithms to enhance our offerings for enterprise brands to personalise products, collect valuable data on customer behavior, make informed decisions and optimise their marketing strategies and more to drive revenue forward.

    This is why we launched ‘VTEX Vision,’ a semi-annual product unveiling of cutting-edge solutions aimed at reducing the barriers to growth.  

    For our inaugural VTEX Vision, we created a comprehensive digital product showcase with solutions spanning advertising, data, security, software development, and more. Many of these innovations are embedded with AI integrations to empower both B2C and B2B enterprise brands to provide frictionless commerce for their internal team and buyers. Our latest AI-powered solutions include:

    AI-driven ad network: effectively manages ad space across digital stores using AI-driven optimisation. To maximise profits and simplify advertising efforts, it provides competitive auctions, precise targeting, and thorough ad campaign monitoring.

    WhatsApp integration for tailored sales: VTEX combines targeted campaigns, real-time campaign monitoring, AI-driven customisation, and personalised cart recovery messages with the WhatsApp Business Account builder. Personalised client communication is made possible by this connection, which improves sales conversion strategies.

    AI-powered intelligent search: Utilizing AI to discover patterns in user behaviour, this solution provides automatic find and suggest relevant synonyms for search terms to increase conversion rates.

    Live shopping with AI-powered live chat: VTEX enhances its popular live shopping product with AI-powered live chat to let users receive more prompt responses to their questions and requests during the live shopping experience. Conversion rates and customer happiness both rise with this interactive feature.

    AI is utilised in VTEX pick and pack operations to increase efficiency and decrease errors in fulfillment procedures. Reducing human error and enhancing the overall customer experience, it automates the approval or rejection of consumer return requests.

    These are just some of the ways we’ve built AI-driven solutions to streamline workflows,   tailor customer experiences, maximise advertising budgets and more. Our end goal is to ensure competitiveness for enterprise brands in the ever changing world of commerce.

    We have also introducted VTEX data pipeline to help customers gather all their data from their commerce operation. Unlocking actionable insights from digital commerce data is crucial for business success, yet high costs and complex integrations often pose challenges. VTEX Data Pipeline offers a streamlined solution for data sharing, ensuring secure and direct delivery of commerce data to your infrastructure. With a diverse range of datasets available, customise update frequencies and destinations, while maintaining GDPR compliance and data security. VTEX Data Pipeline empowers brands to access valuable insights, make informed decisions, and drive growth effectively.

    To fortify data protection and strengthen security across all modules, we introduced ‘VTEX Shield’ during VTEX Vision. This advanced security layer is meticulously crafted to elevate overall protection levels and enhance threat detection capabilities.

    VTEX Shield encompasses an advanced web application firewall (WAF) to defend against common online attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting, fortifying the security of digital stores hosted on the platform. Furthermore, VTEX offers a Pentest Readiness Service, allowing merchants to conduct regular penetration tests to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities, thus preventing potential security breaches.

    A key feature of VTEX Shield is its security monitor dashboard, providing real-time visibility into security events for swift risk mitigation. This comprehensive approach strengthens security measures, protects personally identifiable information (PII), and instills confidence in data security within the VTEX ecosystem, ensuring the safety of its customers and stakeholders.

    On Pashmina.com ensuring the authenticity and quality of the Pashmina products sourced from Kashmiri artisans, and some success stories or memorable experiences highlighting the positive impact Pashmina.com has had on their lives

    Each Pashmina we source from the artisans of Kashmir has a geographical indication seal from the ministry of textiles, government of India. This seal serves as the certificate of authenticity with a unique QR code for each Pashmina that indicates its purity. We work with over 100 artisan families assuring employment for both men and women in their families. We pay them upfront for them to have a sense of job security and make their living conditions better. This sustains their motivation to keep the dying art of Pashmina alive.

    On Pashmina.com navigating challenges such as competition in the e-commerce space and changing consumer preferences while staying true to its values

    To stay ahead of the curve, we try to keep our technology up to date for optimising the on-site user experience as per the shopper’s behaviour. The analytics help us to track the trends, drop-off points, and bounce rates for learning consumer preferences. We keep increasing our sustainable fashion product mix by adding traditional as well as contemporary Pashminas that attracts all generations.

    On how VTEX facilitates enhanced order fulfillment speed and efficiency through optimised inventory strategies and management updates

    Previously, enterprises managed their physical and e-commerce operations separately, leading to inventory issues and poor customer satisfaction, as deliveries were only handled by the e-commerce distribution center.

    Our OMS allows customers to integrate inventory from all distribution centers and physical stores, providing full visibility of inventory distribution. This integration reduces inventory breakage and offers multiple delivery options for customers, such as optimised delivery routes and in-store pick-up.

    With our OMS, you can track all sales from a single control panel, whether they occur on your DTC channel or through a third-party marketplace. Our native marketplace connection allows customers to list inventory on third-party marketplaces while maintaining a single source of truth, ensuring better operational control.

    Additionally, our native marketplace helps customers sell on external platforms and enables them to become a marketplace themselves, expanding their inventory without the burden of managing additional assortments.

