JOIN USThanks to the e-commerce industry which is steadily impacting our lives in a big way, shopaholics are having a field day! From basic items of daily needs to quirky collections of clothes, jewellery, bags, footwear and much more, everything can now be bought by placing an order online. While the competition between e-commerce and local markets is immense today, one recalls the time when Myntra, Amazon, Snapdeal, Jabong, YepMe or a Flipkart were lesser known terms and ‘filling the cart’ hadn’t become a much pursued hobby.
Moreover, with the onset of summers and the avoidable hassle of stepping out in the blazing heat, the convenience, of shopping online is unmatched. When the temperature hits a searing 44.5 degrees, who wants to physically walk down to the overly crowded and polluted markets for shopping?
Zoya Ruth, a 24-year-old digital marketing professional, is one such online-shopping enthusiast who buys stuff from these shopping websites, at least two to three times in a month. “Amongst all the emerging online portals, Jabong tends to be my favourite. They have an immense variety of items which are otherwise available at expensive prices or are not available at all in markets and stores,” she says.
While the local markets in the city, like Sarojini Nagar Market, Lajpat Nagar’s Central Market or Janpath, are popular for an endless variety of affordable ‘street-style’ clothes, accessories and home decor items, the charm of buying the same stuff online, which allows us numerous options or the sizes etc, in just a few clicks, is phenomenal.
“The best part about online shopping is that one gets rescued from all the hard work that is involved in bargaining, that one needs to do, when in local markets. The clothes and accessories in Sarojini Nagar or Lajpat Nagar markets have no shelf life and the quality of the product deteriorates over time. Also, there is no exclusivity , it is one big assembly line of similar looking clothes, accessories and shoes. However, with Jabong, or any other online shopping portal for that matter, I have never struggled with the quality of the product. It is because of this reason that I am an avid online shopper,” Ruth tells Metrolife, adding, “it’s a great stress buster!”
Speaking of the various initiatives and marketing campaigns that these websites adopt, one cannot deny that they have gone over and above the normal efforts that any shopkeeper or an established fashion brand could take.
With reference to Myntra particularly, a lot of Delhiites are seen getting involved in their excellent three-pointer suggestive advertisements (currently put up in some of the Delhi Metro trains on the Yellow Line), where they guide one, step by step, on ways to achieve the desired look.
“Shopping online requires minimal efforts on the part of the customer. They provide home delivery services and exchange stuff conveniently, unlike any other brand or shop in the markets. By being in touch with us about our respective order and by regularly communicating through SMS, I love the unique way in which they develop relations with the customers,” adds an elated Ruth.
Twenty-one-year-old Aarzoo Gaba, is another shopping enthusiast, who in her words is, “addicted to browsing stuff online.” “The recent scenario with me has become very interesting. Every time I am free, or am about to go for a nap, or even while I’m travelling, I will just start adding things to my cart in Zivame, Snapdeal or Tjori ,” says Gaba with a grin.
“I also love the way they keep me updated with the tracking of my order,” says Aditi Verma, another avid online shopper. “It gears up my excitement for the product that is coming my way. Every time I see the message, ‘Your order is dispatched’, there comes an automatic smile on my face and all I want is to rush back home to receive my order,” adds Verma, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
It is primarily because of these customer-friendly services provided by the e-commerce websites, which has affected the business in the local markets to an
unnerving extent.
In a metropolitan like Delhi where everything – from the never-ending traffic to the surprisingly hot and whimsical weather –irritates a daily commuter, physically visiting markets for shopping becomes an unwelcoming task.
Thus, kudos to the e-commerce industry for innovation, effort and services that have made life easier for many shoppers.