Offline, ecom, qcom platforms see surge in N95 mask, air-purifier sales

Pollution chokes cities

- UDISHA SRIVASTAV & AKSHARA SRIVASTAVA

The worsening air pollution situation in northern India, which has led to doctors ringing alarm bells, is pushing consumers to stock up on essentials that can protect them. As a result, e-commerce (ecom) and quick commerce (qcom) platforms are witnessing a sharp surge in demand for products like air purifiers, N95 masks, and car cabin filters, among others.

Demand for air purifiers is also seeing an uptick in the offline segment and in areas other than just the National Capital Region (NCR), which comprises Delhi and its surrounding urban areas of neighbouring states.

Devendra Meel, chief business officer of Zepto, said the qcom firm is stocking up its dark stores as the demand for pollution-protection essentials is soaring. “As witnessed on our platform, demand for N95 masks is up 3.5 times from last year while air purifiers have grown four times. Our sellers have already surpassed last season's total sales,” he said. In addition, the company’s pharma vertical, Zepto Pharmacy, is also seeing a spike in preventive and recovery-focused products.