Amazon, which is on its way to become India's top online marketplace, has launched a project code-named Udaan to go offline across the country. Apart from tying up with small traders in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu to launch Amazon-branded stores that will help people with sketchy or no internet connection to shop from the online Amazon store, the world's largest e-tailer has recently signed a deal with the Rajasthan government that may help it open 36,000 such stores or point-of-sales in the state.
Customers can walk into any Udaan point and shop from the Amazon store. Right now, it's a closed system because we are selecting the stores that can participate. It's important that when a customer walks into an Udaan point, he gets great service. The store owners will earn commission on sales.Udaan points also integrate well with Amazon pick-up, which is a full-fledged programme in 70 cities now. Later, we may take this model to other markets," Amit Agarwal, VP and country manager, Amazon India, told TOI.
