Q1 Ecommerce - v6
Q1 Ecommerce - v6
Q1 Ecommerce - v6
Indian
Ecommerce
Q1 2024
InFocus: Fashion Ecommerce
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Table Of Contents
India’s Digital Economy In A Nutshell InFocus: Fashion Ecommerce
% Growth
2022 2025 (E) (Absolute)
71% 395 Mn
Urban internet
users 360 Mn+ 396 Mn+ 10%
Market Unicorns In
Total Funding
$400 Bn+ Opportunity $33 Bn+ (2014 to 2023) 25 India
(2030)
Source: Inc42
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Source: Inc42
Note: This is not an exhaustive list
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400
300
Market Opportunity ($ Bn)
19% CAGR
200
100
0
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
500
400
Number Of Online Shoppers (Mn)
12% CAGR
300
200
100
0
2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
Source: Inc42, Bain & Flipkart Report 2020
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Indian Ecommerce Engine: The Players Powering India's Online Shopping Bandwagon
Source: Inc42
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How Indian Ecommerce Startup Economy Stack Up Against The US & China
Total Funding (2014 to 2023) $33 Bn+ $130 Bn+ $70 Bn+
Number Of Online Shoppers (2030) 500 Mn+ 300 Mn+ 980 Mn+
12.0 300
10.0
8.0 200
Funding Amount ($ Bn)
Deal Count
6.0
4.0 100
2.0
0.0 0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Source: Inc42
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D2C $600 Mn
D2C $104 Mn
D2C $86 Mn
D2C $64 Mn
D2C $60 Mn
D2C $38 Mn
D2C $37 Mn
Source: Inc42
Note: * Raised in multiple tranches
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Others
Others 15.7%
30
4.7%
96 Roll Ups
Roll Ups
1.0%
3.7%
76
B2B
$2 Bn+ Ecommerce
D2C 13.1% 25 191+
Total Funding 1,428 69.7% Deal Count
B2B Amount
Ecommerce
21.9% 448
134
D2C
70.2%
Source: Inc42
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25
20
Mega Deal Count
15
10
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Ecommerce Fintech
Source: Inc42
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4.0
3.0
Median Ticket Size ($ Mn)
2.0
1.0
0.0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Source: Inc42
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40
M&A Count
20
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Source: Inc42
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Bengaluru
Delhi NCR
Delhi NCR
Mumbai
Mumbai
Bengaluru
Raipur
Others
Others
Source: Inc42
Note: This list isn't a ranking of any kind, we have placed investors in alphabetical order
InFocus:
Fashion Ecommerce
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Design Conceptualisation
Garment Construction
Source: Inc42
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Ecommerce Retailers
Designer Labels
Premium Segment (INR 10,000 - INR 50,000) High Street Fashion Brands
Fashion Ecommerce Retailers
Industry Marketing and Sales
in India Contemporary Brands
Ecommerce Retailers
Local Boutiques
Ecommerce Retailers
Source: Inc42
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Instagram, YouTube,
Social Media Stores
Facebook
Online
Shopify, WooCommerce,
Own Website
BigCommerce
Offline
Franchise Stores
Source: Inc42
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Customer Insights
in India Understanding of customer preferences and behavior
Source: Inc42
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CAGR: 24%
100
Market Size ($ Bn)
75
50
25
0
2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
Calendar Year
Source: Inc42 Analysis, BCG, Secondary Sources
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Children Apparel
$24 Bn+ 21%
& Accessories
With 37% of Indian online shoppers returning fashion items, as revealed by PWC India, the
significance of efficient reverse logistics for brands cannot be overstated.
Below are key strategies for ecommerce fashion brands to optimise their reverse logistics processes:
Clear & Transparent Return Policies: It is the cornerstone of optimised reverse logistics. Fashion
AJAY RAO brands in ecommerce should ensure that their return policies are easily accessible and
FOUNDER & CEO understandable to customers. It's crucial to clearly communicate factors such as return eligibility
EMIZA criteria, return shipping costs, and the process for initiating returns. Transparent return policies
foster trust with customers and facilitate smoother return processes, thereby enhancing the overall
customer experience.
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Efficient Returns Management System: The implementation of an efficient returns management system is paramount for optimising reverse logistics.
This system should feature a user-friendly returns portal or interface, enabling customers to initiate returns effortlessly. Providing options for
customers to generate return labels and track the status of their returns is essential. Integrating this system with inventory management software
allows for real-time updates on returned items, facilitating faster processing and restocking.
For instance, Myntra partnered with Ekart, a logistics provider specialising in fashion returns, to implement the "Easy Returns" programme. This
initiative offered customers multiple return options, prepaid return labels, and real-time return tracking, resulting in a 20% reduction in return costs,
improved efficiency, and profitability, along with increased customer satisfaction.
Centralised Return Processing Centers: Centralising return processing centers can significantly streamline reverse logistics operations for ecommerce
fashion brands. By consolidating returns at centralised locations, brands can enhance efficiency in processing returns, conducting quality checks, and
restocking inventory. Centralisation also fosters better coordination between various departments involved in reverse logistics, leading to faster
turnaround times and reduced handling costs.
Investment in Technology and Automation: Leveraging technology and automation can greatly enhance the efficiency of reverse logistics processes.
Implementing barcode scanning systems, RFID technology, and automated sorting mechanisms improves accuracy and speed in processing returned
items. Integration with advanced analytics software enables data-driven insights into return trends and patterns, facilitating proactive
decision-making and process optimisation.
For example, AJIO, a leading online fashion platform, partnered with a technology company specialising in AI and data-driven logistics solutions, to
implement a customised system. This system utilised AI-powered return analysis, predictive analytics, and automated return sorting, resulting in a
40% reduction in return processing time, a 15% decrease in overall return rates, and enhanced customer communication.
