Smart SMEs, Smarter Sales: How India’s Small Vendors Are Going AI‑First and Slipping Past The Big E‑Commerce Gates

E-Commerce

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July 15, 2025

Image of AI led SMEs — Smart SMEs, Smarter Sales: How India’s Small Vendors Are Going AI‑First and Slipping Past The Big E‑Commerce Gates

Since 2022, a new relationship has formed in India’s e-commerce world: small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which have been working under resource constraints for some time, have tapped into the AI wave — quietly and are getting some serious traction.

Whether it’s democratized AI tools like ChatGPT, or even microbrands, there are whole SMEs in Tier-2 towns that now use machine learning to deliver product recommendations, demand forecasting, customer support, or inventory management. The result: they are delivering more personalized experiences, more efficiency, and are narrowing the gap between small e-com competitors and its corporate counterparts.

Imagine a handcrafted tea vendor in Guwahati sending you an email that automatically recommended a new Assam chai blend from your last sip-and-scroll session. Or an artist in Udaipur, who makes ceramics, improving her stock records with predictive inventory tools so she never over-sells.

And, these regional chatbots backed by AI are bringing support around the clock and to local preferences – so whether you ping in Hindi, Tamil, or Marathi the chatbots will reply back in regional language support. And it’s not just chatbots that are going regional: voice commerce is too. Customers are asking for “best oiled rice in Odia”, and getting results, all due to the vernacular training on AI.

In 2025, these AI led SMEs will not only survive, but thrive. They will compete through scale, not just price, and will break through into markets that were previously only seen as unattainable.

Bad news for the big players? This competition is not coming from a boardroom but from the next lane over. These guerrilla entrepreneurs are using AI to level the playing field, and allowing them to go into battle without spending millions. For customers, this means hyper-localized offerings in regional language styles and regional language support, and surprise quality at surprise pricing.

So, next time you are online shopping and you land upon a really tiny handcrafted brand that just makes sense to you – congratulations – you just became part of India’s ecosystem of small local SMEs through the power of AI. The future may not just be flash branding, wrapper effect pricing, etc., but it will be local and personal, and smarter.

The Social Commerce Tsunami: How Instagram, TikTok, and Live Streams Are Making Bharat Checkout-Crazy

E-Commerce

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Online Desk

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July 15, 2025

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Image of Instagram — The Social Commerce Tsunami: How Instagram, TikTok, and Live Streams Are Making Bharat Checkout-Crazy

When Instagram and TikTok go far beyond just scroll-and-chill apps and introduce a checkout button—change is coming (welcome to India’s social commerce explosion).

The shoppers in Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities aren’t waiting for Black Friday—they’re buying straight off reels, shoppable posts, and livestream drops. DHL estimates that over 80% of Indian online shoppers have already purchased through social media and that figure is projected to rise to 90% by 2030 indanretailer.com indiashippingnews.com. Social commerce is no longer fringe—it’s the new everyday.

Several platforms like Meesho and Trell make money when they stream—not only do they merchandise in vernacular languages; but they also have regional influencer trust. A pop-up livestream from your local foodie can deliver a snack box to your door-step; same hour. Syndication style selling is on fast-track full throttle.And brands are catching on quickly.

Hyper-personalization is not an algorithm talking point anymore it is baked into the feed. AI is tagging, upselling, and tuning your product feed based on the last video watch or voice query. A “silent meditation cushion” ad pops up after a reels binge—and you type nothing.

Sustainability is not a passenger in the back seat, it’s also now riding shotgun. Eco-friendly drops, resale fashion and returnable rentals are hitting “live” buttons — entering the world of digital meet sustainable — consumers are checking out with green values, saying yes to instant gratification.

For touchpoint traditional e‑commerce apps, it’s a reckoning. Mobile first, sure…exclusively a screen-first, experience. Trust from consumers has transitioned from cart pages to community conversation, albeit in their own dialect as opposed to English.

In other words, the sale starts at a scroll. It sells through a story. It closes in your chat. The commerce wave won’t wait.. It’s streaming.

