The reason most founders say they launched an apparel/clothing brand is because they spilled coffee, tea, or something just before a meeting or a flight and they couldn't find any alternative that would deliver a replacement right away!
With the introduction of the fashion category in Q-commerce, everyone has started to write eulogies for e-commerce and offline retail.
One does not mean the death of another.
While it may sound very exciting that I can order a tee or a trouser and get it in 10 minutes, the operational and merchandise expertise required for this category needs more than speed.
With listing fee and platform percentage being so high, the returns alone will ensure a minus zero sum game (if there is such a thing).
The width and depth (size/color/styles) of the inventory required in fashion is not the same as grocery.
While the big brand names may create a pull, sustaining the category is a challenge that 10 minute delivery folks may not have taken into account.
As the companies start on the path to IPO and put their focus on adding new categories and taking the AOV up, discounts may turn out to be a big impediment.
But then again, maybe the agility that Q-commerce has could end up proving everyone wrong.
Time will tell - in the case of Q-commerce it may well be a few months vs a few years!
Would love to discuss the pros and cons - experts from fashion and Q-commerce pls weigh in.
Berry Singh Nitin Chhabra Ayushi Gudwani Albinder Dhindsa Alok Dubey Amitabh Suri
qcommerce 10minute fastfashion fashion ecommerce online retail
This post was originally shared by Bindu Sharma on Linkedin.