NX Logistics India Private Limited, a subsidiary of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., has inaugurated a new warehouse in Hoskote, located in eastern Bengaluru. The facility, which spans 16,608m², is designed to cater to the growing demands of Zepto, one of India’s largest and most prominent quick-commerce companies. Established in 2021, Zepto has swiftly made its mark by offering 10-minute delivery services across a wide array of products, from groceries to toys. The new warehouse will play a pivotal role in supporting Zepto’s fast-paced operations, housing a variety of goods including food, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and household items. The location offers strategic access to key transport networks, ensuring efficient distribution across Bengaluru. Equipped with advanced data analytics, the warehouse will optimise logistics workflows, helping Zepto further streamline its supply chain operations in the region. The partnership between NX Logistics and Zepto was formally celebrated during an opening ceremony on December 9, 2024. The event was attended by key figures including Vinay Dhanani, President of Zepto, Madhusudhan G., Chairman of real estate partner Sumadhura, and Teruaki Nagoya, NX Group India Representative. NX Logistics India aims to expand its services both locally and globally, further strengthening its logistics offerings and contributing to the broader evolution of India’s supply chain and logistics sector. Through this collaboration, NX is poised to enhance Zepto’s logistics efficiency while supporting the rapid growth of the quick-commerce industry in India.
In a major development aimed at enhancing India's logistics and e-commerce capabilities, Amazon Seller Services Private Limited and the Department of Posts (DoP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership, which began in 2013, leverages DoP’s vast network for the transmission and delivery of parcels, enabling Amazon to reach customers across India, including remote areas. The MoU was signed in New Delhi by Kushal Vashist, General Manager of the Parcel Directorate at the Department of Posts, and Venkatesh Tiwari, Director of Operations at Amazon Seller Services Pvt Ltd. Senior officials, including Vandita Kaul, Secretary (Posts), and Aman Jain, Director of Public Policy at Amazon, attended the event. The agreement represents a significant step forward in strengthening the collaboration between the two organisations to boost logistics, support job creation, and contribute to India’s economic growth. The primary objective of the MoU is to explore opportunities for expanding business operations through synchronisation of logistics, capacity-sharing, and the utilisation of DoP’s extensive postal infrastructure. With over 1.6 lakh post offices across India, the Department of Posts offers Amazon unparalleled reach, allowing the e-commerce giant to cater to customers even in the most remote regions. Key highlights of the partnership include regular quarterly reviews to assess the progress of the collaboration and explore new areas for improvement. Amazon will benefit from increased access to DoP’s infrastructure, improving its logistics efficiency and supporting the company’s expanding e-commerce needs. Meanwhile, the Department of Posts will scale up its parcel business, enhancing its capabilities in e-commerce logistics and driving operational efficiency. This collaboration aligns with India’s broader goal of becoming a global logistics hub, as the partnership aims to streamline operations and deliver enhanced services to customers nationwide. Both organisations view this MoU as an opportunity to strengthen India's e-commerce and logistics sectors, empowering businesses and boosting economic activity across the country.
Swiggy Instamart, a leading quick commerce platform, has expanded its operations to 42 cities across India ahead of the festive season, adding 10 new cities in the past two months. The new locations include Thrissur, Mangalore, Kanpur, Udaipur, Warangal, Salem, Amritsar, Bhopal, Varanasi, and Ludhiana, marking the first time many of these cities have access to quick commerce services. “This expansion is part of Swiggy’s commitment to making every day needs accessible and convenient for customers across India,” the company said. The growth strategy focuses on densifying Swiggy Instamart’s store network in key metros while tapping into new, emerging markets that represent future growth opportunities. Swiggy Instamart offers a wide range of products, from daily essentials and groceries to electronics, toys, beauty items, and home supplies, all delivered in just 10 minutes. The platform is also enhancing its offerings by partnering with local brands, including Narans Foods and Ideal Icecream in Mangalore, Top N Town Breads and Addaah in Bhopal, and Milma Milk and Navua Bakers in Thrissur, aligning with regional consumer preferences. The response from these new markets has been promising, with cities like Mangalore and Thrissur setting new benchmarks in order volume and delivery speed. In Mangalore, a store reached 1,000 orders in a single day faster than many larger metros, while Thrissur achieved over 1,000 orders in just four minutes. Despite challenging weather conditions in Bhopal, Swiggy Instamart maintained 100% service availability. To support this rapid growth, Swiggy Instamart plans to expand its dark store network and increase its product assortment, ensuring it can meet rising demand in tier 2 and 3 cities. “The enthusiastic demand from smaller towns and cities has been incredibly encouraging,” said Amitesh Jha, CEO of Swiggy Instamart.
Omnichannel lifestyle brand The Souled Store has partnered with third-party logistics firm Emiza to manage its primary warehouse operations in Mumbai. The collaboration positions Emiza’s Mumbai warehouse as a central hub, managing orders from The Souled Store’s website, marketplaces, and offline stores across India. “This partnership marks a significant milestone in The Souled Store’s journey, enabling the brand to streamline operations and refocus on growth by partnering with Emiza as a trusted 3PL provider,” the company said. The strategic collaboration goes beyond standard logistics, providing services such as inventory management and order processing. The Souled Store has reduced its order processing time from 24 hours to just 12 hours, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction, a key factor in the competitive D2C market. Ajay Rao, Founder of Emiza, highlighted the value of the partnership, stating, “Their trust in our services underscores the value we bring, not just in warehousing and fulfilment, but in enhancing overall customer satisfaction. As India’s fashion e-commerce market is projected to reach USD 112 billion by 2030, our role is to provide the infrastructure and fulfilment expertise necessary for brands to thrive.” Aditya Sharma, Co-founder of The Souled Store, noted the impact of the partnership: “Emiza stepped in, providing exceptional warehousing and fulfilment services aligned with our commitment to delivering quality products. Their focus on optimising our fulfilment process has allowed us to cut order processing time by half, ensuring that our customers receive their orders faster.” With 27 fulfilment centres across 14 cities, Emiza is well-positioned to support The Souled Store’s expansion beyond metro cities, tapping into the growing consumer base in Bharat, the company added.
