Flipkart goes hyperlocal, picks Bengaluru to deliver groceries, home accessories in 90 minutes

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.