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Zippee Launches ‘Blaze’ to Deliver in 60 Minutes: Haldiram, Vaaree, Supertails Among Early Partners as Startup Expands Across India

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Zippee Launches ‘Blaze’ to Deliver in 60 Minutes: Haldiram, Vaaree, Supertails Among Early Partners as Startup Expands Across India

Zippee, a rising name in the quick commerce space, has rolled out a new service called Blaze, promising to deliver online marketplace orders in just 60 minutes. This move positions the 2021-founded startup as an early mover in high-speed logistics for e-commerce players across India.

Blaze is already live in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and the company plans to take it to five more cities soon. It’s working closely with over 120 brands and marketplaces across diverse categories—from nutrition and fashion to home decor and pet care. Early adopters of the service include well-known names like Haldiram, Vaaree, Supertails, Mondelez India, and Clinikally.

What makes Zippee stand out is its dark store-first strategy and tight backend integration with brands, allowing them to fulfill orders not only faster but also more efficiently through their own digital storefronts. The company’s network already spans 13 cities, offering deliveries as fast as 60 minutes, as well as 2-hour and same-day options.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

In sectors where time is currency—think skincare, wellness, gifting, or food—Zippee is trying to take the pressure off both consumers and sellers by ensuring what you order is practically at your doorstep before you even refresh your tracking page.

The momentum has been backed by solid investor interest. So far, Zippee has secured $8.5 million in funding from a mix of institutional and high-profile individual investors. The list includes South Asia Technology Partners, Haldiram Snacks, and prominent angels like Kunal Shah, Ashneer Grover, Peyush Bansal, Raj Shamani, Tanmay Bhat, Arjun Vaidya, and Paramdeep Singh.

“We’re not just keeping up with how shopping habits are changing—we’re helping shape them,” said Umesh Kumar Agarwal, Whole-Time Director at Haldiram Snacks. “With Zippee, we’re able to get our products into customers’ hands in just an hour, without compromising on our standards.”

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

In a world that’s moving faster by the day, Zippee is betting that logistics speed will become a core differentiator for brands—and Blaze is its answer to that ticking clock.

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Jaipuria Group Acquires ClearDekho: 100+ Stores, Rs 12.8 Cr Revenue, and a Bold Plan to Capture 10% of India’s Eyewear Market

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Jaipuria Group Acquires ClearDekho: 100+ Stores, Rs 12.8 Cr Revenue, and a Bold Plan to Capture 10% of India’s Eyewear Market

ClearDekho, the budget-friendly eyewear brand known for bringing affordable vision care to smaller Indian towns, has been fully acquired by the Jaipuria Group in a move that signals a bigger play in retail and healthcare by the conglomerate.

While ClearDekho will retain its branding and continue to run independently on the surface, the reins of day-to-day operations are now firmly in Jaipuria Group’s hands. Over the next two years, the original investors and founders are expected to step away entirely, making way for a full transition of ownership. The finer details of the acquisition haven’t been made public.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

Launched in 2017 by Shivi Singh, ClearDekho set out with a clear mission: offer accessible, affordable eyewear to India’s underserved towns and price-conscious consumers. The brand’s strategy—combining digital reach with a physical footprint through FOCO (franchise-owned, company-operated) stores—helped it gain ground quickly in a space largely dominated by higher-end players.

Today, ClearDekho operates over 100 stores across 50+ Indian cities and reports gross margins north of 65%. While FY24 revenues stood at Rs 12.8 crore and losses hit Rs 7.13 crore, the company still tripled its growth over the past three years. Its future ambitions are bold—hitting Rs 300 crore in revenue within the next three years and capturing a 10% share of India’s eyewear market in five to seven years.

From reading glasses to prescription lenses and even contact lenses and sunglasses, ClearDekho’s catalog is built around affordability—appealing to millions who’ve long been priced out of quality eye care. The Jaipuria Group, known for its diverse investments, may eventually fold ClearDekho into its wider portfolio if the brand proves scalable under new management.

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

For now, ClearDekho remains a rare success story in value-driven retail—quietly rewriting the rules of who gets to see clearly and affordably in India.

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Nykaa Teams Up with Supergoop! to Revolutionize Sun Protection in India—Sunscreen Now Among Top 3 Beauty Searches on Platform

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Nykaa Teams Up with Supergoop! to Revolutionize Sun Protection in India—Sunscreen Now Among Top 3 Beauty Searches on Platform

Global sunscreen pioneer Supergoop! has officially stepped into the Indian market, teaming up exclusively with beauty and lifestyle powerhouse Nykaa to make its debut. The launch, announced on Tuesday, spans Nykaa’s full ecosystem—online at Nykaa.com, in Nykaa Luxe stores, and across select brick-and-mortar outlets.