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Strategic Partnerships With Logistics Providers: Collaborating with experienced logistics providers specialising in reverse logistics can provide valuable
support to ecommerce fashion brands. Partnering with third-party logistics (3PL) companies with expertise in handling returns grants access to
specialised infrastructure, resources, and industry knowledge. These partnerships help brands optimise reverse logistics processes, improve
efficiency, and reduce costs associated with returns management.
Notably, the collaboration between Myntra and Ekart resulted in a 20% cost reduction and higher customer satisfaction through the "Easy Returns"
programme, offering multiple return options and real-time tracking.
Quality Control & Refurbishment Services: Implementing stringent quality control measures is crucial for effectively managing returned merchandise.
Ecommerce fashion brands should establish clear criteria for assessing the condition of returned items and categorise them accordingly. Products in
good condition can be restocked for resale, while damaged or defective items may require repair or refurbishment. Offering refurbishment services
ensures that returned products can be reintegrated into inventory, maximising asset recovery and minimising losses.
Continuous Monitoring & Optimisation: Ecommerce fashion brands should regularly review and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) related to
reverse logistics, such as — return rates, processing times, and customer satisfaction scores. Identifying areas for improvement and implementing
corrective measures allow brands to adapt to changing market dynamics and evolving customer preferences.
In conclusion, optimising reverse logistics is imperative for ecommerce fashion brands to remain competitive and deliver exceptional customer
experiences. By implementing effective strategies such as clear return policies, efficient returns management systems, centralised processing
centers, technology and automation, strategic partnerships, quality control measures, and continuous optimisation, brands can streamline reverse
logistics processes, reduce costs, and improve overall operational efficiency.
Embracing these strategies enables ecommerce fashion brands to navigate the complexities of reverse logistics with confidence and achieve
sustainable growth in the dynamic ecommerce landscape.
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Source; Inc42
Note: This is not an exhaustive list
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Indian Fashion Ecommerce Startups Secured $2 Bn+ Funding Between 2018 & 2023
2,500 200
2,000
150
Funding Amount ($ Mn)
1,500
Deal Count
100
1,000
50
500
0 0
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Between 2018 & 2023 D2C Brands Garnered 93% Of Investments Within
Ecommerce
Non D2C Brands
7.0%
$2 Bn+
Total
Funding
D2C Brands
93.0%
Source: Inc42
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In The Spotlight: Mumbai Takes Center Stage As India's Fashion Ecommerce Hub
Source: Inc42
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Source: Inc42
Note: Based on funding recorded between 2018 and 2023
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Virtual Prototyping And Sampling In 2021, Levi Strauss initiated a machine learning bootcamp aimed at instructing employees
Product & Design Inspiration And Trend Forecasting on utilising the tech for design endeavors.
Concept Design Fabric And Material Selection Use of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to transform sketches, mood boards, and
Pattern Generation And Design Iteration descriptions into detailed high-quality designs.
Demand Forecasting Enhance robotic automation in warehouse operations and inventory management with the
Supply Chain Inventory Optimisation aid of real-time analytics.
Management Quality Control & Assurance Tailor made return/refund process along with offers can be automated for fashion
Returns & Exchange Customisation ecommerce shoppers in India.
Virtual Try-On McKinsey suggests that embracing generative AI has the potential to increase the operating
Marketing Customer Support profits of the apparel, fashion, and luxury sectors by an estimated $150 Bn to $275 Bn.
& Sales Personalised Recommendations Utilising AI, Benetton personalised customer recommendations by analysing their browsing
Dynamic Pricing and purchase history, leading to a 7% increase in customer spending value.
Automated Return Processes By combining computer vision technology with generative AI, the return/exchange process
After Return & Exchange Likelihood Predictions for products, including verification, can be automated.
Sales Interactive Tutorials Video GANs have the potential to generate tutorial videos for do-it-yourself (DIY) products
Customer Support like furniture, jewelry, and more
Fashion & Apparel 2023 $1.5 Mn Product Photography, Social Media Graphics
Ecommerce/ Retail 2015 $2.8 Mn AR-AI Based Virtual Try-on Solutions For Ecommerce & D2C Brands
Ecommerce/ Retail 2017 $500K AI Based Vernacular Voice Serach Integration For Ecommerce
Ecommerce/ Retail 2018 $7.6 Mn Product Photography For Automobile, Fashion And Other Segments
Ecommerce/ Retail 2023 $125K Chat Based AI Sales Agent For Ecommerce Companies
Ecommerce/ Retail 2016 $56 Mn Full Stack AI Based Solutions For Retail And Ecommerce
Source: Inc42
Note: This is not an exhaustive list rather a selection of few startups working in this domain.Companies have been placed in alphabetical order.
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Unicorns Soonicorns
Note: The list also includes Indian startups that have ever entered the unicorn club. However, some of them might not be valued at or above $1 Bn currently.
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AI-Integration
From personalised product recommendations online to customised shipping and returns, AI is positioned to disrupt the entire ecommerce industry in India.
This is evident from McKinsey's projection that GenAI could contribute $150 Bn to $275 Bn to the fashion industry alone. Such estimates suggest that the overall
impact on the retail/ecommerce sector will be significantly greater.
In-house Manufacturing
Driven by the pursuit of quality excellence and heightened geopolitical risks from China, more Indian D2C brands are contemplating establishing in-house
manufacturing or assembly facilities for their products. boAt and Lenskart were among the pioneers in taking proactive steps in this direction.
100%
80%
60%
0%
20%
0%
-20%
MAY 2023 JUN 2023 AUG 2023 OCT 2023 JAN 2024 FEB 2024
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