Walmart-owned Flipkart announced on Wednesday its plans to scale up hiring and expand distribution channels ahead of the upcoming Big Billion Days festival to capitalise on festive demand. The e-commerce giant launched 11 new fulfillment centers (FCs) across nine cities, increasing its total FCs in India to 83. The company is focusing on optimising inventory management, implementing warehouse automation, and streamlining supply chain operations to enhance efficiency. Flipkart plans to create over 1 lakh new jobs across various supply chain verticals, including inventory managers, warehouse associates, logistics coordinators, kirana partners, and delivery drivers. To support this growth, comprehensive skilling and training programs will be introduced for the new hires. “This includes enabling growth opportunities for our kirana partners, who play a role in ensuring festive deliveries even in remote regions PAN India. Our employee force forms the backbone of our Supply Chain, and this year, we are proud to increase this strength even further,” said Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President and Head of Supply Chain, Customer Experience, and ReCommerce, Flipkart Group. Flipkart’s parent company, Walmart, previously expressed optimism about the Big Billion Days festival. The retail giant highlighted that Flipkart achieved double-digit topline growth during the April-June quarter, with significant improvement in its contribution margin. Flipkart's strategic expansion reflects its commitment to meeting the festive season's demands while reinforcing its position as a leading player in the Indian e-commerce landscape.
Flipkart has announced the opening of two new Fulfilments Centres (FCs) in Uttar Pradesh, aimed at bolstering its supply chain capabilities and enhancing customer service across the region. The new facilities, which include an FC and sortation centre in Unnao, as well as a sortation centre and Grocery FC in Varanasi, collectively cover over 5 lakh square feet of storage space. The virtual inauguration was conducted by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath. These new centres are designed to streamline delivery times and improve efficiency across numerous pin codes while creating more than 3,600 direct and indirect employment opportunities. The new Grocery FC in Varanasi and the non-large facility in Unnao will offer a wide range of products, from local items to established brands, enhancing the shopping experience for millions of customers. During the inauguration, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasised the positive impact of Flipkart’s expansion on the state's economic growth. “Flipkart's substantial investment in Uttar Pradesh is a testament to the state's growing reputation as an emerging industrial and entrepreneurial hub. These fulfilment centres are not only generating large-scale employment but also empowering the state's MSME units by providing them with a pan-India reach. Millions of customers can benefit from Flipkart's advanced supply chain, which seamlessly processes a large number of orders every day,” he stated. Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Flipkart Group, highlighted the company's commitment to strengthening local communities and businesses through strategic investments. “With the government’s continued focus on creating a conducive business environment and fostering innovation, Uttar Pradesh offers enormous potential for entrepreneurial growth and success. It has become one of the leading states in e-commerce adoption and seller empowerment,” said Kumar. “With our strategic investments in Uttar Pradesh and our wide marketplace ecosystem, we aim to strengthen local communities, MSMEs, farmers, and ancillary businesses by supporting their digital transformation journey.” Flipkart's expanding infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh includes over 15 lakh square feet of Grocery FCs, Mother Hubs, Last Mile, and Jeeves F1 hubs, generating over 7 lakh jobs. The company has also partnered with the state government on initiatives like Flipkart Samarth and Samarth Krishi to support MSMEs and enhance market access. Flipkart’s collaboration with the state’s One District One Product (ODOP) program has further bolstered the sale of district-specific products, achieving over ₹1,600 crores in sales. As Flipkart continues to grow its logistics network, the company remains committed to serving the evolving needs of its customers with faster, more reliable deliveries and an enhanced shopping experience through multilingual app support and innovative features like voice-enabled shopping and credit offerings.
Amazon India is set to expand its partnership with Indian Railways to boost the use of the rail network for faster movement of customer packages. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Amazon India and Indian Railways to identify hub-and-spoke networks, priority railway zones, and mega parcel hubs. The collaboration will focus on establishing a hub-and-spoke model for one origin-destination pair and leverage insights to scale this model across the rail network. The plan also covers first and last-mile logistics, transit times, cost options, and policy enablers to increase parcel volumes on railways. The partnership aligns with the Indian Government’s vision of 'Viksit Bharat and Viksit Rail,' aiming to use the rail network as an economical and sustainable mode of transportation. A joint task force will be created to ensure consistent operational timelines that meet e-commerce sector requirements. Ravinder Goyal, Member (Operations and Business Development) at Indian Railways, commended Amazon’s commitment, saying, “This collaboration will help railways understand the needs of e-commerce businesses and plan transport services accordingly. The MoU is an important step towards enhancing the movement of e-commerce cargo through Indian Railways.” Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations at Amazon India, emphasised the significance of the partnership, stating, “Our association with Indian Railways aligns with the government's vision to leverage this iconic institution for India’s economic growth. We are committed to driving more innovations to better serve our customers.” Since 2019, Amazon India and Indian Railways have collaborated to combine e-commerce expertise with the railways' vast network, facilitating faster delivery of millions of products across India. This partnership exemplifies Amazon India’s long-term dedication to enhancing logistics efficiency in collaboration with national institutions.
