The Business Bytes
BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 21, 2024 (TBB BUREAU): In a noteworthy development, E-commerce major Amazon.in has announced a significant 25 per cent year-over-year growth in its Home, Kitchen, and Outdoors segment in Odisha. This impressive uptick is complemented by a 15 per cent increase in new customers shopping on India’s premier online retail platform. The surge reflects a burgeoning appetite for sports equipment, with cricket gear seeing a phenomenal 80 per cent year-over-year growth and racquet sports experiencing a staggering 150 per cent increase.
K.N. Srikanth, Director of Home, Kitchen, and Outdoors at Amazon India, on Wednesday expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. Our vision of ‘har muskaan ki apni dukaan’ drives us to deliver unmatched shopping experiences. Bhubaneswar’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to introduce the Home and Kitchen Xperience Arena to this vibrant city.”
The environmental consciousness of customers is evident from the 50 per cent increase in solar product sales, with solar panel purchases more than doubling year-over-year. Additionally, the rise in electric vehicle interest is clear, with nine EV brands now available in over ten cities across Odisha. Notably, Bhubaneswar saw a sale of an electric scooter every two days in July from leading brands such as Bajaj Chetak and Hero Vida.
The capital city of Odisha has also witnessed a 30 per cent year-over-year growth in the large furniture category, with premium items like sofa sets, mattresses, and wardrobes enjoying a substantial 40 per cent increase. TV units have soared by 90 per cent, signalling a strong demand for high-end lifestyle products. Furthermore, bathroom fittings have seen an 80 per cent year-over-year growth, reflecting an increasing interest in home upgrades. Air purifiers have also gained traction with a 50 per cent rise in sales.
Emerging trends in home aesthetics are highlighted by a 120 per cent growth in wall paints and a 100 per cent increase in cleaning supplies, showcasing a heightened focus on cleanliness and home improvement. Additionally, connected mobility devices such as dash cams and GPS trackers have surged by an impressive 500 per cent year-over-year.
The Home and Kitchen Xperience Arena event in Bhubaneswar received a warm reception. The event offered a platform for showcasing a wide array of products, including furniture, home essentials, kitchen appliances, and more, allowing media and partners to interact directly with Amazon India’s leadership.
Highlighting Odisha’s importance, Srikanth added, “Odisha is a vital market for us, and we are committed to supporting local stores and MSMEs through innovative tools and initiatives. Our extensive network in the state, including 51 service partners, 52 delivery stations, and nearly 16,000 sellers, underscores our dedication to fostering growth and entrepreneurship.”