Beauty on a Budget: How E-Commerce Is Fueling the Rise of ₹99 Serums and No-Makeup Skincare

E-Commerce

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Online Desk

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July 15, 2025

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Image of Nykaa — Beauty on a Budget: How E-Commerce Is Fueling the Rise of ₹99 Serums and No-Makeup Skincare

A subtle skincare shift is taking place before your very eyes-and no, it’s not luxury brands or celebrity-laden launches, but the emergence of ₹99 serums, ₹129 lip balms, and everyday glow-up routines that leave teen wallets intact.

E-commerce solutions like Amazon, Purplle, and Flipkart now have a suffocating amount of micro-priced, trend-forward beauty products from an abundance of new-age Indian brands you never heard of, but keep adding to cart anyways. The sweet spot? Aesthetically pleasing skincare products under ₹150 that seem premium enough and deliver just enough to be part of one’s everyday routine.

So what’s fueling it all? Gen Z demand, TikTok beauty hauls, and general thought that skincare is no longer a luxury product, it is a lifestyle. Brands are catching wind of this very quickly, for example, niacinamide serums and sunscreen sticks are small in size but bursting with viral potential. Oh, and most items come in travel minis, sachets or as combo kits to make trial easier!

Platforms are now adding on to the growing movement by bundling these types of products during flash sales and creator driven deals. “Under ₹199 Deals” is now a language and a category not a compromise.

This isn’t just about the price point either. These products are speaking a language that is memeable, skimmable and overly online. They’re putting ingredients front and center like keyword titles – coffee, hyaluronic, berry, clay – and packaging looks like it came out of a GRWM reel.

For traditional players, this is a major inflection point. The next generation of beauty buyers don’t want aspirational-price points, they want accessible and subpar prices. They’re less committed to brands and more committed to the feels. And as a result, we’re seeing a new skincare economy that is all powered off dopamine-carts and ₹99 checkouts. The luxury is accessibility.

Beauty is no longer just an item on a shelf, it’s a flash deal, one-tap away.

E-Commerce Goes Electric: How EV Delivery Fleets Are Quietly Redefining the Last Mile

E-Commerce

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Online Desk

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July 15, 2025

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Image of Amazon — E-Commerce Goes Electric: How EV Delivery Fleets Are Quietly Redefining the Last Mile

Your order came 11 minutes ago—but did you realize it was rolling in on silent wheels?

As cities across India get noisier and ordering gets faster, there is a silent shift taking place in e-commerce, omnichannel, (and everywhere else) — literally. Brands are increasingly using electric vehicles (EVs) to replace fuel, as last mile delivery fleets are moving to electric.

Brands such as Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon, Flipkart, and BigBasket are heavily investing in EV logistics. For instance, Flipkart has committed to converting 100% of its fleet to electric by 2030 while Blinkit’s hyperlocal business model has gone 75% electric in cities like Delhi and Bengaluru.

As to why brands are switching to electric, there is no shortage of reasons. Cost is one reason. EVs are cheaper to maintain, fuel-free, and save crores over the long term. Plus, with tightening emission regulations and ESG commitments, going electric is no longer just a “green” marketing initiative – it has become good business.

There’s also a shift in customer perception. “Eco delivery” is now tagged next to the ETA in your app, and guess what? Customers are clicking it.

Startups are also entering the game with battery-swapping technology, electric vehicle rental fleets, and integrated delivery-as-a-service players providing micro-mobility at scale. Brands no longer need to purchase 100 e-scooters—they can plug into a network.

But the operational advantage is what matters most. EVs can travel through traffic more quickly (acceleration), recharge in low-use hours, and eliminate urban noise. The numbers now work for short-haul, high-frequency courier deliveries, like groceries and pharmacy.

Infrastructure is still lagging. There are only a smattering of charging stations, and the rural rollout is exceedingly slow. But the transition is happening, and only accelerating.

Next time your groceries land on your doorstep in ten minutes, listen closely. That low muffle? That’s the future—clean, green and fully charged.

