Flipkart, backed by retail giant Walmart, is preparing to venture into the fast-paced quick commerce sector with its upcoming service, ‘Flipkart Minutes,’ slated for launch by mid-July. According to sources familiar with the matter, this marks Flipkart’s ambitious third attempt to establish a foothold in the rapid delivery market, following previous endeavors that did not yield the desired results.
The new service aims to redefine convenience by promising delivery within just 15 minutes, a significant leap from its earlier attempt with Flipkart Quick, which aimed for a 90-minute delivery timeframe but faced challenges in gaining traction. Leveraging its robust supply chain infrastructure, Flipkart Minutes plans to initially focus on essential categories such as groceries and electronics.
Speculation about Flipkart’s foray into quick commerce has been circulating since the beginning of the year, gaining momentum after discussions with Zepto, a potential acquisition target, fell through over a valuation dispute. Despite this setback, Flipkart appears poised to capitalize on the burgeoning quick commerce market in India, which is projected to grow from $3.34 billion in 2024 to nearly $10 billion by 2029, according to estimates by Mordor Intelligence.
In India’s competitive quick commerce landscape, dominated by players like Zomato-backed Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy’s Instamart, Flipkart aims to carve out its niche by combining its extensive logistics network with a focus on ultra-fast delivery times. This strategic move comes amidst a post-Covid surge in demand for swift delivery services, driven by changing consumer behaviors and heightened expectations for convenience.
The company has been enhancing its grocery fulfillment centers across strategic locations, exemplified by the launch of a state-of-the-art facility in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This facility, designed to handle over 6,500 orders daily, serves not only Jaipur but also nearby cities such as Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Kota.
While Flipkart has yet to make an official announcement regarding ‘Flipkart Minutes,’ insiders suggest a potential launch date around July 15, pending final preparations and market readiness. The company’s persistence in entering the quick commerce space underscores its commitment to innovation and meeting evolving consumer demands in the dynamic Indian market.
As Flipkart prepares to unveil its latest initiative, industry observers are keenly watching to see how ‘Flipkart Minutes’ will resonate with consumers and whether it can successfully differentiate itself in a crowded market landscape. With anticipation building, all eyes are on Flipkart as it gears up to redefine the future of rapid delivery services in India.
