Bengaluru

Flipkart said its hyperlocal service, dubbed Flipkart Quick, will also sell mobile phones and stationery items, taking it a step further than existing quick-delivery services which mainly offer just groceries. Flipkart Quick will debut in select locations in Bengaluru, the company said, without specifying a launch date.

 The new service puts Flipkart more directly in competition with Amazon and Alibaba-backed BigBasket, both of which offer quick deliveries of groceries. Bengalurubased Flipkart will also go up against grocery delivery upstart JioMart, backed by Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani.

 Google-backed Dunzo and Naspers-backed Swiggy also offer grocery deliveries in India, and the service could be lucrative for companies during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is making more Indians order essential items such as groceries online.

 “Halfway through the year of the pandemic, supply chains have transformed drastically,” Flipkart said in a statement. “The hyperlocal category, known for being a convenience for many, has now emerged to be a long-term essential service for the country.”

 Last week, Flipkart said it had acquired Walmart’s local cashandcarry business in an effort to strengthen its wholesale offerings to mom-and-pop-stores.

Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!

Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!

Click here for iOS

Click here for Android