Anchit Nayar, Executive Director and CEO of Nykaa Beauty, emphasized the growing demand for sun care in India. “Sunscreen has become one of the top three beauty search terms on our platform. There’s clearly a spike in awareness, but daily usage is still low. With Supergoop!’s skincare-first approach to SPF, we want to make sunscreen as natural and essential as brushing your teeth.”

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

Supergoop! was started by Holly Thaggard nearly two decades ago, born from a vision to reframe sun protection not as a chore, but as an everyday wellness habit. “India is a country full of vibrancy, culture, and sunshine. It’s the perfect place to continue our mission,” Thaggard said. “This partnership with Nykaa is about making SPF second nature—something people reach for instinctively, like lip balm or moisturizer.”

Founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Falguni Nayar, Nykaa began as a digital-first beauty destination and has since grown into a full-fledged consumer-tech platform. With over 40 million users and more than 220 offline stores, Nykaa now also spans fashion, men’s grooming, and B2B commerce through its various platforms like Nykaa Fashion, Nykaa Man, and Nykaa Superstore. It has even ventured into the Middle East market under the banner Nysaa, extending its reach far beyond Indian borders.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

With Supergoop! now in its lineup, Nykaa is poised to boost India’s relationship with SPF, one innovative formula at a time.

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67% of Indians Trust Influencers Over Ads: Kantar Study Reveals Why Brands Need to Rethink Their Digital Playbook

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67% of Indians Trust Influencers Over Ads: Kantar Study Reveals Why Brands Need to Rethink Their Digital Playbook

Nearly seven out of ten Indian shoppers now lean more towards taking cues from influencers than they do from traditional ads, says a recent study by Kantar, a global insights and analytics firm.

The numbers paint a clear picture: 67% of consumers put more faith in what influencers recommend. Another 26% say they prefer influencer suggestions, but with a pinch of caution—they’re not blindly sold. This shift hints at a bigger change in how people connect with brands. It’s no longer just about loud, polished campaigns; audiences are seeking voices they can relate to and trust.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

Influencer marketing has found its stride in India, standing shoulder to shoulder with digital staples like ecommerce and online banner ads. According to the study, all three have seen an uptick in how favorably people view them. Since last year, ecommerce platforms have jumped 7 points in ad equity, online display ads climbed 6 points, and influencer content gained 5 points.

When it comes to swaying opinion, influencer posts pack a punch. They outperform traditional digital ads in several key areas: brand favorability (15% vs 12%), shaping brand personality (11% vs 9%), and nudging purchase decisions (10% vs 9%).

The real kicker? They work fast. Over half (57%) of influencer-led campaigns are likely to drive immediate purchases. While they may not always build brand love in the long haul, they sure know how to spark action in the moment.

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

“It’s been eye-opening to see how differently influencer content moves people,” said Prasanna Kumar, Regional Creative Lead at Kantar Insights. “There’s a kind of simplicity and personal relevance that cuts through the noise. It doesn’t feel like advertising—it feels like a friend telling you what’s worth your time.”

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Gold Blasts Past ₹1 Lakh: Trump’s Fed Rant, Dollar Crash, and Global Chaos Push Prices to ₹1,01,350 in India

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Gold Blasts Past ₹1 Lakh: Trump’s Fed Rant, Dollar Crash, and Global Chaos Push Prices to ₹1,01,350 in India

Gold prices in India have smashed through the ₹1 lakh ceiling for 10 grams, reaching unprecedented territory as both international trends and homegrown demand send prices soaring.

As of Tuesday, April 22, 24-karat gold is retailing at ₹10,135 per gram—or ₹1,01,350 for 10 grams—according to Goodreturns. This is the first time the precious metal has crossed this milestone in India’s market.

Lower purities are also seeing steep valuations: 22-karat is going for ₹9,290 per gram, while 18-karat stands at ₹7,601.

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On the global front, spot gold surged to a record-breaking $3,473.03 per ounce, while US gold futures climbed 1.7% to settle at $3,482.40.

The spike is being fueled by growing unease across the globe. Tensions flared after former US President Donald Trump lashed out at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, demanding immediate interest rate cuts and raising alarms about the state of the US economy.

These remarks pushed the already struggling dollar further down, prompting investors to pile into gold, which is often seen as a safer bet during economic turbulence.