“Sunscreen Lagana Abhi Baaki Hai”: Zepto’s Marketing Genius Goes Viral: Dr. Sheth’s Sunscreen Ad on Coconuts Garners Rave Reviews

A&M

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Online Desk

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July 15, 2025

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Image of zepto. — “Sunscreen Lagana Abhi Baaki Hai”: Zepto’s Marketing Genius Goes Viral: Dr. Sheth’s Sunscreen Ad on Coconuts Garners Rave Reviews

In a bold and quirky marketing move, Zepto has once again proven that creativity knows no bounds. This time, the 10-minute delivery giant turned a humble coconut into prime advertising real estate. The viral campaign featured a purple sticker on a coconut that read, “Sunscreen lagana abhi baaki hai mere dost” — a clever reminder to stay sun-safe, backed by a partnership with Dr. Sheth’s skincare brand.

What makes this collaboration especially fun is its seasonal genius. Coconuts are already a go-to summer essential for hydration, and sunscreen is a no-brainer for UV protection. Combining the two not only makes contextual sense but delivers the message right where the consumer least expects it — in their grocery basket.

The sticker also displayed a visual of Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C sunscreen, highlighting key benefits like SPF 50+, hydration, and skin barrier support. All of this was wrapped up in a humorous, catchy one-liner that adds relatability and shareability — a marketing dream.

This kind of ambient advertising isn’t just eye-catching; it’s disruptive in the best way possible. With online buzz growing and Instagram users calling it “Ad of the Day,” Zepto has once again blurred the lines between everyday utility and unexpected branding brilliance.

In an age where attention spans are short and digital clutter is high, this coconut ad stands out for being refreshingly innovative — pun intended. It’s cheeky, it’s relevant, and most importantly, it works

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

With campaigns like this, Zepto is carving out a reputation not just as a delivery app, but as a serious player in smart, contextual marketing.

India’s Blue Tokai Expands to Middle East With Ambrosia Gulf Deal—First UAE Café to Open by End-2025

Retail & Ecommerce

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Online Desk

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July 15, 2025

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Image of blue tokai — India’s Blue Tokai Expands to Middle East With Ambrosia Gulf Deal—First UAE Café to Open by End-2025

India’s popular artisanal coffee brand Blue Tokai is officially going global—again. After making waves in Tokyo, the homegrown roaster is now setting its sights on the Gulf, kicking things off with a master franchise agreement with Ambrosia Gulf. The collaboration marks Blue Tokai’s debut in the GCC region, with the very first café expected to open its doors in the UAE by the end of 2025.

The upcoming flagship café will spotlight what Blue Tokai is known for: its signature single-estate coffees, slow manual brewing, and a strong focus on transparency from farm to cup.

“Bringing Blue Tokai to the UAE is a proud moment for us,” said Vish Narain, Executive Chairman at Ambrosia Gulf. “We’re looking to introduce brands that care deeply about quality and storytelling—and Blue Tokai checks all the boxes.”

Ambrosia Gulf isn’t new to the business of food. It’s part of Ambrosia Foods Group, which is backed by Pulsar Capital, a private investment firm active across India and the Middle East. The group has a knack for scaling brands thoughtfully—its upcoming Papa Johns launch in India and existing Biryani By Kilo operations in the Gulf are testaments to that.

For Blue Tokai, this step is more than just international expansion. It’s about entering a market that values specialty coffee, traceability, and a sense of community around the cup.

“This is an exciting chapter for us,” said Blue Tokai Co-Founder and CEO Matt Chitharanjan. “Ambrosia Gulf brings both operational muscle and a sharp understanding of local tastes. We’re thrilled to work with them as we plant roots in the Middle East.”

Beyond cafés, the partnership will also introduce Blue Tokai’s retail products in the region. Expect everything from packaged beans to cold brews hitting shelves and entering hotels, restaurants, and homes through HoReCa and direct-to-consumer channels.

Blinkit Drops Middlemen, Chases Profit: JM Financial Expects Big Boost in Margins by FY27

Quick Commerce

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Online Desk

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July 15, 2025

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Image of blinkit — Blinkit Drops Middlemen, Chases Profit: JM Financial Expects Big Boost in Margins by FY27

Eternal Ltd.’s quick-commerce platform Blinkit is about to undergo a dramatic business model overhaul. Starting September 1, the company will drop its marketplace-style operations and instead take full control of its product inventory, stepping into the role of a direct seller.

