Zepto's Expansion into Premium Electronics
Zepto's decision to incorporate Apple's extensive product line into its rapid delivery service is driven by a notable increase in consumer demand for instant access to high-value gadgets. The platform has reported a 35% month-on-month surge in users searching for Apple products. In the past 30 days alone, over a million users have actively sought Apple devices on Zepto, reflecting a substantial interest in immediate access to premium technology.
Abhimanyu Singh, Business Head of the Electronics Category at Zepto, stated, "With Apple's vast portfolio now on Zepto, we are making premium technology instantly accessible, transforming how people buy high-value gadgets."
Product Availability and Pricing
As of now, Zepto offers the base version of the recently launched iPhone 16e (128GB) at ₹55,975. Other available products include the iPad 10th Gen at ₹33,074, AirPods 2nd Generation at ₹21,999, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation at ₹16,499, and the Apple Watch SE 44mm at ₹25,975. Additionally, accessories such as Apple EarPods, Apple Pencil 2nd Gen, the 35W Dual USB-C charger, and charging cables are available for rapid delivery.
Competitors in the Quick Commerce Space
Zepto's move follows similar initiatives by its competitors. Approximately two weeks prior, Blinkit began delivering Apple products, including MacBook Air, iPads, AirPods, and Apple Watches, within 10 minutes in select Indian cities such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Chennai, Jaipur, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
Swiggy Instamart has also been delivering Apple products, reflecting a broader trend among quick commerce platforms to diversify their offerings beyond groceries and daily essentials. This expansion into premium electronics signifies a strategic shift to cater to the evolving demands of consumers seeking rapid access to a wider array of products.
The Rise of Quick Commerce in India
The quick commerce sector in India has experienced exponential growth in recent years. According to a report by Bain & Company and the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA), the sector is expected to contribute over 10% to the gross merchandise value (GMV) of India's e-commerce market by the fiscal year 2025. This projection is bolstered by a TeamLease report indicating that monthly transacting users are likely to grow by over 40%, with average monthly orders per customer increasing from 4.4 in 2021 to six in 2024.
Major players in the industry, such as Swiggy, have been making significant investments to expand their quick commerce services. In February 2025, Swiggy announced a $115.47 million investment in its supply chain subsidiary, Scootsy, to enhance its Instamart service, aiming to deliver various goods within 10 minutes.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the rapid expansion of quick commerce presents numerous opportunities, it also poses challenges, particularly concerning profitability. Swiggy, for instance, reported a significant increase in its quarterly loss, amounting to ₹7.99 billion for the third quarter ended December 31, compared to ₹5.74 billion the previous year. This increase is attributed to heavy investments in its quick commerce service to compete with rivals like Zomato and Zepto.
Despite these challenges, the quick commerce sector continues to attract substantial investments. Zepto, for example, raised $350 million in a new funding round in November 2024, maintaining its valuation at $5 billion. This underscores the growing demand for rapid delivery services, where items are delivered within ten minutes.
Conclusion
Zepto's initiative to deliver select Apple products within 10 minutes marks a significant milestone in India's quick commerce landscape. By aligning with consumer demand for instant access to premium electronics, Zepto, along with competitors Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart, is redefining the retail experience in India. As the quick commerce sector continues to evolve, it will be crucial for companies to balance rapid expansion with sustainable profitability to ensure long-term success.
-thepostpress.in
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