New Delhi: E-commerce giant Flipkart has officially joined the ultra-fast delivery race with the launch of its new service, ‘Minutes’. The service is currently live in select areas of Bengaluru, including tech hubs and residential hotspots like HSR Layout, Gunjur, Bellandur, and Kadubeesanahalli.
With ‘Minutes’, Flipkart aims to deliver a wide range of products, including electronics and smartphones, within a speedy 10 to 15-minute timeframe. This move positions Flipkart as a direct competitor to other quick-commerce players such as Zepto, Swiggy’s Instamart, and Zomato’s Blinkit.
The launch of ‘Minutes’ comes after months of speculation about Flipkart’s entry into the quick-commerce market. Industry experts believe this move is a strategic response to the growing popularity of rapid delivery services, which have been significantly impacting sales for traditional e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon.
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To support its quick commerce ambitions, Flipkart is reportedly planning to operate around 100 fulfillment centers. This infrastructure will be crucial for meeting the surge in demand, especially during peak shopping seasons like the upcoming festive period.
While ‘Minutes’ focuses on ultra-fast deliveries, Flipkart has already been making strides in same-day delivery for a variety of products. This service is currently available in 20 cities across India, including both metro and non-metro areas. The company plans to expand its same-day delivery reach to even more cities in the future, including Tier-II and Tier-III regions.
Hari Kumar G, vice president and head of grocery at Flipkart, emphasized the company’s focus on enhancing grocery services in metro areas and expanding its reach to smaller towns. He also acknowledged the potential for quick commerce services in the future, depending on customer demand in specific regions.
Flipkart’s entry into the quick commerce market is a significant development in India’s rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. As the competition intensifies, consumers can expect to benefit from even faster delivery options and a wider range of products available at their fingertips.