This isn’t just a structural change—it’s a strategic pivot aimed at fattening profit margins and tightening operational control. By stocking and selling products directly to customers rather than depending on third-party sellers, Blinkit is hoping to unlock efficiencies that were previously out of reach.

The move comes after Eternal imposed a 49.5% cap on foreign investment in Blinkit, a regulatory step required to qualify for running an inventory-led e-commerce business under Indian law.

JM Financial, which is bullish on the move, believes this new setup will allow Blinkit to widen its product mix, streamline logistics, and trim back on legal and compliance expenses. Analysts at the firm expect Blinkit’s EBITDA margin—as a share of gross order value—to grow by 50 to 110 basis points. That’s a noteworthy jump, considering the long-term goal is a margin of 4–5%.

If the transition rolls out smoothly, JM Financial expects Blinkit to hit EBITDA break-even as early as the December quarter—much sooner than the market anticipates.

Looking ahead, Blinkit is projected to hit a gross order value of ₹57,900 crore in FY26, with operating margins climbing from 0.5% that year to 2% in FY27. In comparison, Zomato’s core food delivery business is expected to clock in a GOV of ₹45,400 crore in FY26, with a healthier operating margin of 4.7%.

Despite the gap, Blinkit’s roadmap has caught investor interest. JM Financial has reaffirmed its ‘Buy’ call on Eternal, assigning the stock a target price of ₹320. Eternal shares responded positively, rising 3% to close at ₹271.25 on the NSE, even as the Nifty 50 slipped by 0.25%.

Costa Coffee India’s FY25 Revenue Jumps to ₹198.5 Cr: Expansion & Gen Z Buzz Stir Up Bold Plans

Growth

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Online Desk

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July 15, 2025

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Image of costal coffee — Costa Coffee India’s FY25 Revenue Jumps to ₹198.5 Cr: Expansion & Gen Z Buzz Stir Up Bold Plans

Costa Coffee is stirring up more than just cappuccinos in India—it’s serving up some serious growth. The British coffee chain, operated in India by Devyani International Ltd (DIL), reported a 30.76% jump in revenue, reaching ₹198.5 crore in FY25. Profits also climbed by 28.4%, hitting ₹149.7 crore, according to DIL’s latest annual report.

This sharp rise comes on the back of aggressive expansion. In the past year alone, Costa added 41 new stores, growing its footprint from 179 to 220 outlets across the country. However, growth wasn’t without its costs.

Margins took a bit of a hit. Gross margins slipped to 75.4%, down from 76.8% last year, largely due to rising prices of coffee beans and other ingredients. The brand contribution margin also dipped, sliding from 17% to 16.1%, while average daily sales per store dropped from ₹33,000 to ₹27,000. This resulted in same-store sales growth (SSSG) falling from 8.7% to 4.1% year-on-year.

Despite these short-term challenges, the brand is bullish about India’s long-term promise. In fact, Costa Coffee’s Global CEO Philippe Schaillee, during a visit to India in April, stated that the country is poised to become one of Costa’s top five global markets. Currently, India ranks among the top 10.

Owned by global beverage giant Coca-Cola, Costa Coffee plans to open 40–50 new outlets annually. DIL sees India’s evolving café culture—especially among millennials and Gen Z consumers—as fertile ground for growth. The broader Indian coffee market is growing at 10–12% per year, nearly twice the global average.

“There’s been a noticeable cultural shift in India—from being a tea-dominant country to one where coffee is fast becoming a lifestyle choice,” DIL noted. Gen Z, in particular, is showing a strong preference for premium coffee experiences, influenced by global work cultures and urban living.

To keep pace with this demand, Costa is focusing on high-traffic locations such as airports, malls, and multiplexes, positioning itself where young, upwardly mobile Indians spend both time and money.

But the ride isn’t smooth. Costa is up against some formidable competitors—Starbucks, Tim Hortons, McCafe, and Dunkin’—all jostling for dominance in India’s increasingly crowded café market.

