Amazon is preparing to launch quick commerce service in India, likely in the first quarter of next year, according to the Economic Times (ET).
This move marks a strategic shift for the US-based e-commerce giant as it aims to capture a share of the rapidly expanding segment, competing with its rival Flipkart’s ‘Minutes’ service.
Amazon has appointed a senior executive on the leadership team to take responsibility for shaping its quick commerce strategy. “The action in quick commerce just can’t be ignored anymore,” said a person aware of the matter.
As per people who spoke to ET, Nishant Sardana, who headed the PC, audio, camera and large appliances business at Amazon India, has been given the mandate of the quick commerce business. Additionally, former Cloudtail chief executive Ranjit Babu, who was heading the wireless and home entertainment businesses at Amazon India, will now be managing consumer electronics, large appliances and wireless and other verticals.
“The work (on a quick commerce vertical) has been in motion for some time, but now, there is clarity and a timeline,” said the executive mentioned above.
However, the launch of this new service will require approvals from Amazon’s headquarters, as the company has yet to introduce a quick commerce service on a global scale.
Reportedly, Amazon is also in continued talks to a buy a stake in food delivery app Swiggy, particularly Instamart, the app’s quick commerce vertical.