Logistics technology provider Pidge has recently announced its collaboration with the government-run Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This strategic partnership aims to accelerate e-commerce growth, particularly focusing on hyperlocal and same-city deliveries across India. By leveraging Pidge's extensive network, which includes over 200 regional and national partners, the initiative seeks to increase e-commerce penetration beyond the current 5% level in the country. The ONDC Network aims to promote inclusivity for sellers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Ratnesh Verma, Founder and CEO of Pidge, stated, "ONDC Network aims to ensure inclusivity for sellers, especially SMEs, among other objectives that are well-aligned with our offerings at Pidge." Pidge's intelligent logistics solutions optimise delivery routes and provide real-time order tracking through shared rider pools, aligning with ONDC Network's goal of market democratisation and a decentralised process. Pidge’s AI-powered technology streamlines last-mile logistics, offering 100% end-to-end fulfilment across diverse industries. This aligns with the ONDC network’s vision of digitising the entire e-commerce value chain. The company’s offering, Pidge Powered Network (PPN), empowers local suppliers with advanced technology, aiming to enhance tech adoption in areas with limited or no accessibility, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities. T. Koshy, MD & CEO of ONDC, emphasised the significance of this collaboration: "With Pidge onboarding onto the Open Network, the small and micro businesses across the country can leverage Pidge's advanced logistics capabilities and extensive partner network to expand their reach into newer markets." Verma also highlighted the potential benefits for sellers, noting that this partnership will enable them to utilise Pidge’s platform to expand their e-commerce reach through the ONDC Network. This approach aims to promote a sustainable business model, enhancing reliability, accessibility, and ease of use across India's diverse value chain. The collaboration between Pidge and ONDC is expected to provide substantial benefits for small businesses across India. The initiative will empower small businesses by facilitating end-to-end on-network transactions, making it easier for them to reach new markets and enhance their operational efficiency.
Shipway, an e-commerce shipping aggregator supported by IndiaMART, has introduced ConvertWay, a new customer data and marketing automation platform specifically designed for the e-commerce sector. ConvertWay aims to address the growing challenges of high ad costs and customer acquisition costs (CAC) by enhancing website conversion rates and customer retention. "In today's market, where rising ad costs and customer acquisition costs make achieving high website conversion rates increasingly challenging, ConvertWay is poised to transform how businesses convert website visitors into paying customers and retain them longer," the company stated. Gaurav Gupta, Co-founder of Shipway, emphasised the platform's mission: "At ConvertWay, we are collecting billions of data points every month and with that data we are empowering businesses to build stronger relationships with their customers. We aim to democratise customer engagement for eCommerce by enabling all size merchants with sophisticated customer engagement tools." ConvertWay addresses key marketing challenges by focusing on several critical parameters: It provides merchants with potential buyers lists, ROI-focused conversions, and strategies to drive revenue from existing customers. It employs gamified popups and scratch cards to capture website traffic, facilitating faster conversions and effectively engaging visitors. It prioritises marketing budgets by using SMS and WhatsApp for intelligent segmentation, ensuring the right message reaches the right audience at the right time, boosting conversions by up to five times. It automates retention workflows, enabling brands to generate up to 50% of their revenue from existing customers through advanced segmentation and targeted messages. "ConvertWay distinguishes itself from other tools and competitors by focusing on first-party data, which is directly collected from customers to drive marketing strategies," the release stated. This focus is crucial as third-party cookies and data face increasing privacy restrictions. ConvertWay's AI-based segmentation tools empower businesses to build stronger customer relationships, ensuring timely and relevant communication. In a competitive e-commerce landscape, ConvertWay offers a comprehensive suite of tools to maximise conversions and unlock significant revenue potential for businesses of all sizes.
Third-party logistics (3PL) firms Delhivery and Xpressbees are expanding their services beyond traditional e-commerce orders to cater to the burgeoning quick-commerce sector. Platforms like Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, and Zepto are driving this shift, as reported by The Economic Times (ET). Gurgaon-based Delhivery, India’s largest 3PL firm, has begun managing larger warehouses for Swiggy Instamart, which supply smaller dark stores or fulfillment centers within city limits. Similarly, Pune-based Xpressbees is in talks with multiple players to enter the quick-commerce segment, sources familiar with the matter told ET. “As quick commerce continues to grow, logistics players are recognising the opportunity while platforms require robust logistics infrastructure and expertise,” a source told ET. The report highlights that companies like Zepto are redesigning their mother warehouses to accommodate a broader range of products. Delhivery’s partnership with Swiggy Instamart aims to expand further, facilitating the movement of various stock-keeping units (SKUs) as top players diversify their offerings. Xpressbees, which already collaborates with several e-commerce and direct-to-consumer brands, is exploring opportunities in this growing sector. “Xpressbees will also handle some of the heavy lifting in warehouse management,” another informed source told ET.