Still, with a 50-year global legacy, a clear local strategy, and a growing consumer base craving curated coffee moments, Costa Coffee is placing a long bet on India—and it looks like the brew is just beginning to boil.

Too Yumm! Drops K-Bomb with Ananya Panday, Blending K-Wave Craze and Gen Z Humor in a Disruptive Snack Campaign

A&M

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Online Desk

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July 14, 2025

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Image of Ananya Panday — Too Yumm! Drops K-Bomb with Ananya Panday, Blending K-Wave Craze and Gen Z Humor in a Disruptive Snack Campaign

Great news for K-Food fans. Too Yumm!, the beloved Indian snack brand, is turning up the heat with the launch of K-Bomb, a brand-new Korean-inspired snack line. It follows the smashing success of their instant Korean noodles. The brand is doubling down on India’s growing love affair with the K-wave.

To dial up the craze, Too Yumm! has teamed up with Bollywood firecracker Ananya Panday. Her bubbly, fearless energy is a perfect fit for K-Bomb’s punchy, youthful vibe. The campaign kicked off with “Slurp N Spill”, a rapid-fire podcast series. It is cheeky, chaotic, and full of energy like the snack, and Ananya and her enthusiasm for the snack take centre stage.

The campaign starts with QR code activations exploding across major metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata. They drive foot traffic to quirky digital content. The brand is also making waves with OOH installations with wild, manga-inspired art on the streets.

Yogesh Tiwari, Chief Marketing Officer at Too Yumm!, breaks it down. “Consumers are tired of old-school ads,” he says. “To connect, we’ve gotta offer real value with humour, insight, or just solid entertainment. That’s what the podcast delivers.”

This campaign signals’ Too Yumm!’s intent to shake up the noodle aisle. With Ananya Panday on deck, they try to connect with Gen Z by speaking their language. The combination of trending flavors with celebrity influence and groundbreaking marketing is lighting the path to a delicious, interaction-driven adventure for the K-wave generation.

KFC Reunites CID Legends for ₹299 Combo Campaign, Blending Nostalgia and Humor in a Finger-Lickin’ Ad

A&M

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Online Desk

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July 14, 2025

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Image of KFC — KFC Reunites CID Legends for ₹299 Combo Campaign, Blending Nostalgia and Humor in a Finger-Lickin’ Ad

India’s favorite investigative trio is back, but not for a new episode of CID. This time, ACP Pradyuman, Dr. Salunkhe, and Daya are cracking a case for KFC, and it’s finger-lickin’ mysterious. In a bold new campaign, actors Shivaji Satam, Dayanand Shetty, and Narendra Gupta reunite to solve what appears to be a scam. At least, that’s what Daya thinks. The ad opens with him struggling to decode Gen Z slang. Convinced he’s sniffed out a fraud. Naturally, he reports it to ACP Pradyuman, who pulls in forensic genius Dr. Salunkhe just like old times.

The case is a ₹299 dine-in combo deal from KFC, including 7 boneless strips and 2 hot & crispy pieces. It’s too good to be true; that’s why they think it’s fraud. The trio is shown making a dramatic entrance into a KFC outlet, ready to uncover the truth. What unfolds is a delightful blend of humorous detective work, mock interrogations, and comical confusion over contemporary slang. Throughout their investigation, the characters frequently resort to their iconic catchphrase, “ye toh scam hai!”, adding nostalgic humor. Ultimately, a KFC staff member steps in to clarify that the offer is indeed genuine. As truth dawns, suspicion turns to delight. The detectives dropped their guard, picked up the chicken, and enjoyed it. The case was solved deliciously.

This campaign nails it. A masterclass in character-led nostalgia. Humor, storytelling, and cultural callbacks all tied together in one neat chicken-scented bow. Watching these familiar faces fumble through slang while doing what they do best. And yes, the ₹299 offer is real. Seven boneless chicken strips and two hot & crispy pieces. Available at KFC outlets across India. But only for a limited time. Because some mysteries should not last forever, especially when they’re this tasty.

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