19, Jan 2024
ODN Unveils Report Analysing Content Strategies of e-Commerce Brand’s Affecting Sales

New Delhi, January 19 2024: ODN, an e-Commerce content creator, and specialist in ‘Shop-Now Content™’ which enables brands and e-commerce platforms to sell successfully online, has come up with an e-Commerce Content Analysis report. The report focuses on e-Commerce Brand’s Content across various marketplaces and 25 different categories comprising of Home and kitchen, Beauty and wellness, Apparel, Footwear, Grocery, Toys, Watches, Health and Personal care. The leading e-commerce and Quick Commerce marketplaces analysed were Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Swiggy, Instamart, Bigbasket, Zepto, and more.

 The report comes after an analysis on parameters like Titles, Bullet, Description, Images and Infographics, A+/RPD, Brand Store, Brand Story, Enriched Content etc. ODN has used tools like Helium 10, Nitti Gritti, and Amazon Brand Analytics to analyse the E-Commerce content of Brands.

 Narinder Mahajan, CEO & Co-Founder, ODN, highlights that this report is ground breaking and further mentions “ODN is making a concerted effort to assist retailers and e-commerce platforms in grasping the significance of using proper digital content, images, and videos to boost their sales. This report analyses the important factors to be considered by brands and platforms that will enable their sales growth.”

 Based on the categories, the outcome is as below, specifying the various important aspects of content creation for e-Commerce platforms:

ODN-New-Logo

  CUSTOMER PAIN POINTS – Product quality issues, packaging issues, image & text mismatch, missing industry standard Information were some of the pain points focussed on. The research showed that 91.3% of the brands failed to address the real customer pain points in their PDP content.

  TEXT CONTENT IN PDP – The ‘Product Display Page’ factors were analysed on how the text content should be. The relevant factors taken under consideration were; Titles of the listing product, Bullet points to highlight the important USP of the product, Description about detailed specification of the product and Usage of the brand. The analyses showed that an average of 84% of the brands have ineffective titles, bullet points and descriptions along with violating Amazon style guidelines, Non-SEO friendly content and not using e-Commerce best practices.

  IMAGES & INFO-GRAPHICS – Approximately 67.54% of brands failed to meet minimum image standards, while 100% exhibited design and copy imperfections, underscoring a pervasive shortfall in content quality across the board.

 A+ ENRICHED CONTENT – 56.67% of brands exhibited absence in 5 essential modules, with all issues in design and copy, while 98.55% lacked crucial lifestyle elements. These findings underscore the significant imperative for content enhancements across the board. A+ Content is an important factor that enables the brands to tell their story, encourage repeat purchases and potentially increase sales by 8% by using rich content.

  VIDEO AVAILABILITY – 35.3% of the brands did not have any video on Amazon listing. The study says that 40% of shoppers click on the listing video and 80% of shoppers watch the whole thing.

 BRAND STORE AVAILABILITY – Around 26% of brands operated without a dedicated brand store, yet the majority failed to leverage their complete capabilities. Introducing enhanced brand stores has proven to amplify customer dwell time by 83% and increase sales by 35% per visitor, showcasing their potential for substantial improvement. Amazon Stores allow you to showcase your brand and products in a multipage, immersive shopping experience.

16, Jan 2024
National Startup Day | Inputs from Nitya Sharma, Founder and CEO, Simpl

Nitya Sharma, Founder and CEO, Simpl

Nitya Sharma, Founder and CEO, Simpl

In the era of Unbundling of E-commerce, startups play a vital role in creating a level playing field and bringing market access to millions for small businesses led by MSMEs and D2C merchants in the country. They also help in building customers’ trust on merchants online or offline, resulting in a significant acceleration in the trade of goods and services and contributing to India’s objective of achieving a $5 trillion economy by 2028. This National Startup Day should set the tone for the growth of this ecosystem over the next 10 years where governments, industry, and the academia pool their knowledge and resources together to build a truly digital-first nation, powering the world’s economy.

13, Dec 2023
Unicommerce powers Cult.fit platform’s e-commerce operations

New Delhi, 13 December 2023: India’s leading fitness services and products platform, Cult.fit, has partnered with Unicommerce to streamline its supply chain operations for its smart fitness products under the Cult.sport segment. Cult.fit platform will manage its orders and warehouse operations through the Unicommerce platform, accelerating order processing and elevating the post-purchase experience for its end consumers.

Cult.fit logo

The Unicommerce platform will help manage the entire cult.sport product range, including high-quality sportswear, versatile home exercise gear, gym equipment, bicycles, and a range of nutraceuticals. With Unicommerce’s order management and warehouse management solutions, the brand will be able streamline its warehouse operations which will lead to faster processing of orders. The platform has currently integrated 25+ warehouses located across the country on the Unicommerce platform and processes over 50,000+ orders in a month.