Bajaj Auto and Flipkart have announced a strategic partnership to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Flipkart’s last-mile delivery operations. This collaboration marks a significant step towards a greener future for the Indian e-commerce sector, as noted in an official release. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Samardeep Subandh, President of the Intracity Business Unit at Bajaj Auto, Prabhu Balasrinivasan, Vice President of Commercial at Flipkart Group, and Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President and Head of Supply Chain, Customer Experience, and Re-commerce at Flipkart Group. The initial agreement involves supplying at least 1,000 advanced electric three-wheeler cargo vehicles to Flipkart, with potential for future fleet expansion. Samardeep Subandh highlighted the growing impact of last-mile logistics in India's rapidly scaling e-commerce sector. He emphasized Flipkart's commitment to sustainable last-mile logistics and the role of Bajaj Auto, a global leader in three-wheelers, in this transition. Over two years, Bajaj Auto will provide more than 1,000 electric cargo vehicles featuring the Bajaj Cargo ETEC products known for their superior performance and innovative design. Hemant Badri underscored the environmental and societal impact of Flipkart’s operations and described the partnership with Bajaj Auto as a pivotal moment for both the company and the Indian e-commerce landscape. He reiterated Flipkart’s dedication to sustainable supply chains and its pledge to transition its last-mile delivery fleet to 100% electric vehicles as part of the Climate Group’s global EV100 initiative. By integrating the latest technology and forming strategic partnerships, Flipkart aims to enhance operational efficiency and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Flipkart has announced the opening of two new Fulfilments Centres (FCs) in Uttar Pradesh, aimed at bolstering its supply chain capabilities and enhancing customer service across the region. The new facilities, which include an FC and sortation centre in Unnao, as well as a sortation centre and Grocery FC in Varanasi, collectively cover over 5 lakh square feet of storage space. The virtual inauguration was conducted by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath. These new centres are designed to streamline delivery times and improve efficiency across numerous pin codes while creating more than 3,600 direct and indirect employment opportunities. The new Grocery FC in Varanasi and the non-large facility in Unnao will offer a wide range of products, from local items to established brands, enhancing the shopping experience for millions of customers. During the inauguration, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasised the positive impact of Flipkart’s expansion on the state's economic growth. “Flipkart's substantial investment in Uttar Pradesh is a testament to the state's growing reputation as an emerging industrial and entrepreneurial hub. These fulfilment centres are not only generating large-scale employment but also empowering the state's MSME units by providing them with a pan-India reach. Millions of customers can benefit from Flipkart's advanced supply chain, which seamlessly processes a large number of orders every day,” he stated. Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Flipkart Group, highlighted the company's commitment to strengthening local communities and businesses through strategic investments. “With the government’s continued focus on creating a conducive business environment and fostering innovation, Uttar Pradesh offers enormous potential for entrepreneurial growth and success. It has become one of the leading states in e-commerce adoption and seller empowerment,” said Kumar. “With our strategic investments in Uttar Pradesh and our wide marketplace ecosystem, we aim to strengthen local communities, MSMEs, farmers, and ancillary businesses by supporting their digital transformation journey.” Flipkart's expanding infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh includes over 15 lakh square feet of Grocery FCs, Mother Hubs, Last Mile, and Jeeves F1 hubs, generating over 7 lakh jobs. The company has also partnered with the state government on initiatives like Flipkart Samarth and Samarth Krishi to support MSMEs and enhance market access. Flipkart’s collaboration with the state’s One District One Product (ODOP) program has further bolstered the sale of district-specific products, achieving over ₹1,600 crores in sales. As Flipkart continues to grow its logistics network, the company remains committed to serving the evolving needs of its customers with faster, more reliable deliveries and an enhanced shopping experience through multilingual app support and innovative features like voice-enabled shopping and credit offerings.
Amazon India is set to expand its partnership with Indian Railways to boost the use of the rail network for faster movement of customer packages. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Amazon India and Indian Railways to identify hub-and-spoke networks, priority railway zones, and mega parcel hubs. The collaboration will focus on establishing a hub-and-spoke model for one origin-destination pair and leverage insights to scale this model across the rail network. The plan also covers first and last-mile logistics, transit times, cost options, and policy enablers to increase parcel volumes on railways. The partnership aligns with the Indian Government’s vision of 'Viksit Bharat and Viksit Rail,' aiming to use the rail network as an economical and sustainable mode of transportation. A joint task force will be created to ensure consistent operational timelines that meet e-commerce sector requirements. Ravinder Goyal, Member (Operations and Business Development) at Indian Railways, commended Amazon’s commitment, saying, “This collaboration will help railways understand the needs of e-commerce businesses and plan transport services accordingly. The MoU is an important step towards enhancing the movement of e-commerce cargo through Indian Railways.” Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations at Amazon India, emphasised the significance of the partnership, stating, “Our association with Indian Railways aligns with the government's vision to leverage this iconic institution for India’s economic growth. We are committed to driving more innovations to better serve our customers.” Since 2019, Amazon India and Indian Railways have collaborated to combine e-commerce expertise with the railways' vast network, facilitating faster delivery of millions of products across India. This partnership exemplifies Amazon India’s long-term dedication to enhancing logistics efficiency in collaboration with national institutions.
Third-party logistics (3PL) firms Delhivery and Xpressbees are expanding their services beyond traditional e-commerce orders to cater to the burgeoning quick-commerce sector. Platforms like Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, and Zepto are driving this shift, as reported by The Economic Times (ET). Gurgaon-based Delhivery, India’s largest 3PL firm, has begun managing larger warehouses for Swiggy Instamart, which supply smaller dark stores or fulfillment centers within city limits. Similarly, Pune-based Xpressbees is in talks with multiple players to enter the quick-commerce segment, sources familiar with the matter told ET. “As quick commerce continues to grow, logistics players are recognising the opportunity while platforms require robust logistics infrastructure and expertise,” a source told ET. The report highlights that companies like Zepto are redesigning their mother warehouses to accommodate a broader range of products. Delhivery’s partnership with Swiggy Instamart aims to expand further, facilitating the movement of various stock-keeping units (SKUs) as top players diversify their offerings. Xpressbees, which already collaborates with several e-commerce and direct-to-consumer brands, is exploring opportunities in this growing sector. “Xpressbees will also handle some of the heavy lifting in warehouse management,” another informed source told ET.
