Amazon Offers Its Indian Users More Ways To Shop, Launches A Global Store

Ecommerce platform Amazon India has reportedly launched a global store which will facilitate Indian customers to buy selected products from Amazon.com, the company’s American website. Users can proceed with their payments via net banking for the same.

The global store will offer a selection from brands that are otherwise not available in India. The products bought will come equipped with local customer care services and delivery. The prices would be inclusive of import duties and other taxes, according to an official statement. Cash-on-delivery (COD) option would not be provided for the same.

Commenting on the development, Amit Agarwal, Country Head, Amazon India said, “While initially (it will have) products from the US, in future tens of millions of products from key markets like United Kingdom, Germany and Japan (will be listed) as well.”

As per its official website, Amazon India currently offers 4 Mn products across 12 categories like fashion and accessories, electronics, books, home, and kitchen. With the added category of the global store, its product offering would reach 85 Mn, reported ET.

Amazon had earlier launched its Global Stores in Mexico and China. “A large part of our growth in China is driven by the global store, as customers know it’s an authentic product. We are hopeful that Indian customers feel the same,” added Agarwal.

Talking about the upcoming product launches, Agarwal said, “We are now operationally ready. The first couple of years we were building our core operational platform in India. As we get more equipped, the velocity (with) which we can bring global products goes up. We should think of simultaneous launches with US.”

Amazon introduced a slew of different services to capitalise on the market share this year. In January 2016, Amazon India launched a pilot programme for delivering via cycles for orders under the radius of three-five kms. In February, it also launched a unique initiative to help small & medium businesses (SMBs) to sell on its platform through Amazon Tatkal.

In June 2016, Amazon announced that it would infuse $3 Bn in India in the next few years to take on its rivals. In July, it launched its biggest Fulfillment Centre in Sonipat near New Delhi. In the same month, Amazon also launched its premier delivery service Amazon Prime with Prime video scheduled to be launch by the end of this year. It also launched Amazon Pantry, a service that offers grocery and household essentials and delivers the orders in a day.

Amazon India has also claimed itself to be the winner of this festive season with the maximum revenue generated in its five day sale extravaganza.

This development was reported by ET.