    Furthermore, VTEX Vision, our semi-annual product showcase of innovative solutions unlocking growth strategies to boost conversion, recently introduced advanced functionalities for our VTEX Sales app such as efficient management of new product arrivals and top offers, the ability to recover abandoned shopping carts, and real-time inventory checks. These features not only streamline internal operations for brands, but also enhance the overall shopping experience for buyers. The integration of these capabilities within VTEX’s ecosystem ensures that businesses can leverage insights and utilize automation to deliver a seamless omnichannel experience that meets the evolving expectations of modern commerce.

    On ways in which VTEX empowers sales agents to enhance customer experience and increase customer lifetime value through improved access to inventory and productivity tools

    Our ecosystem includes sales reps who have a meaningful role in the consumer journey. We have been investing in connecting our customers’ sales reps across various channels, including call centers, brick-and-mortar stores, field sales, and multi-level marketing resellers. In addition to selling more, we enable them to take on other roles within the ecosystem, such as brand influencers, content creators, or part of the store fulfillment team. Our vision is that, in the long run, the sales app suite is so powerful and relevant to the salesperson that they will think twice before considering working somewhere that does not have it, as the software will provide them with so many new opportunities to sell more.

    Our VTEX Vision Spring 2024 announcement features an exciting update to help sales agents with our popular VTEX Sales app. The comprehensive tool is designed in managing sales processes and customer interactions efficiently. The recent updates introduced during VTEX Vision further amplify the app’s capabilities.

    New features within the VTEX Sales app include seamless integration with inventory management systems, ensuring real-time updates on stock levels. This integration enables sales agents to access accurate product availability information directly within the app, facilitating prompt and informed customer interactions. Additionally, we have introduced advanced functionalities for efficiently managing new product arrivals, top offers, recovering abandoned shopping carts, and checking inventory status.

    The VTEX Sales app is integrated with MasterData, consolidating all customer and order data. Moreover, it can seamlessly integrate with other business tools such as CRM software, payment gateways, and marketing tools, offering enhanced functionality and customisation options to meet specific business needs.

    Furthermore, the updated VTEX Sales app now incorporates advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms for inventory forecasting. By analysing historical sales data and customer behavior trends, the app generates precise forecasts for future demand. These predictive insights empower businesses to make data-driven decisions regarding inventory management, procurement strategies, and sales initiatives, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

  • Indhu Radhakrishnan launches Culturati

    Indhu Radhakrishnan launches Culturati

    Mumbai: Pepper Media’s co-founder Indhu Radhakrishnan, has launched Culturati, a curated e-commerce platform dedicated to supporting traditional and indigenous Indian art and crafts. Backed by a team with over two decades of experience in digital media and storytelling, Culturati promises to bring the rich heritage of Indian artisans to a global audience.

    Culturati will feature a meticulously curated collection of traditional art and craft, each with its unique story and cultural significance. The platform aims to promote sustainability by working closely with artisans to ensure fair trade practices and the use of eco-friendly materials. By offering a platform and marketing support for these artisans, Culturati seeks to preserve traditional crafts and provide sustainable livelihoods for craftsmen across India.

    Radhakrishnan expressed her excitement about the launch, stating, “We are on a mission to make traditional cool again. Culturati is not just an e-commerce platform; it is a celebration of India’s rich artistic heritage. By bridging the gap between traditional artisans and global consumers, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that honors and preserves our cultural legacy.”

    Pepper Media, under Indhu Radhakrishnan’s leadership, has established itself as a powerhouse in digital media, renowned for its innovative storytelling and content creation. Leveraging this expertise, Culturati will present each artisan’s story, creating a deeper connection between the consumer and the craft. This emphasis on storytelling not only highlights the craftsmanship but also honors the cultural heritage and traditions behind each piece.

    Culturati aims to provide a seamless shopping experience, combining the authenticity of traditional crafts with the convenience of modern e-commerce. The platform will feature a diverse range of products, including art, décor, fashion jewelry, and more, all sourced from skilled artisans across India.

    Culturati invites everyone to explore the vibrant world of Indian crafts, support local artisans, and become a part of the journey to preserve India’s artistic heritage. For more information, visit www.culturati.in.

  • $359 million powerhouse Sportking goes digital: E-commerce & pan India expansion

    $359 million powerhouse Sportking goes digital: E-commerce & pan India expansion

    Mumbai: Sportking, a leading vertically integrated textile brand in India, has recently launched their first ever e-commerce platform for a country wide expansion, following 27 years of excellence and strong presence in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Haryana. The brand which has more than 100 successful stores within these states has set its sights on reaching customers across all of India with this exciting e-commerce launch.

    Sportking prides itself in the highest standard for making cloth and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities equipped with the latest machinery. The company’s dedication to innovation has resulted in a wide range of yarns that are popular all over domestically. Sportking embraces digital technology to transform every aspect of their business and makes use of algorithms and technological advancements like Google My Business or other AI – powered tools that will not only personalise product recommendations but will also create a seamless and better customer experience. The company has resulted in an annual turnover of Rs 2500 crore – 3000 crore ($359 million), while still being a significant player in the Indian textile industry.

