Latest news with #KapilMakhija
New Indian Express
03-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
E-commerce sales in Tier-3 cities surge 21% YoY
With ecommerce firms such as Flipkart and Amazon gearing up for their sales, tier-2 and tier-3 cities have emerged as key growth drivers outpacing that of metros. E-commerce and retail enablement SaaS platform Unicommerce in its summer online sale trends in 2025 reveals that tier-3 cities drove a 21% YoY growth during the 2025 summer sales as they contributor to the overall 8% increase in ecommerce order volumes. While the sales kicked off in early May this year, the summer season saw a continued run of sale events, drawing consumers with attractive deals across categories including electronics, apparel, fashion and footwear, beauty and home decor, it said. Amazon India has announced its Prime Day 2025 deals, exclusively for Prime members. Starting from 12:00 AM on July 12 to 11:59 PM on July 14, it said Prime Day brings savings across categories including smartphones, consumer electronics, TVs and appliances, among others. "The summer season has become an interesting time of year, as brands and ecommerce platforms concentrate their efforts on driving sales through themed campaigns, early-bird offers, and category-specific promotions," said Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce. He added that consumers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities are increasingly embracing online channels for lifestyle upgrades like smart electronics, stylish home décor, and wellness products - categories once dominated by metro buyers. "This interesting trend highlights the deepening of India's ecommerce sector,' he added.
Economic Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Small and Smart: How AI is powering SMEs in India's e-commerce boom
iStock AI has been a great help not just for sellers but for consumers as well. Since OpenAI launched ChatGPT, a conversational chatbot powered by artificial intelligence (AI), in 2022, the world has not been the same. Although AI wasn't entirely new to businesses and consumers, ChatGPT showcased the potential for technology to be used across various sectors with diverse and nuanced applications. The world of supply chain and e-commerce had already begun employing data analytics and machine learning (ML) to gain insights into consumer behaviour and facilitate demand forecasting and inventory management. As AI continues to advance, experts say it is reshaping the e-commerce industry in India and changing the way Indians shop online. People no longer use short keywords while using AI tools like ChatGPT for shopping online, according to Kapil Makhija, CEO & MD of Unicommerce. Instead, they ask complete, natural questions, such as 'What are the best high-quality shoes for running?' or 'Show me kurti options under Rs 1,000' or 'Show me running shoes that can be delivered in 2 days.' 'These and more are real examples of how customers are using AI in their digital commerce journeys,' says Makhija. 'Evolving user behaviour, expansion in the number of online channels, growing emphasis on enhanced user experience and the need to drive higher operational efficiencies are driving AI adoption in multiple ways,' he stay visible in AI-driven conversations, he says, product data needs to mirror the way people speak with natural phrases like 'reliable running shoes for daily jogs' or 'suitable for gym workouts', which mimic how shoppers describe their needs in AI tools. 'The more closely product information matches the way people actually describe what they're looking for, the more likely it is for the product to be recommended by conversational AI tools.''AI can enable an enhanced search experience by using natural language processing (NLP), which helps understand customers' search intent while offering conversational search. It can allow customers to refine queries through dialogues, like a discussion with a human salesperson,' he says. Additionally, AI is helping these demands sync up with the inventory, says Makhija. 'When a customer looks for running shoes that can be delivered in two days, it will look at available data and give the results. If a brand's inventory is not synced across channels, the choice will not show up, even if it is available,' he explains.'Real-time inventory visibility is no longer an operational strength; it is the starting point in an AI-powered shopping world. While there are a growing number of sales channels like multiple marketplaces, quick-commerce chains, brand websites and apps, physical stores and omni-channel integrations that connect brands to sellers, the inventory is typically held in a few locations only. Technology helps track real-time inventory across various points of sale and storage,' he the same time, he points out that AI can simplify the complexity of selling on multiple e-commerce platforms by automating product listings to ensure consistent descriptions and images across platforms. For automating operations, e-commerce enablement platform Shiprocket has recently launched an AI-integrated model context protocol (MCP) server. This server allows AI agents to perform key operations, such as checking shipping rates or tracking orders, all through a single line of instruction. Saahil Goel, Co-founder and CEO of Shiprocket, says that India has a very good opportunity with AI due to the abundance of unstructured data in the country. This includes different accents, languages, and voices, which means that many things that could be automated in the West remain unautomated in India.'Additionally, India has struggled with DIY (Do-It-Yourself) in the past, and it still hasn't accepted it to a great degree. I do think that can change with AI. Right now, the merchant depends on service providers for many things, all of which can come down to a prompt. Today's AI-powered co-pilots are very intelligent; they can be connected to a merchant's business, their ad account, their marketplaces, Google Analytics, etc. A merchant can simply ask the co-pilot to do a reconciliation or ask, 'How much money does Amazon owe me?' and they will get accurate answers. SMEs could have a McKinsey consultant in their pocket,' he says, adding that often SMEs struggle with not knowing, and then the cost to deliver that knowledge to them is very high in a service-orientated also helps with eliminating errors, especially in logistics, such as getting the right state and PIN codes, he also highlights that logistics accounts for a substantial expense in e-commerce operations. Different products, geographies, modes of payment, values of products and more determine the right courier selection for a certain order. AI models predict which courier will deliver fastest or with the least risk of RTO (Return to Origin) for a specific package or geography.'For businesses using multiple delivery partners, AI engines help allocate deliveries across different courier partners based on service levels, area efficiency, or cost. Shipway is Unicommerce's logistics management platform that provides both courier aggregation and courier automation services. Shipway's smart courier automation services help it dynamically suggest the best carrier based on current rate cards, package weight, distance, and urgency. This helps businesses reduce RTOs, improve delivery SLAs and manage costs,' he adds that AI can also help in RTO (return-to-origin) reduction and fraud detection. AI helps in predictive analytics to determine likely failure chances of a delivery based on address patterns, COD risk, or past delivery success. 