Logistics technology provider Pidge has recently announced its collaboration with the government-run Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This strategic partnership aims to accelerate e-commerce growth, particularly focusing on hyperlocal and same-city deliveries across India. By leveraging Pidge's extensive network, which includes over 200 regional and national partners, the initiative seeks to increase e-commerce penetration beyond the current 5% level in the country. The ONDC Network aims to promote inclusivity for sellers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Ratnesh Verma, Founder and CEO of Pidge, stated, "ONDC Network aims to ensure inclusivity for sellers, especially SMEs, among other objectives that are well-aligned with our offerings at Pidge." Pidge's intelligent logistics solutions optimise delivery routes and provide real-time order tracking through shared rider pools, aligning with ONDC Network's goal of market democratisation and a decentralised process. Pidge’s AI-powered technology streamlines last-mile logistics, offering 100% end-to-end fulfilment across diverse industries. This aligns with the ONDC network’s vision of digitising the entire e-commerce value chain. The company’s offering, Pidge Powered Network (PPN), empowers local suppliers with advanced technology, aiming to enhance tech adoption in areas with limited or no accessibility, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities. T. Koshy, MD & CEO of ONDC, emphasised the significance of this collaboration: "With Pidge onboarding onto the Open Network, the small and micro businesses across the country can leverage Pidge's advanced logistics capabilities and extensive partner network to expand their reach into newer markets." Verma also highlighted the potential benefits for sellers, noting that this partnership will enable them to utilise Pidge’s platform to expand their e-commerce reach through the ONDC Network. This approach aims to promote a sustainable business model, enhancing reliability, accessibility, and ease of use across India's diverse value chain. The collaboration between Pidge and ONDC is expected to provide substantial benefits for small businesses across India. The initiative will empower small businesses by facilitating end-to-end on-network transactions, making it easier for them to reach new markets and enhance their operational efficiency.
Shipway, an e-commerce shipping aggregator supported by IndiaMART, has introduced ConvertWay, a new customer data and marketing automation platform specifically designed for the e-commerce sector. ConvertWay aims to address the growing challenges of high ad costs and customer acquisition costs (CAC) by enhancing website conversion rates and customer retention. "In today's market, where rising ad costs and customer acquisition costs make achieving high website conversion rates increasingly challenging, ConvertWay is poised to transform how businesses convert website visitors into paying customers and retain them longer," the company stated. Gaurav Gupta, Co-founder of Shipway, emphasised the platform's mission: "At ConvertWay, we are collecting billions of data points every month and with that data we are empowering businesses to build stronger relationships with their customers. We aim to democratise customer engagement for eCommerce by enabling all size merchants with sophisticated customer engagement tools." ConvertWay addresses key marketing challenges by focusing on several critical parameters: It provides merchants with potential buyers lists, ROI-focused conversions, and strategies to drive revenue from existing customers. It employs gamified popups and scratch cards to capture website traffic, facilitating faster conversions and effectively engaging visitors. It prioritises marketing budgets by using SMS and WhatsApp for intelligent segmentation, ensuring the right message reaches the right audience at the right time, boosting conversions by up to five times. It automates retention workflows, enabling brands to generate up to 50% of their revenue from existing customers through advanced segmentation and targeted messages. "ConvertWay distinguishes itself from other tools and competitors by focusing on first-party data, which is directly collected from customers to drive marketing strategies," the release stated. This focus is crucial as third-party cookies and data face increasing privacy restrictions. ConvertWay's AI-based segmentation tools empower businesses to build stronger customer relationships, ensuring timely and relevant communication. In a competitive e-commerce landscape, ConvertWay offers a comprehensive suite of tools to maximise conversions and unlock significant revenue potential for businesses of all sizes.
Bajaj Auto and Flipkart have announced a strategic partnership to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Flipkart’s last-mile delivery operations. This collaboration marks a significant step towards a greener future for the Indian e-commerce sector, as noted in an official release. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Samardeep Subandh, President of the Intracity Business Unit at Bajaj Auto, Prabhu Balasrinivasan, Vice President of Commercial at Flipkart Group, and Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President and Head of Supply Chain, Customer Experience, and Re-commerce at Flipkart Group. The initial agreement involves supplying at least 1,000 advanced electric three-wheeler cargo vehicles to Flipkart, with potential for future fleet expansion. Samardeep Subandh highlighted the growing impact of last-mile logistics in India's rapidly scaling e-commerce sector. He emphasized Flipkart's commitment to sustainable last-mile logistics and the role of Bajaj Auto, a global leader in three-wheelers, in this transition. Over two years, Bajaj Auto will provide more than 1,000 electric cargo vehicles featuring the Bajaj Cargo ETEC products known for their superior performance and innovative design. Hemant Badri underscored the environmental and societal impact of Flipkart’s operations and described the partnership with Bajaj Auto as a pivotal moment for both the company and the Indian e-commerce landscape. He reiterated Flipkart’s dedication to sustainable supply chains and its pledge to transition its last-mile delivery fleet to 100% electric vehicles as part of the Climate Group’s global EV100 initiative. By integrating the latest technology and forming strategic partnerships, Flipkart aims to enhance operational efficiency and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
In a bold move to redefine the future of e-commerce logistics, Amazon has introduced a state-of-the-art robotic system at its Houston warehouse. The implementation of this cutting-edge technology is poised to revolutionize the speed and efficiency of order processing and delivery. Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, has a long history of pushing the boundaries of technological innovation. Their latest endeavor in Houston is a testament to their commitment to enhancing customer experiences and streamlining operations. The newly deployed robotic system, equipped with advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities, is set to transform the way goods are handled within the facility. By working seamlessly alongside human employees, these robots aim to reduce order processing times, minimize errors, and drastically cut down on delivery times. By integrating this advanced technology, Amazon aims to offer customers even faster delivery options and a more reliable shopping experience. In addition to these advantages, the implementation of robotics is expected to create new jobs for workers who will be responsible for maintaining and overseeing the robotic workforce. The Houston community is already buzzing with excitement over this development, as it not only promises to enhance the local job market but also marks Houston as a pivotal hub in Amazon's nationwide delivery network. Amazon's ongoing commitment to innovation, as demonstrated by the introduction of this robotic system, showcases the company's dedication to exceeding customer expectations and maintaining its position at the forefront of the e-commerce industry. It won't be long before these advanced robots are operational at more Amazon fulfillment centers, reshaping the landscape of modern logistics.
