In a move that is bound to transform the logistics industry in India, Flipkart’s logistics arm eKart is now going to serve non-e-commerce players as well. eKart confirmed the move in a press statement mere days after it announced its partnership with Paytm. It is currently in talks with Jabong and Shopclues to explore tie-ups, company sources add. eKart will be harnessing its learning experience with grocery delivery service ‘Nearby’, which shut down recently, to look into food and grocery delivery. It is also in talks with large electronics and apparel brands. This step by eKart, many believe, could transform the way Indian e-commerce system functions.
Amitesh Jha, vice president, eKart explains how working for Flipkart over the years has helped the company strengthen its offering. He says, “Over the years, eKart has been working towards understanding and solving the various inefficiencies and supply-chain issues Flipkart faces. With time we believe that we have built a robust system that can work as a business enabler and help provide efficiency for different businesses.”
Despite its recent devaluation by Morgan & Stanley, Flipkart is still ranked as one of the largest e-commerce players in the country. In terms of scale, eKart is believed to be the largest e-commerce-focussed logistics firm. By opening up to non-e-commerce players, grocery and even C2C courier service, it is taking a step towards what many logistics players are already doing in the US.