Snapdeal pioneers omni-channel platform
The move would allow customers to buy virtually while enjoying expert services in brick-and-mortar stores
Indian ecommerce player Snapdeal has gone where no other global etailer has gone before. The online marketplace on Monday launched its omni-channel platform, a move that would integrate online and offline retail allowing customers to browse and buy virtually while enjoying expert services in brick-and-mortar stores.
The omni-channel, titled Janus, “referring to the Roman God of beginnings, transitions, gates, doors and doorways”, offers value-added perks to customers such as demonstration, installation, activation or returns at a physical store.
“We are thrilled to be the first online marketplace to launch an integrated omni-channel platform, opening a new chapter in enabling the success of retailers and brands in India,” said Kunal Bahl, co-founder and CEO of Snapdeal. “This platform will blur the lines between offline and online retail, demonstrating that both channels can act as gateways to each other.”
Mobile phones in collaboration with The Mobile Store (TMS), automobile tyres in partnership with Michelin, invertors and batteries in association with Luminous and fashion products tied up with Shoppers Stop, will be available first on the omni-channel platform.
Snapdeal aims to cash in on consumer behaviour that often oscillates between online and offline before making purchases. The ecommerce player also hopes to increase its sales and consumer base by providing services such as sim resizing, data transfer, screen guard installation, etc at the consumers’ homes or at the physical store in case the consumer opts for a pick-up, across 70 cities.
“We are confident that the omni-channel platform will create immense value for both our customers and brand partners,” said Tony Navin, senior vice president, partnerships and strategic initiatives, Snapdeal. “We look forward to scaling up this ecosystem by leaps and bounds in the coming months with more like-minded partners.”