In a groundbreaking partnership, Delhivery, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Nexus Ventures have come together to launch the eagerly anticipated "Velocity" accelerator program. This innovative initiative is set to act as a powerful catalyst for emerging startups operating within the logistics ecosystem, fostering their growth and transformation. As the logistics industry continues to evolve in response to global economic shifts and heightened consumer expectations, nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship becomes increasingly paramount. The "Velocity" accelerator program has been designed to meet this challenge head-on, aiming to empower logistics startups and drive the industry forward. Key highlights of the "Velocity" accelerator program include: 1. Empowering Logistics Startups: "Velocity" is tailored to support logistics startups at various stages of development. By providing access to mentorship, funding, and technology resources, the program is positioned to fuel the growth of these enterprises. 2. Leveraging AWS Expertise: Amazon Web Services, a global leader in cloud computing, will lend its expertise to the program. Participants will have access to AWS's comprehensive cloud services, enabling them to develop and scale their innovative solutions with ease. 3. Nexus Ventures' Investment Support: Nexus Ventures, a venture capital firm renowned for backing early-stage companies, will play a pivotal role in identifying promising startups and providing them with the necessary financial backing. 4. Focus on Innovation: The "Velocity" accelerator program will prioritize innovative solutions, spanning a wide range of logistics-related fields, including last-mile delivery, supply chain optimization, and data analytics. 5. A Robust Ecosystem: This collaborative effort leverages the strengths of all three partners to create an ecosystem conducive to fostering groundbreaking ideas, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement. Mr. Sahil Barua, the CEO and Co-Founder of Delhivery, expressed his excitement about the program, stating, "The logistics industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace. We believe that by partnering with AWS and Nexus Ventures for the 'Velocity' accelerator program, we can help nurture the next generation of logistics innovators. This program will be a game-changer, enabling startups to harness their potential and drive transformation within the industry." The launch of "Velocity" represents a significant step forward in the logistics sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the industry's evolving needs. As startups across the logistics ecosystem continue to flourish and bring fresh ideas to the table, this accelerator program is poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping the future of logistics. With the combined strengths of Delhivery, AWS, and Nexus Ventures, the program holds the promise of propelling innovative startups to new heights and facilitating a more efficient, technologically advanced logistics landscape.
Shiprocket has officially gone live on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The first successful transaction was fulfilled on October 22, 2022. Shiprocket, which services 1,00,000+ sellers across 24000 pin codes across India, is the first inter-city logistics provider to plug into the ONDC network, enabling sellers from all segments to ship products to cities and towns across India. Shiprocket will enable sellers on ONDC to select a trusted delivery partner to pick up their products from 24000 pincodes across India, and enable them to ship them to consumers through the length and breadth of the country, with both cash-on-delivery as well prepaid shipping facilities available to the customers. The development expands ONDC's footprint from hyperlocal logistics to inter-city shipping across India, enabling products to be picked up and delivered from all corners of India, while also giving small retailers and sellers the opportunity to choose the most viable delivery partner for each order and ensure high-quality delivery service to their customers. Shiprocket's unique model also unlocks the opportunity for local logistics providers to integrate with India's e-commerce ecosystem easily. Small and medium logistics providers, operating in small towns and cities, can now offer their services through Shiprocket on the ONDC network. Saahil Goel, Co-founder, Shiprocket said, “We are really excited to partner with ONDC as the first inter-city logistics provider to enable sellers from all segments to ship products to cities and towns across India. With an increase in digitisation in India, sellers from tier II and III cities are emerging and they need logistics support, hence we are creating an inclusive and open-access tech ecosystem for them to ease their business. Our mission is to reach every independent retailer in the country and enable them with state of the art technology that can help them better manage their delivery and customer experience and be able to compete on even keel with the larger platforms that are out there. We are truly democratising logistics by offering data-backed real-time courier recommendations, software to manage operations end-to-end, same day/next-day delivery capabilities as well as warehousing capabilities across 45 locations pan-India.” “ONDC’s mission is to enable an inclusive e-commerce ecosystem for all of India where a business in a small village in a remote corner of India can have the confidence and the opportunity to sell their products to customers anywhere in the country. With Shiprocket and ONDC working in tandem, this is now a reality,” said T Koshy, CEO, Open Network For Digital Commerce (ONDC). ONDC and Shiprocket are also working to enable warehousing-as-a-service on ONDC. This will allow small and medium businesses to provide same-day shipping services to their customers.
Mahindra Logistics Ltd (MLL), one of India’s large 3PL solutions providers, which forayed into end-to-end services for its B2C grocery business last year, announced it has been able to establish a very strong presence in the country. The company has now launched its latest fulfilment centre, eleventh in the country and third in the city of Hyderabad. The new fulfilment centre will enable quick commerce in the grocery segment with technology at its backbone in driving efficiency. Commenting on the expansion, Rampraveen Swaminathan, Managing Director and CEO of MLL said, “With changing consumer demand patterns, we are expanding our network to continually enhance our reach. Essential service is a rapidly growing category, and we are looking at bringing our facilities to cities where these services are not accessible. We believe in delivering a consistent customer experience in the B2C space through customised, technology-driven solutions. These operations also synergise last-mile operations through “Whizzard”, our last-mile logistics brand we acquired in April this year. Within a short period, MLL has established its operational capability across India with its end-to-end services of fulfilment centres, milk-run transportation, micro-fulfilment centres (dark stores) and last-mile delivery. The network which the company built for this segment is the best-in-class and is equipped to fulfil large volumes. These fulfilment centres are spread across 5 cities (Bangalore, Vizag, Vijayawada, Hyderabad, and Kolkata), serving more than 6 lakh units and 15000+ stores per day. MLL through these B2C fulfilment centres is creating employment for 1500+ people. MLL has been steadfast in its efforts to be more inclusive. The company has actively employed differently abled persons and employees from the LGBTQ+ community, at its warehouses across the country. Similarly, MLL is bridging the gender diversity gap by hiring more women from various backgrounds and experiences.
