Flipkart, Amazon, Snapdeal brace for mega clash to cash in on festive boom

Amazon India gave itself a head start as it announced it mega sale from October 1st to October 5th while Flipkart and Snapdeal have announced their sales to be from October 2nd to October 6th. Marketplace Shopclues will also hold its mega sale from October 1-10, while Alibaba-backed Paytm is yet to announce dates for its festive sales.

All the three companies are hoping to gain a large portion of their sales this festive season.

Last year, online retailer were estimated to have sold goods worth somewhere around Rs 9,000 Crore in October.

"This year online retailers have tried to push the burden of discount on sellers wherever possible," Mrigank Gutgutia, engagement manager at research firm RedSeer said.

Merchants are not in the mood to come up with discounts on their own, therefore, online retailers might have a disappointing festive season.

RedSeer estimated that online sales may not exceed Rs 10,000 Crore in October this year combined. Last year, it was estimated that Flipkart, Snapdeal and Amazon India clocked combined sales of between $500- $600 million during the festive day sales. Flipkart alone is estimated to have sold goods worth $300 million during its famous Big Billion Days (BBDs).

Flipkart will be looking to repeat the same performance so as to remain ahead of it competitor Amazon India. Flipkart has bagged exclusive rights from brands like Motorola, Xiaomi, Reliance and Apple over the last few months. The e-commerce giant is also betting big on sale of large appliances, besides extending its domination in the high-margin fashion and apparel segments.

Snapdeal has recently renamed the sale as “Unibox Diwali Sale” and is planning to offer about 70% discount on home appliances, electronics, mobiles, home furnishings, furniture and FMCG.

Amazon India is leaning on the largest selection of products - 80 million. It is also looking forward to increase its sales with improved customer experience with a pickup in its subscription service Amazon Prime.
(image: Indiatimes)