With the growing popularity of fitness products and services in the Indian market, cult.fit platform has been witnessing high demand for its wide range of sportswear, gym accessories and health products. Unicommerce’s technology will smoothen operational challenges such as unsynchronised inventory, order allocation, bulk order management, logistics management and return orders management by integrating all of its warehouses onto a single platform, allowing it to allocate orders to the nearest warehouse automatically and streamline its order management processes.

Unicommerce-logo
Unicommerce Logo

Regarding the partnership, Kapil Makhija, CEO of Unicommerce, said, “Cult.fit has redefined the workout experience for sports and fitness enthusiasts. We are delighted to partner with Cultfit platform and deploy an effective supply chain system that helps automate supply chain processes and enhances capabilities to handle their rising orders. Our adaptable and resilient product framework provides a competitive advantage, positioning us as the preferred solution for businesses aiming to expedite their growth.

Unicommerce, with its robust technology, is reshaping India’s new-age retail industry. Unicommerce’s extensive integration network across marketplaces and carts, POS systems, 3PL service providers, ERPs, and POS systems has simplified the post-purchase journey for thousands of brands. The company has witnessed growth in its international business with a growing client base in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

12, Dec 2023
Engineering, Electronics, and E-commerce reports an increase in Net Apprenticeship Outlook Report by TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship

● Key Industries, Cities, and Categories Illuminate a Promising Landscape for Apprenticeships in India

● Engineering and Industrial Sector Dominates with 96% E-commerce and Tech Products Show Strong Performance at 90% in NAO

Mumbai, December 12 2023: In a landmark revelation, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship unveils the 2023 Apprenticeship Outlook Report, showcasing an unprecedented 75% surge in apprenticeship opportunities across India which exhibits a noteworthy 9% growth over the quarter of Jan-Mar 2023. The Net Apprenticeship Outlook (NAO) metric, a key indicator of employer sentiment, has reached an all-time high, signaling a remarkable 75% increase in employer intent for apprenticeship engagement during the upcoming October-March 2023-24 half-year.

TeamLease

The Net Apprenticeship Outlook (NAO) has increased significantly Year-Over-Year (YOY), from 41% in Jan-Jun 2021 to 56% in Jan-Jun 2022 and 66% in Jan-Mar 2023 to an astounding 75% for the Oct-Mar 2023–24 period. This Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of nearly 30% showcases how organizations view apprenticeships as a pivotal talent development strategy, driving skill enhancement, workforce development, and talent pipeline creation.

The HY1 Apr-Sep’23 and HY2 Oct’23 to Mar’24 Apprenticeship Outlook Report reveals a compelling landscape, highlighting Engineering & Industrial (96%), Electrical & Electronics (94%), Telecom (93%), and Ecom & Tech products (90%) as the leading sectors with the highest Net Apprenticeship Outlook (NAO). Notably, these industries, along with five others, witnessed a significant increase in NAO during the Oct-Mar 2023-24 half-year compared to the preceding quarter. This trend indicates robust growth prospects for apprenticeships, affirming their pivotal role in shaping the workforce of the future.

The Apprenticeship Outlook Report brings to light a pivotal insight—41% of employers believe that degree apprenticeships stand as a formidable strategy to effectively address the skill gap through seamless industry-academia collaboration. This recognition underscores the transformative role of apprenticeships in shaping a future-ready workforce, emphasizing a strategic commitment to talent development, skill enhancement, and the establishment of a robust talent pipeline. As the report illuminates, this insight marks a significant leap toward fostering a skilled and promising future for India’s workforce.

This extraordinary surge underscores the robust growth anticipated in India’s apprenticeship landscape, with key cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad leading the charge. The report unveils a transformative phase for India’s workforce, promising unparalleled opportunities for skill development and career growth.

Employer satisfaction and reasons for apprentice engagement

An encouraging 70% of employers engaged apprentices during April-September HY1, 2023, with 63% expressing satisfaction with apprentice performance. Employers cited ‘addressing skill shortages,’ ‘cost-effective talent development,’ and ‘strengthening community engagement and CSR efforts’ as major reasons for engaging apprentices.

Gender preferences and workforce expansion anticipation

While 45% of employers have no gender preferences, others showcase a preference for female candidates, especially in Services sectors like BFSI (21%), Retail (18%), and in Manufacturing sector are Engineering & Industrial (20%), Automobile & Ancillaries (17%) and Electrical & Electronics (13%). Additionally, 47% of employers anticipate a workforce increase of up to 10% during HY2: Oct – Mar, 2023-24 , signifying a positive trajectory for apprentice engagement.