“US markets have been shaky thanks to trade skirmishes and political jabs, and gold has been soaking up that nervous energy,” said Tim Waterer, Chief Market Analyst at KCM Trade.

Meanwhile, markets in Asia faltered following a steep decline in American assets. In a related twist, China slammed the US over tariff practices and warned other nations about getting dragged into economic deals that could backfire.

“Gold kicked off the week with strong momentum, fueled by early buying and simmering geopolitical tensions,” noted Jateen Trivedi, VP – Research Analyst for Commodity and Currency at LKP Securities.

He pointed to a cocktail of concerns—tariff battles, signs of economic strain in the US, and an unresolved debt saga—as the main drivers. Ongoing purchases by China, central banks, and large institutional players are also keeping the rally alive.

From a technical standpoint, Trivedi says the upward trend remains solid as long as Comex gold holds above $3,250 and MCX gold stays north of ₹91,000. “If prices dip to around ₹93,000, it might be a chance to jump in again—but tread carefully, the market’s still jumpy,” he added.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

All eyes are now on upcoming statements from Federal Reserve officials, which could shape the next move for interest rates and inflation expectations.

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Decathlon Enters Palakkad with 3,700+ Products, Part of €100 Million India Expansion Plan Covering 90 Cities

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Decathlon Enters Palakkad with 3,700+ Products, Part of €100 Million India Expansion Plan Covering 90 Cities

French sports retailer Decathlon has just added a new pin to its India map — this time in Kerala’s Palakkad district. The store is the brand’s latest step in deepening its presence in a state known not just for its beauty, but for its love of sport.

From yoga mats to mountain bikes, the new outlet stocks over 3,700 products across a wide mix of sports — including outdoor adventures, water sports, running, cycling, team games, fitness, and even roller and target sports. There’s gear for kids, adults, and everyone in between.

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Rahul Phukan, Business Development Director at Decathlon Sports India, shared the news on LinkedIn, writing:

“Kerala is so much more than backwaters and beaches — it’s a state with sporting spirit in its veins. With our new store in Palakkad, we’re not just growing — we’re becoming part of something bigger.”

Decathlon made its India debut back in 2009 with its first store in Bengaluru. It originally operated as a cash-and-carry business before receiving clearance in 2013 to enter the single-brand retail space. Fast forward to today, the company has more than 100 stores spread across 19 states.

And they’re not slowing down.

Decathlon is gearing up to invest €100 million (about Rs 930 crore) in India over the next five years. The plan includes launching more stores, ramping up tech and digital infrastructure, and improving its supply chain. The goal? To have 190 stores across 90 cities — not just in metros, but in tier 2 towns as well.

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For Kerala, and especially Palakkad, this new store means easier access to quality sports gear — and a sign that big retail brands are paying attention to India’s growing appetite for fitness and outdoor life.

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Flipkart to Relocate Legal Base from Singapore to India Ahead of Potential IPO; Walmart-Backed Giant Tightens Ties with Home Market

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Flipkart to Relocate Legal Base from Singapore to India Ahead of Potential IPO; Walmart-Backed Giant Tightens Ties with Home Market

Flipkart is coming home.

The Walmart-owned e-commerce major announced on Tuesday that it plans to shift its legal domicile from Singapore to India — a move that signals deeper alignment with the country where it all began, and possibly a step toward an eventual IPO on Indian soil.

While Flipkart has always operated primarily in India, its parent company has until now been registered in Singapore. That’s about to change.

In a statement, the company said it’s preparing to relocate its holding entity to India, calling the move “a natural next step” in syncing its legal structure with where its heart — and business — lies.

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“This decision reflects our commitment to the Indian market, our customers, our seller ecosystem, and the country’s digital growth,” Flipkart noted, hinting that being legally based in India could give the company greater agility and relevance as it continues to expand.

The announcement also comes amid ongoing speculation about Flipkart’s long-awaited public listing. While no timeline has been confirmed, many see this shift as a foundational step that clears regulatory and operational hurdles for a potential stock market debut in India.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

For a company that started in a Bengaluru apartment and grew into one of India’s most recognizable online retail brands, moving its base back to India seems more like a homecoming than a strategy shift.

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No GST on UPI Payments Over Rs 2,000, Says Government After Social Media Buzz

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No GST on UPI Payments Over Rs 2,000, Says Government After Social Media Buzz

Rumors were flying this week about the government planning to slap GST on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 — but the Finance Ministry has come out and firmly shut those down.

“There is no such proposal,” the ministry said in a statement, calling the reports “baseless and misleading.” The clarification comes after a flurry of social media chatter and news articles suggesting that a new tax might be in the pipeline for higher-value UPI transactions.