The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) held its 6th EC Meeting for the term 2021-23 on May 27 and 28 in Bengaluru. The meeting was attended by the Office Bearers and 28 Member Association representative of FFFAI from across the country, there were many issues discussed and updates provided concerning customs, CBLR, EDI, Service Tax/GST, logistics, air cargo, sea cargo, skill development,importance of social media which FFFAI has expanded recently, technology developments, etc. The special focus of the 6th EC meeting was the updates on forthcoming 24th Biennial Convention of FFFAI to be held from August 12 to 14, 2022 in Chennai with the theme LOGISTICS RESHAPE, EMBRACE AND SURGE IN THE DIGITAL ERA. At this EC meeting, FFFAI also implemented Digital Learning platform for members and next generation for e-learning. It has been decided that FFFAI would initiate FIATA eFBL here in India to benefit the trade, which empowers customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers. In addition, updates on the recently held FIATA HQ Meet was also provided by the concerned members of FFFAI. FFFAI members present at this EC meeting stressed upon enhancing productivity on ICEGATE for trade facilitation and Ease of Doing Business. The FFFAI members also urged for creating a dedicated portal for LSP integration. As regard to skill development initiatives, IIFF’s (training arm of FFFAI) past and forthcoming training programmes (both online and classroom/physical) for the entire logistics industry were presented at the EC meeting. In addition, FFFAI’s various initiatives on capacity building through technology/IT also discussed withadequate importance. Recent activities of FFFAI Women’s Wing including organising interactive meetings with Government of India officials and industry experts were highlighted at this meeting which drew huge appreciation from the members. The members committed to expand the activities of the Women’s Wing in all the 28 member association locations to empower/encourage the women logistics practitioners. At this EC meeting FFFAI has signed an MoU with the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) with an objective of skilling the aspiring candidates looking for opportunities in the logistics sector. Notably, a special session was organised at this 6th EC Meeting where N Sivasailam, former Special Secretary (Logistics), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India was present to address the FFFAI members and highlight the recent initiatives of the government in strengthening the logistics infrastructure, thereby leading in increase of international trade through multimodal connectivity and faster cargo clearance. He projected the ambitious growth potential of the logistics industry in India with a strong collaboration between government and industry people. Also speaking on the occasion was Bani Bhattacharya, IRS, who interacted with members of FFFAI on various initiatives of CBIC for the trade facilitation without human intervention. FFFAI Chairman Shankar Shinde thanked all the 28 associations for their support and appreciated the contribution of CBIC/DG systems trade facilitation measures. FFFAI Member Associations are: 1. Ahmedabad Custom Brokers' Association2. Aurangabad Customs House Agents Association3. Association of Custom House Agents Thiruvanthapuram4. Bangalore Custom House Agents Association5. Brihnamumbai Custom Brokers Association6. Calcutta Customs House Agents Association7. Chennai Customs House Agents Association8. Cochin Customs Brokers' Association9. Coimbatore Customs House and Steamer Agents Association10. Custom Brokers Association Hyderabad11. Delhi Customs Brokers Association12. Goa Custom Brokers Association13.Indore Customs House Agents Association14. The Kakinada Customs Brokers Association15. Kandla Custom Brokers Association16. Kanpur Customs Brokers Association17. Ludhiana Customs House Agents Association18. Mangalore Customs House Agents Association19. Mundra Customs Brokers Association20. Nagpur Customs House Agents Association21. Nashik Customs House Agents Association22. Nadia Custom Brokers Association23. Pipavav Custom Brokers Association24. Pune Customs House Agents Association25. Rajasthan Customs House Agents Association26.Tuticorin Custom Brokers Association27.Visakhapatnam Cusotms Brokers' Association28.West Bengal Custom House Agents Society FFFAI welcomes Women in Logistics/Youth in Logistics to participate on FFFAI forums and also invites membership application form logistics service providers in industry as this is a big national and international forum to network.
Ecom Express Limited, India’s sole pure-play B2C e-commerce logistics provider as of the Financial Year 2024, has introduced a new brand identity, underscoring its commitment to customer-centricity. This rebranding reflects a focus on addressing specific customer needs, prioritising customer-facing metrics, and integrating innovative technology across its nationwide express logistics network. The goal is to enhance speed, agility, and network reach, ensuring a customer-focused approach. The rebranding includes a dynamic logo and a refreshed visual identity, symbolising Ecom Express’s pursuit of excellence. The new logo features a forward-moving arrow within a square, representing the company’s dedication to delivery. The letter "E" in the logo stands for Expression, Innovation, and Progress, while the bold magenta colour signifies bravery, self-expression, and strength. This vibrant magenta reintroduction reflects Ecom Express's renewed commitment to customers, partners, and team members, as the company aims to simplify and democratise logistics for all. Ajay Chitkara, CEO and MD of Ecom Express, elaborated on the transformation, stating, “Our refreshed brand identity reaffirms our customer-first approach as we continue to integrate technology and innovation to provide reliable, high-speed services with the widest network reach. This transformation also underscores our commitment to our employees and delivery partners, who are essential to our business.” The new logo embodies Ecom Express’s dedication to its core values, focusing on customer welfare and fostering a diverse, inclusive environment. This rebranding signifies a promise to redefine logistics through advanced technology, making life easier for all types of customers.
