Flipkart ropes in 50,000 kiranas for Big Billion Day sale

Walmart-owned ecommerce platform Flipkart has onboarded over 50,000 kirana stores ahead of its Big Billion Day Sale. The sale takes place between September 29 and October 4. 

The Bengaluru headquartered firm said that the move will enable the company to deliver to customers in over 850 cities, which include Tinsukia (Assam), Agartala (Tripura), and Kannur (Kerala), among others, according to the statement.

To help with the onboarding process, Flipkart has initiated contactless onboarding of kiranas through online application forms where partners directly uploaded details along with required documentation. This is followed by a detailed verification check, following which the partners are roped into the programme.

Additionally, the company has organised digital training on various tools including app-based dashboards and digital payments to help kiranas transform their business from traditional general trade stores to modern convenience stores.

Read: Flipkart Group acquires Walmart India, launches B2B marketplace

“As one of the oldest retail formats in India, kiranas have one of the highest penetration and showcase effective management of the supply chain drivers such as facilities, inventory, information, and sourcing… Through a combination of their hyperlocal presence and innovations by Flipkart, this programme has become a great enabler in strengthening the kirana ecosystem in the country,” said Amitesh Jha, senior vice president, ekart and marketplace, Flipkart.

The company said kiranas collectively delivered over 1 million shipments during the Flipkart sale last year.

Earlier this month, it began operations of Flipkart Wholesale in three cities. The digital business-to-business (B2B) marketplace looks to connect local manufacturers with retailers via a mobile app.

Last month, it partnered with Nepal-based etailer Sastodeal to initiate cross-border trade opportunities for its lakhs of sellers.

In July, Flipkart launched hyperlocal delivery app Flipkart Quick in Bengaluru. The service, which claims to deliver products within 90 minutes, has a minimum fee of Rs 29 and operates between 6 am and 12 am.