'AI can predict the likelihood of delivery failure and automate proactive action like calling the customer in advance. AI can also increase the efficiency of fraud detection by flagging suspicious delivery patterns, like unusually high failed deliveries from a specific area or user,' he has been a great help not just for sellers but for consumers as well. As per Praveen Govindu, Partner, Deloitte India, AI now permeates nearly every aspect of the digital retail experience. From bot-led customer support to reduced cart abandonment, AI has a lot to offer to enhance consumer experience.'Virtual assistants and chatbots now handle a wide range of customer interactions—from answering questions to guiding users through purchases and resolving post-purchase issues, improving conversion rates and post-purchase satisfaction. AI also tackles the persistent problem of cart abandonment by sending smart, personalised reminders and offering targeted discounts on abandoned cart products. Real-time chatbots also step in to resolve last-minute doubts, nudging customers to complete purchases,' he continues, 'AI-driven AR (Augmented Reality) allows customers to visualise how products like cosmetics, clothing or furniture will look like on real users/set-ups, bridging the gap between online convenience and in-store confidence.'However, this technology comes with its own set of challenges, such as outdated data quality, over-automation, integration issues and privacy can automate only what is well-defined. If business processes are flawed, automation will simply make bad outcomes happen faster. Over-automation can also lead to inefficiencies and customer frustration if not properly managed. Further, integrating AI with existing systems can be difficult, especially with legacy infrastructure causing delays and additional costs. Implementing AI involves significant upfront investment, ongoing maintenance and employee training. 'These can be barriers for small businesses,' he says. He also points out the lack of human to Deloitte India's Govindu, AI cannot think strategically, create original ideas or form emotional connections with customers. 'It only excels at well-defined and repetitive tasks.'Adds Shiprocket's Goel, saying that AI is also capable of generating fake content and fake reviews and thus has the potential to be abused. Interestingly, it is also good at catching these fake reviews and accounts and checking whether they are the future looks promising as per the experts. Goel believes that AI's applications will go deep into regional tier II and tier III markets using video and voice-based intelligence.'Today, when we work with brands or B2C firms, there are typically 4-5 segments—male, female, urban, non-urban, etc., and their combinations. But, in reality, there could be 1000s. You could do thousands of creatives for these thousands of people. With AI, it becomes possible to run the same ad in different versions as per every city,' he about the future use cases, Govindu said that there will be a lot more autonomous product tagging and catalog management as well as real-time profiling and customer targeting. AI will automatically tag, categorise, and update product listing based on image and text recognition, he says.'By analysing real-time data streams like browsing patterns, cursor movements, and session interactions, AI constructs evolving customer profiles and plans hyper personalised targeting strategies. For example, AI can monitor micro interactions (scroll depth, hover duration) to infer intent adjusting recommendations mid-session. It can also analyse externally integrated data like weather, location, and device-type to tailor offers,' he says. On the occasion of World MSME Day on June 27, 2025, ET Digital will also open registrations for its sixth edition of the ET MSME Awards 2025. The coveted award programme celebrates India's top MSMEs for their achievements and contribution to the nation's economic development.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tata 1mg partners with Unicommerce to boost e-commerce efficiency
New Delhi: Digital healthcare platform Tata 1mg has partnered with SaaS-based e-commerce enablement platform Unicommerce to streamline its backend operations and boost delivery efficiency across India. The integration of Unicommerce's technology will automate order processing, improve inventory accuracy, and enhance demand forecasting—ensuring timely product availability and delivery across 1,000+ Indian cities. The system also allows for efficient batch tracking, helping identify expired or defective products and triggering alerts to protect consumer safety. The collaboration aims to optimise fulfilment of Tata 1mg's own-brand products, including nutraceuticals, kids' and women's nutrition, protein drinks, and wellness items for diabetes, pregnancy and lactation. With Unicommerce's multi-channel order and warehouse management systems, Tata 1mg can now manage orders received via its website and partner marketplaces more effectively, leading to a smoother customer experience. Ketan Bhatia, Vice President – Consumer Products, Tata 1mg, said, 'As a leading online health and wellness brand, we're focused on delivering a seamless shopping experience. Our partnership with Unicommerce strengthens our e-commerce operations to enhance the buying experience for our customers across the country." Speaking about the association, Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce said, 'Healthcare brands are embracing technology to optimise their digital channels, providing timely deliveries to end customers, which is a critical factor in this sector. We are privileged to support Tata 1mg in their journey to offer rich wellness experiences.
