Amazon, Flipkart Vie For US$ 4.8 Billion Festive Season Business

Amazon, Flipkart Vie For US$ 4.8 Billion Festive Season Business

Online retailers like Amazon and Flipkart in India are expected to generate about US$ 4.8 billion in festive sales from September 25 to October 29. Flipkart has partnered with 40 key brands to co-create unique offerings during its Big Billion Days Specials. According to Amazon India, with a selection of 200 million products by over 500,000 sellers and 1.5 times more fulfillment capacity to deliver orders faster across the country, the company is geared up for the 'Great Indian Festival' sale. About 80% of these sales will occur between September 29 and October 4 - the period in which Flipkart and Amazon will hold their 'Big Billion Days' and 'Great Indian Festival' sales respectively, global market research firm Forrester said. "It's not only customers in tier 1 and tier 2 cities that will spend more online during this festive season; buyers in tier 3 cities and beyond will too," said a Forrester analyst. "The Great Indian Festival is important for us to bring the next 100 million customers online, many of them from tier 3 or even tier 4 towns," an Amazon India spokesperson said. The online e-commerce giant flagged off #Amazon Festive Yatra - a unique "house-on-wheels" initiative that showcases unique products from small and medium businesses, startups and artisans - from September 16. "With three special trucks, #AmazonFestiveYatra will visit 13 cities covering over 6,000 kms throughout the festive season, providing a great opportunity for Amazon customers and sellers to engage, and share insights and opinions," the spokesperson added. According to analysts, smartphones will account for 36% of all online spending during the festive season, followed by fashion at 24%. "Online buyers in tier 3 cities will spend more online during this festive season as compared to last year as they become more comfortable with online channel and getting access to brands and affordable financing options," informed analysts.