Snapdeal takes on Flipkart with 'Unbox Diwali Sale' from Oct 2

 E-commerce major Snapdeal today said it will flag off the festive season with its 'Unbox Diwali Sale' from October 2, the same day when its larger rival Flipkart will begin its own festive offers.

The first Unbox Diwali Sale will run from October 2-6 and will see exciting deals and offers across all categories like home appliances, electronics, mobiles, home furnishings, furniture and FMCG, Snapdeal said in a statement.

Shoppers will be able to choose from a wide range of products at great value hourly deals, with discounts up to 70 per cent, it added.

Flipkart will host its 'Big Billion Days' sale during the same period. Amazon.in is yet to announce its sale days.

According to analysts, this year's festive sales may be impacted by recent guidelines by DIPP that bar e-commerce players from doling out steep discounts.

The players have been investing significantly to ramp up delivery and logistics capabilities to meet the surge in demand during the festive season.

"We are entering this season with the widest assortment, key brand partnerships and exclusive line of products... Our superfast deliveries and free shipping options through Snapdeal Gold will add further sparkle to festive offerings," Snapdeal V-P and Head of Categories Saurabh Bansal said.

In a separate announcement, Snapdeal said it has appointed Mayank Jain to head supply chain at the company.

As President SCM (supply chain management), Jain will spearhead the complete operations and supply chain function at Snapdeal. He takes over from Ashish Chitravanshi, Senior Vice-President Operations, who is moving out to pursue other interests.

Jain had joined Snapdeal in March 2013 as Assistant Vice-President and Head of Seller services. He has previously worked with firms like ITC, Urban Touch and Fashion and You.