City-wise Trends: Bangalore leads with a 17% increase in NAO

Among the metro cities, five out of six exhibit an increase in NAO for the Oct-Mar 2023-24 half-year, Bangalore leading with an impressive 85%, followed by Delhi at 82% and Hyderabad at 80%.The top three industries engaging apprentices in Bangalore are Engineering & Industrial (89%), BFSI (86%), and Retail (82%).

Employer strategies and structured training programs

Structured training programs (53%) and regular mentoring and coaching (41%) emerge as the preferred strategies for engaging apprentices, reflecting a commitment to their development. A significant 78% of employers report that over half of their apprentices successfully complete their training.

Top reasons for employers foreseeing an increase in apprenticeship hiring include real-time skill availability (35%) and business growth (21%). These statistics underscore the vital role apprentices play in contributing to tangible business outcomes.

Apprenticeship categories in demand

Optional Trade (82%), Designated Trade (80%), and Diploma Apprenticeship (77%) top the list of sought-after apprenticeship categories. Fitter/Mechanical Assembly (31%), Production Engineer (26%), and Computer Networking Technician (19%) are the most in-demand career opportunities in Optional/Designated Trade, while Machinist (22%), Production Apprentice (16%), and Mechanic (12%) are the top three roles in Trade Apprenticeships. In a Diploma Apprenticeship, the roles are Technical Service Engineer (25%), Machine Operator (18%), and Data Analyst (15%). In Graduate Apprenticeships, positions such as Electrical and Electronics Engineer (25%), Mechanical Engineer (17%), and Automobile Engineer (14%), are highly sought after.

Sumit Kumar, Chief Business Officer at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, remarked, “It’s encouraging to note that the percentage of businesses eager to boost their apprentice involvement in the quarter has improved as India Inc. continues to recognize the value of apprenticeships in building a robust talent pool. Over the last three years, the net apprenticeship outlook has gone up from 41% in 2021 (Jan – June 2021) to 75% (Oct 23 – March 24) which is an all-time high. The primary reasons driving the growth are real-time skill availability, cost-effectiveness, and driving community engagement under CSR. Also, initiatives from Govt. like PLI and Make in India are driving the employment opportunities for which employers are relying on apprenticeships to build a talent pipeline. 63% of employers have reported satisfactory performances of the apprentices, which is encouraging for employers to scale up the intake. Employers are beginning to realize that apprenticeships linked to a degree are much more effective and impactful in attracting the youth for apprenticeships and also longer engagements. Anticipating a promising trajectory for apprenticeship engagement in India throughout fiscal 2023, degree apprenticeship is emerging as the modern Nayi Talim, which can yield socio-economic growth for the country. Apprenticeships or work-based programs can help balance the GER with the employability factor to lead India on the path to becoming the skill capital of the world. Evidently, the impetus from the PLI and NEP and the rise of academia-industry collaboration to expand degree apprenticeships are major contributors to the ecosystem. Additionally, gender neutrality in apprentice engagement is evident amongst employers across industries. Manufacturing exhibits a greater level of gender neutrality, especially in Engineering & Industrial (20%), Automobile & Automobiles (17%), and Electrical & Electronics (13%).”

Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta, Vice President at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, emphasized, “Apprenticeships emerge as the key to unlocking greater opportunities for female candidates in the evolving retail sector of India.” In the retail industry, the percentage of women working is 25–30%, while it is 60–75% in the US and the UK. It is evident that a considerable increase in the women’s labor participation rate is facilitated by apprenticeships. HR leaders highlight that apprenticeships will not only influence the talent pool in technology, services, and retail in the future but will also serve as a beacon for closing the gender gap. The total number of apprentices employed over the last five years has increased by 30%, and growth in the retail, BFSI, and logistics industries is predicted to reach 67% during the next 3 years”

14, Nov 2023
6 out of 10 freshers from Tier 2 cities seek jobs in E-commerce and BFSI sectors, reveals apna.co survey

National, 14 November 2023: In a groundbreaking survey conducted by apna.co, India’s leading job, and professional networking platform, the pulse of fresh graduates searching for job opportunities in the ever-evolving job market has been unveiled. With an extensive response from over 10,000 participants, the report brings to light a remarkable trend: 6 out of 10 enthusiastic job seekers hailing from tier 2 & 3 cities, such as Surat, Jaipur, Gwalior, Bhopal, Indore, Lucknow, and Kanpur, are setting their sights on the vibrant E-commerce and BFSI sectors.

