Flipkart and Amazon gung-ho on 'Look East' policy; check details

For online businesses and e-commerce companies, the Covid-19 pandemic has provided new business avenues.  Many e-tailers are expanding their warehouse infrastructure and logistics in the east, according to a report published in The Times of India. Most of the middle class households, including a section of senior citizens, who have adopted various e-commerce platforms for delivery of essentials like groceries, medicines and other emergency services at their doorsteps.

According to the personal care brand Skin Elements, Flipkart has opened a 2.4 lakh sq ft fulfillment centre in Kolkata. About 30% of the orders are coming for the eastern part of the country, and have tied up with a third party agency to meet the demand for the last mile delivery, it added.

Amazon India is also targeting for the fastest deliveries in the east, by collaborating with thousands of small and medium businesses and brand partners.

The company also added that during the pandemic, many customers believe that online shopping is safe and is reflecting through events like Prime Day 2021, Great Freedom Festival, Rakhi store and Onam store.

Further, small kirana and retail shops have started selling goods through home delivery on WhatsApp, the publication said. They are also accepting payments through UPI apps like G-Pay, PhonePe and others, it added.

The lockdowns and restrictions have also pushed the online education and e-learning sector. During the pandemic, teaching methods had to go through an immense transformation. many online education players are generating revenue by providing e-learning solutions to students.