The Convergence of Quick Commerce and Online Retail in India

The e-commerce landscape in India is undergoing a significant transformation as quick commerce delivery services converge with online retailers. Major players like Flipkart and Amazon have ventured into 10-minute deliveries through small-format dark stores, while rapid-delivery specialists such as Swiggy, Blinkit, and Zepto are expanding their warehouses to stock larger products, including household appliances.

Swiggy's Vision and Expansion

Swiggy cofounder and CEO Sriharsha Majety envisions the company as an indispensable part of Indian life, delivering everything from groceries to pet supplies. The company is doubling its dark store capacity to 4 million square feet by March next year, aiming to accelerate its quick commerce business growth.

Amazon's Pilot and Zepto's Growth

Amazon is planning a pilot in Bengaluru, while Zepto is opening dark stores of up to 8,000 square feet to house larger products like water heaters and air purifiers. Despite the focus on grocery sales, Zepto's additional categories, including beauty products and electronic appliances, are showing steady growth.

BigBasket's Strategy and Market Outlook

BigBasket's Founder and CEO Hari Menon emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to quick commerce network expansion, protecting margins through a mix of smaller and larger warehouses. Analysts predict that quick commerce players will not focus on profitability soon, as the race heats up.