While international online giants such as Amazon, Warby Parker, Zappos and Bonobos have been opening stores for some time now, the shift towards physical has become more noticeable over the last few years – in the world and in India…
In the late 90s and early 2000s, the retail industry was all gung ho about going online. Retailers wanted to get connected, design and run innovative e-commerce portals. The idea of selling the product online and delivering it in no time was being considered as a decisive move in-order to succeed. Retailers realised that hopping onto the ‘e-commerce superhighway’ was the future. Everyone hoped to become the next amazon in their chosen fields.
Cut to today and India came into 2017 on the heels of demonetisation. A country that by and large depended on cash was forced to go online. And even as the digital payments space exploded, the business of e-commerce in the Indian sub-continent received its biggest boost ever. E-tailers grew significantly to tap the burgeoning online audience through offers and innovations including easy accessibility and affordability.
In India, Flipkart is at the top of the online game with the highest top-of mind recall among consumers, Amazon has been closing the gap fast, and both companies are preparing to go to war with Alibaba, which is all set to tap the serious potential of the Indian market.
With so much happening in the online space, it comes as a surprise winds of change are breezing through the retail industry, pushing retailers towards physical stores. While international online giants such as amazon, Warby Parker, Zappos and Bonobos have been opening stores for some time now, the shift towards physical has become more noticeable over the last few years – in the world and in India.
The Indian Scenario
This story is from the May 2018 edition of Images Retail.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2018 edition of Images Retail.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Special Events in Malls
Nexus Select Citywalk and Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) organised the collaborative exhibition, ‘The Art Maze; from March 24 to March 31, 2024. Inspired by the works of prominent Indian artists - Lakshman Pai, Raja Ravi Verma, Jamini Roy, SH Raza, and Vivan Sundram; The Art Maze aimed to portray an immersive journey into the world of artistic expression for the participants anve d visitors.
Tier 2 Cities Lead with 64% of March Store Launches
About 48 of all the new stores opened in March 2024 were in non-metros
5 Top Indian Jewellery Brands with the Strongest Retail Footprint
These homegrown jewellery retail gems have been instrumental in shaping the country’s jewellery sector and continue to shine bright amidst stiff competition on the global stage
The Golden Journey of Kalyan Jewellers
How Kerala-based Kalyan Jewellers is transforming itself from a regional brand to a national player that is in sync with the changing time and consumer tastes
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Glittering Success
The story of Kerala-based jewellery retailer's rise to become the world's sixth-largest group in the segment
Here's How India Shops Online
Over 60% of people prefer shopping via apps over websites with a clear preference for marketplace apps
Mini Mall, Mega Experiences
Lulu Group’s first mini mall brings the best of retail to the aspiring consumers of the tier 3 town of Palakkad in Kerala
How Daalchini is Spicing up Micro Retail in India
Through its smart vending machines, the Noida-based company is offering 24/7 convenience to customers, reach to over 200 brands and new business opportunities to entrepreneurs
AI, Cloud and SaaS Play a Pivotal Role for Banjaaran Studio
Banjaaran Studio’s founder Meera Dureja on the brand story, business model and adding a modern touch to traditional shoemaking
How Myntra, Amazon, Shoppers Stop, Peesafe & Indiamart are Using AI for CX
From improving product recommendations and personalised fit suggestions to delivery, here’s how retail biggies are using artificial intelligence to offer delightful customer experiences