Fashion Value Chain
15-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Unicommerce Processes 2 Cr+ Q-Commerce Orders in FY25
Unicommerce, a leading SaaS platform for e-commerce enablement, has successfully processed over 2 crore quick-commerce order items in FY25 through its flagship platform Uniware. This significant volume was achieved via Uniware's integration with India's top quick-commerce (Q-commerce) platforms. The system allows brands to process bulk shipments from their warehouses to Q-commerce mother hubs in real time, ensuring speed, accuracy, and operational efficiency. The seamless integration enables real-time order alignment, smarter inventory allocation, and automated shipment management through pre-linked B2B courier partners. It also ensures compliance with GST e-invoicing and e-way bill mandates. Categories that have seen major benefits from this capability include personal care, nutraceuticals, toys, snacks, fashion accessories, apparel, and home décor. With the Indian quick commerce market expected to grow at a 16.6% CAGR between 2025 and 2029, reaching a projected US$9.95 billion by 2029, platforms like Unicommerce are helping brands meet the rising demand for 10–20 minute delivery expectations. Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce, stated: 'Quick commerce is reshaping consumption behavior and retail expectations. Unicommerce is proud to support brands with scalable, tech-enabled solutions that align with this high-speed delivery model.' Uniware offers a centralised dashboard to manage orders from D2C websites, marketplaces, offline stores, and Q-commerce platforms, empowering brands with real-time inventory visibility and streamlined fulfilment.
Business Standard
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Unicommerce eSolutions spurts after good Q4 outcome
Unicommerce eSolutions soared 7.20% to Rs 136.30 after the company's consolidated net profit rose 16.4% to Rs 3.35 crore on 70.6% increase in net sales to Rs 45.27 crore in Q4 March 2025 over Q4 March 2024. On a consolidated basis, the company's adjusted EBITDA increased by 98.1% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 8.88 crore in Q4 March 2025. Adjusted EBITDA margins increased by ~271 bps YoY to 19.6%, up from 16.9% in Q4 FY24. For the full year, net profit rose 34.3% to Rs 17.62 crore while net sales rose 30.1% to Rs 134.79 crore in the year ended March 2025 over the year ended March 2024. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 56.3% YoY to Rs 28.39 crore in FY25. Adjusted EBITDA margins increased by ~353 bps YoY to 21.1%, up from 17.5% in FY24. At the end of Q4 and FY25, the company's Annual Recurring Revenue stood at Rs 181.10 crore, reflecting a growth of ~70.6% YoY. Unicommerce added more than 125 enterprise clients to Uniware in Q4 FY25 its highest-ever quarterly addition. These clients include prominent brands such as Tata 1MG, Duroflex, Reid & Taylor, and Ethos, along with innovative brands featured on Shark Tank India, such as FAE Beauty and KIWI Kisan. Kapil Makhija, managing director & CEO said, "We conclude FY25 marking a significant milestone first, the 100% acquisition of Shipway Technology has been approved by our board and our shareholders, and second, reaching Adjusted EBITDA breakeven for Shipway. The broader macro-environment continued to remain muted in FY25. Despite the headwinds, our Net Revenue Retention (NRR) for Uniware, which is measured as revenue growth in FY25 from clients active in FY24, stood at 103%. While the broader industry trend of slower e-commerce growth resulted in drop in NRR from 108% in FY24 to 103% in FY25, we remained focused on our core execution levers maintaining a 100%+ NRR from existing clients, scaling new client acquisitions and expanding our cross-sell footprint, particularly for Shipway. Looking ahead to FY26, we remain committed to disciplined execution with a focus on revenue growth, operational efficiency, and sustained profitability." Anurag Mittal, chief financial officer said, "Our cash and bank balance stood at INR 353.0 Mn as of March 25, compared to INR 690.1 Mn as of March 24. The year-on-year change reflects the cash outflow of INR 684 Mn for the acquisition of 'Shipway Technology'. Net cash flow from operations improved to INR 279.6 Mn in FY25, up from INR 61.7 Mn in FY24. As we move into FY26, we are focused on further strengthening the Uniware platform and fully leveraging the Shipway acquisition. We have consistently delivered strong performance over the years and expect to sustain this momentum, driven by operating leverage and growing profitability in our Uniware business, while Shipway is expected to contribute meaningfully to growth." Unicommerce eSolutions is a leading e-commerce enablement Software-as-a-Service ("SaaS") platform that enables end-to-end management of e-commerce operations for brands, marketplaces, and logistics service provider firms.
