Monday, April 9, 2012

E-Commerce India - Buy Apparel and Accessories online


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In 90's, buying clothes and other accessories in tier-3 and tier-4 cities was an unknown event. People always used to go to nearby city to make purchases for all important occasions - festivals, functions, ceremonies or college-going. Making a fashion statement by wearing branded apparel or accessories was only for a few, who have uncles and aunts abroad.

One of the findings in e-bay census was that half of purchases online are from tier-3 and tier-4 cities. While the folks in tier-1 and tier-2 order online to save time and cost, the ones in tier-3 and tier-4 make online purchases to avail the brands which are otherwise not available locally. Technology has certainly brought shops closer (or rather into the living room) to people across the country.

When it comes to apparel and other accessories, there are umpteen options available for online purchase. Be it for men, women or children of any age, designer wear, exclusive or limited collection, there are appropriate e-shops. Here is my collection of such sites.


Leaving aside the standard box-items like 'Nivea Cream', I wonder how people purchase items online in this segment. How do they know that the size would not be an issue? How many times will they order and return to get the right size (even if returns are free)? How many transactions are each of these companies making in a day / week / month (agree that they are open to entire country and not restricted to any region)? When would they turn profitable?

Do you think the next generation will go to a physical retail shop at all - except for petrol and liquor?
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