    Sportking has carved a niche as a family-owned brand offering high-quality, aspirational clothing at cost-effective prices. Sportking founded in 1977 the company has grown from a one-room set-up to a multi-crore enterprise under the leadership of three generations of the Avasthi family. Sportking prides itself on its vertically integrated approach, as it means weaving own designs into reality from start point until finishing line so that customers get what suits them best price wise and therefore quality wise as well.

    “For 27 years, Sportking has established a deep connection with communities in North India,” said Sportking’s MD Munish Avasthi. “Our commitment to quality and affordability has positioned us as a mass-premium brand, and we’re excited to bring that value proposition to a wider audience through e-commerce.”

    To know more, check out their latest e-commerce website here: https://www.sportkingfashion.com/

  • Unicommerce to power Fabindia’s e-commerce operations

    Unicommerce to power Fabindia’s e-commerce operations

    Mumbai: Fabindia, India’s premier consumer lifestyle platform has partnered with Unicommerce, one of India’s leading e-commerce enablement SaaS platforms, to manage its growing business operations across online and offline channels and streamline its e-commerce supply chain. As an important channel for thousands of rural artisans across India, Fabindia continues to revolutionise traditional wear mixing it with modern urban tastes.

    Fabindia has deployed Unicommerce’s end-to-end technology stack including multi-channel order management, warehouse management system and omnichannel retail management system to streamline its order processing for its wide array of products listed on its own website, multiple marketplaces as well as across its 100 plus physical stores located in the country.

    Fabindia will use Unicommerce’s technology to seamlessly process orders from across online channels and physical stores. By enabling ship-from-store for orders placed on online platforms, Fabindia will be able to allocate the order to the store location nearest to the customer’s delivery address leading to faster deliveries to the end customers.

    The partnership will further enable Fabindia to synchronize inventory on an hourly basis so that no order is missed along with efficient management of returns from customers. This will further help the brand in enhancing the customers’ overall post-purchase experience.

    Currently, the brand manages a catalog of 1,75,000 items across channels, processing orders from across its 100-plus stores and four warehouses using Unicommerce’s platform.

    Speaking about the partnership, Fabindia chief of e-commerce Arun Naikar said, “With Unicommerce’s robust omnichannel technology, we are confident of seamlessly managing our rising e-commerce volumes across online and offline channels. I believe this is an important step towards building a strong technological foundation that will unlock our future growth.”

    Unicommerce MD & CEO Kapil Makhija commented, “We are focused on contributing towards India’s D2C and retail ecosystem as we continue to proactively design solutions for India’s leading enterprises. We are confident that Fabindia will benefit from the automated workflows offered by Unicommerce’s technology while catering to their rising order volumes and growing customer aspirations.”

    Unicommerce is India’s largest e-commerce enablement SaaS platform in the transaction processing layer, in terms of revenue for the financial year concluded March 2022. Its comprehensive product suite allows businesses to manage the entire post-purchase e-commerce operations effectively. The company has a growing client base, annual recurring revenue (ARR), and revenue growth. As of the quarter ending September 2023, Unicommerce has achieved a 750 million plus annual transaction run-rate, serving over 3500 customers, managing 8000 plus warehouses, and processing orders from 1900 plus stores through its platform.

  • Boldfit expands reach with Blinkit

    Boldfit expands reach with Blinkit

    Mumbai: Boldfit, a leading name in health and fitness apparel, equipment, and supplements, is thrilled to announce its latest partnership with Blinkit, India’s premier quick commerce platform. This collaboration ensures that Boldfit’s premium products are now accessible for rapid 10-minute delivery across many cities in India, revolutionising the way fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers access their essential products.

    Boldfit has consistently been at the forefront of providing high-quality fitness gear, including workout gear, fitness equipment, and dietary supplements. With a commitment to enhancing the health and wellness journey of its customers, Boldfit’s new alliance with Blinkit is set to offer unprecedented convenience, ensuring that top-tier fitness products are just a few clicks away and delivered in record time.

    Key highlights of the partnership:

    10-minute delivery: Customers can now enjoy the convenience of having their favorite Boldfit products delivered to their doorstep in just 10 minutes, thanks to Blinkit’s efficient delivery network.

    Extensive reach: The partnership covers numerous cities across India, bringing Boldfit’s extensive range of products to a wider audience and catering to the increasing demand for quick and reliable access to fitness essentials.

    Premium product range: The collaboration includes the delivery of Boldfit’s full spectrum of offerings, from stylish and functional workout apparel to state-of-the-art fitness appliances and scientifically formulated supplements.

    Boldfit CEO Pallav Bihani expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “At Boldfit, we are always looking for innovative ways to enhance the customer experience. Our collaboration with Blinkit represents a significant step forward in achieving this goal. By leveraging Blinkit’s robust delivery infrastructure, we are ensuring that our customers can maintain their fitness and wellness routines without any interruptions.”

    With this groundbreaking collaboration, Boldfit and Blinkit are poised to make a substantial impact on the health and fitness landscape in India. Customers can now enjoy the ultimate convenience of having Boldfit’s exceptional products delivered swiftly, empowering them to stay committed to their health and fitness goals with ease.