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To set the record straight: UPI payments themselves don’t attract GST. The tax only comes into play on specific charges — like the merchant discount rate (MDR) — which, in this case, doesn’t apply. The government reminded the public that MDR on UPI transactions between individuals and merchants (P2M) was scrapped way back in January 2020. Since there’s no MDR, there’s nothing for GST to be applied to.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

The Finance Ministry also reiterated its continued support for India’s booming digital payments ecosystem. In fact, far from taxing it, the government’s been actively funding UPI adoption through incentive schemes aimed at making low-value transactions easier and cheaper — especially for small businesses.

Here’s what the government’s put behind UPI so far:

  • Rs 1,389 crore in incentives in FY 2021–22
  • Rs 2,210 crore in FY 2022–23
  • Rs 3,631 crore in FY 2023–24

Bottom line: UPI remains tax-free for users, even for payments above Rs 2,000. The government’s stance is clear — keep digital transactions easy, fast, and friction-free.

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PhonePe’s Pincode App Now Delivers Medicines 24/7 in Bengaluru, Mumbai & Pune — In Just 10 Minutes

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PhonePe’s Pincode App Now Delivers Medicines 24/7 in Bengaluru, Mumbai & Pune In Just 10 Minutes

PhonePe’s hyperlocal commerce app, Pincode, has stepped into the healthcare space in a big way, rolling out a round-the-clock medicine delivery service in three major cities — Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune.

What sets this apart? For one, Pincode isn’t relying on the usual “dark store” warehouse setup that most e-pharmacy players use. Instead, it’s tapping into the existing network of local chemists — giving customers faster deliveries and supporting neighbourhood businesses at the same time.

Need a prescription drug at 2 AM? Or forgot to stock up on a daily medication? Pincode now promises to get it to your doorstep in just 10 minutes. Whether it’s a simple over-the-counter tablet or a prescribed medicine, they’ve teamed up with nearby medical shops to fulfill your order quickly.

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“We’re trying to do two things at once — make access to medicines easier, and help local pharmacies thrive in a digital-first world,” said Vivek Lohcheb, CEO of Pincode. “With 10-minute deliveries, free teleconsultations, and all-day availability, we’re bridging an important gap in India’s healthcare ecosystem.”

One particularly thoughtful feature: if a customer doesn’t have a prescription, they can simply select that option during checkout. A certified doctor will reach out for a quick teleconsultation, and if appropriate, provide a digital prescription — all in line with India’s telemedicine regulations.

This new offering is clearly aimed at people who deal with regular medical needs — like seniors managing chronic illnesses, or anyone who might struggle to step out for a pharmacy run. And in an age where time and convenience matter more than ever, a service that combines speed, reliability, and access to doctors feels like a timely addition.

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For now, the 24/7 medicine delivery is live in three cities. But given the scale and ambition of PhonePe, don’t be surprised if it shows up in more soon.

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Do Contact Me. Only WhatsApp’: Zomato Delivery Exec’s Bold Note for Marketing Internship at Shopflo Wins the Internet

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Do Contact Me. Only WhatsApp’: Zomato Delivery Exec’s Bold Note for Marketing Internship at Shopflo Wins the Internet

A Zomato delivery guy has found an unexpected spotlight online — not for how fast he delivered dinner, but for the gutsy little note he left inside the bag.

When the folks at Shopflo opened their late-night food order, they found a piece of paper folded neatly in the box. It wasn’t a receipt. It was a handwritten message from the delivery partner:

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

“I’m a college student looking for a summer internship in marketing (not sales). Do contact me. 6261724837 (Only WhatsApp).”

And on the back, a quick note: “Sorry for the handwriting.”

That small piece of paper hit home for many, including Nikhil — the person who shared the story online.

“There was something really honest about it. In between dropping off food and fighting the clock, this guy still found a moment to put himself out there. No resumes, no LinkedIn messages. Just a pen, paper, and hope,” Nikhil wrote.

The internet responded fast — with admiration and support. Over 7,500 people have reacted to the post so far, many calling the gesture brave and refreshing.

One comment read: “As a student myself, this gave me chills. It takes serious guts to reach out like that, especially in such a unique way. Huge respect.”

Another added: “It’s incredible how something as simple as a note can stand out so much. Really hope someone in marketing gives this guy a shot.”

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It’s not every day a job application comes tucked between napkins and chutney. But sometimes, the boldest moves happen when you least expect them — and they definitely don’t need to be typed.

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