Key Highlights of the Survey:

· E-commerce Takes the Lead: Fresh talent is flocking to the E-commerce sector, witnessing an impressive 22% surge in applications. Close on its heels, the BFSI sector shows an 18% growth, while the Telecommunications and IT sectors follow with 13% and 5% respectively.

· Top Industry Giants first choice for these freshers: 8 out of 10 respondents are seeking jobs in multinational giants such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Reliance Jio, ensuring stability, brand name & learning curve as the key indicators for the choice.

Furthermore, the survey uncovered some compelling insights. A substantial 6 out of 10 freshers are drawn to these sectors because of the substantial career growth opportunities. 34% prioritize the stability offered by established companies, while 22% opt for the brand recognition and reputation associated with working for industry leaders. Moreover, 38% of young job seekers are keen on workplaces that offer a better environment and work-life balance, showcasing their emphasis on not just professional growth but also overall well-being.

The survey also unveiled diverse career ambitions among recent graduates. A notable 36% of them are inclined towards pursuing post-graduation to further enhance their knowledge and skills, paving the way for even more opportunities in the future. In contrast, a determined 64% are eager to enter the workforce immediately, ready to contribute their talents and drive to the ever-evolving job market.

Nirmit Parikh, Founder & CEO, apna.co commented “Witnessing a growing community of determined young professionals who are shaping their destinies is overwhelming. The tremendous growth in our user base is a testament to their aspirations and our commitment to nurturing their talents. As we chart the way forward, we recognize that our role is pivotal in bridging the aspirations of these dynamic young talents with the ever-evolving demands of the job market. We envision a future where the workforce is powered by their potential and where we continue to be the bridge that connects dreams to opportunities.”

Experts in the industry have recognized the diversification of applications across various sectors as a positive development for the employment landscape. The increasing number of freshers with graduate degrees is resulting in a higher quality of applications, benefiting both employers and job seekers.

The survey concludes that the industry must adapt to the changing dynamics of the job market to leverage the potential of these dynamic young professionals. Bridging the gap between the aspirations of the youth and the evolving demands of the job market is crucial.

10, Nov 2023
Festive sale volumes up 37percent over last year: Unicommerce

~Marketplaces grow faster in volumes, brand websites score more on GMV growth~

~Fashion & beauty personal care drove volumes~

~Rajasthan and Uttarakhand became the top two states in terms of e-commerce order

volume growth~

Mumbai, November 10 th 2023: Unicommerce, one of India’s leading e-commerce enablement Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms, has unveiled its analysis of the recently concluded festive season sale of 2023.

The analysis of orders processed through Unicommerce’s platform reveals that e-commerce order volumes grew handsomely this festive season, increasing by approximately 37% during the festive season sale of 2023 as compared to the festive sale period in 2022.  In addition to the substantial growth in order volumes, the Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) also saw an increase of 22% during the same festive period.

The success of the festive season sales in parts may be attributed to attracting discounts on online marketplaces and robust advertising campaigns. This has helped marketplaces record an impressive year-on-year (YoY) order volume growth of 39%. Brand websites, on the other hand, also reported a strong 23% increase in e-commerce order volumes.

Interestingly, the GMV reported an inverse trend with brand websites recording a 29% YoY GMV growth, while marketplaces recorded a 21% YoY GMV growth. This may signify that consumers are not only ordering more, but loyal customers are increasingly purchasing directly from their trusted brands, leading to a surge in average order values.

The fashion and accessories segment along with beauty and personal care, emerged as the two most prominent categories in terms of order volumes. These segments displayed consistent growth in both volume and GMV during the festive month. Categories like FMCG and home decor have emerged as strong e-commerce contenders which are now laying inroads for newer segments to flourish in the e-commerce ecosystem.

As per the orders processed through Unicommerce’s platforms, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand took the lead to become the top two states in terms of growth in order volumes, with Haryana in the third position, Uttar Pradesh at the fourth, and Meghalaya in the fifth spot.

Another striking trend observed during the festive season sale was the remarkable rise of prepaid orders this year, increasing by over 45% as compared to last year. In contrast, Cash-on-Delivery (COD) orders grew by 20% during the same period. The surge in prepaid orders can be attributed to lucrative bank offers and convenient EMI options, making it an encouraging trend for the industry.

Speaking on the consumer response during the festive season, Kapil Makhija, CEO of Unicommerce stated, “The festive season determines the growing scale of e-commerce in India. As industry sectors continue to embrace the country’s e-commerce ecosystem, shoppers from across India’s length and breadth are willingly opting for online shopping. We ensure that our technology is easily accessible and deployable for sellers considering the fundamental complexities of the Indian market.

Unicommerce’s e-commerce enablement Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) platform enables end-to-end management of e-commerce operations for marketplaces, brands, sellers, and logistics service provider firms.