ESR India, the largest APAC focused industrial and logistics real estate platform, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu for a potential investment of INR 550 crores. The MOU is signed for the launch of two industrial parks in Kancheepuram and Krishnagiri districts of the state over the next five years. Once fully operational, the two projects have the potential to create over 4,400 jobs in the facility, that shall boost the overall socio-economic growth in the region. The MoU was signed at the Investment Conclave 2021 conference held today. It will facilitate ESR India’s proposed investment at Kancheepuram and Krishnagiri industrial parks by helping in streamlining land acquisition, approvals, clearances, and administrative processes as per existing policies, rules, and regulations of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The policy and regulatory reforms unveiled in recent times has accentuated the entry of international institutional players and has set new benchmarks for industrial developments in the country. Commenting on the development, Abhijit Malkani, CEO and Country Head, ESR India said, “We are delighted to announce our affiliation with the state government. The Government of Tamil Nadu has been very supportive in encouraging industrial developments in the state by creating a favourable business climate for industrial players. The MoU will see ESR invest INR 550 crores to develop industrial parks in Tamil Nadu, offering 1,800 direct and 2,600 indirect job opportunities in the facility.” “Our goals are aligned with the vision of the Tamil Nadu government, to create avenues to increase business and trade inclusion opportunities and employment towards garnering better economic growth in the region,” he further stated. ESR India is currently present across 9 cities and 15 locations with a total GFA of 18 mn sq ft. These state-of-the-art facilities will be developed upholding the best practices for ESG and sustainability.
Mahindra World City Jaipur (MWC Jaipur), a joint venture between Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd (MLDL) and Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) announced it concluded 26 new lease agreements between April 2021 and June 2022. The new signings included both new customers and expansion of facilities by existing clients, together leasing about 137 acres of land. In the same period, MWC Jaipur and its constituent units' aggregated investments crossed Rs 721 crores, and cumulative exports by MWC Jaipur exceeded Rs 15,930 crores, of which Rs 3,321 crores were in the last 15 months. Over these fifteen months, a total of 69 companies have completed their facility buildout at MWC Jaipur and become operational. The new entrants to MWC Jaipur represent a variety of sectors, like Logistics and Warehousing, IT & ITeS, Engineering, Furniture Manufacturing, Solar Energy, Gems and Jewelry manufacturing. The newly added roster of clients at MWC Jaipur includes Wipro Hydraulics, Shakti Hormann, Renew Photovoltaics, Kerakoll India, Normet, Gulmohar Lane Lifestyle, Manor & Mews, J Atelier Pink City, Kamal Coach Works, Maxop Engineering, amongst others. Rajaram Pai, Chief Business Officer – Industrial, Mahindra Lifespaces said, “MWC Jaipur today is home to prestigious domestic and international manufacturing companies from across the world, who have established a manufacturing base in India for the first time. Enabling business acceleration for customers has always been our focus. We continue to deliver the highest urbanisation standards by leveraging innovation, thoughtful design, and a deep commitment to sustainability. MWC Jaipur contributes towards generating incremental employment and income for the state while creating world-class infrastructure which would serve the nation for many years to come. We are glad to be the enablers of Make-in-India and Make-for-India.” Becoming a preferred destination of choice for over 121 global and domestic companies, MWC Jaipur is enabling business growth for customers by crafting a conducive environment, with robust infrastructure and facilities that propagate ease of doing business. Mahindra World City Jaipur is the first project in Asia to receive Climate Positive Development Stage 2 Certification from the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), a global network of large cities taking action to address climate change. With a focus on climate-positive development, MWC Jaipur is continuing its efforts on integrating sustainability within the city. Green, integrated developments is continuously being upgraded to mitigate the impact of business operations on the environment. As of March 31, 2022, a total of 59,955 trees have been planted in government-approved forest areas and rural areas under the Mahindra Group’s flagship program – Hariyali. Around 11,100 trees have been planted within the industrial park.
The Uttar Pradesh government is set to develop a multi-modal logistics hub (MMLH) in Greater Noida’s Dadri, investing Rs 7,064 crore to support its $1 trillion economy goal. This hub will cover 823 acres, with a core development area spanning 455 acres. Key developments include commercial and administrative facilities over 17.5 acres, a rail yard, and other projects across 350 acres. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directives, a detailed action plan has been designed to expedite these initiatives. The Dadri MMLH aims to become a world-class freight handling facility, functioning as a dry port to ensure the swift transit of goods and raw materials. This project is poised to be India's largest logistics hub. Located on the eastern and western dedicated freight corridors, it will serve as a central hub for container handling, warehousing, cold storage, processing, de-stuffing, stuffing, and value-added packing. Providing seamless rail connectivity, the hub will feature rail platforms, customs clearance facilities, cargo segregation areas, truck parking zones, and extensive green spaces. The project is being developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, supervised by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority and adhering to the guidelines of the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT). The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority has prepared the Master Detailed Project Report (DPR) for constructing the approach track and Rail Over Rail (ROR) bridge from New Dadri station to the MMLH boundary. The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) has approved the DPR for railway tracks and terminal stations within the MMLH. Additionally, the tender documentation for land acquisition and signaling processes for the approach track has been finalized. Concurrently, the development of trunk infrastructure, including boundary work, roads, canals, bridges, utility relocation, and water and power supply, is progressing through various phases.
