Amazon forays into FMCG industry; launches Household Supplies store

Leading online marketplace Amazon has announced its entry into the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) segment. In a release, the company has said that it will be selling dishwashing detergents, household cleaners, laundry detergents, paper, plastic wraps and puja supplies in its new store.

Household Supplies an extension of Health and Personal Care

The new store is a part of the Health and Personal Care store, which was launched in April 2014. The store sells products ranging from health care, personal care, medical supplies, and grooming products. Launching the new store will enable shoppers to save time on buying these products, says Amazon. It will also help shoppers in Tier 2 and 3 cities access products and brands that are not available in their cities, says Saurabh Srivastava, Category Leader – FMCG, Amazon India.

“Customers in general spend a lot of time each month, mostly during the weekend, driving to and fro to purchase household supplies and then carrying these bulky items to their homes. Often, they get limited by choice. Further, customers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are not only limited by choice but also access to imported brands and have to purchase whatever is available. With the launch of the new Household Supplies store, adding to the already existing wide range of general merchandise products on Amazon.in, customers across India can now enjoy a hassle free shopping experience for all these products and also enjoy fast and reliable doorstep delivery,” Srivastava said.

Joining the bandwagon of existing sellers in the FMCG segment

Amazon joins the likes of BigBasket, Zopnow, Localbanya, AaramShop, among others who are operating in the FMCG field. Others like Flipkart and Snapdeal also have stores for selling personal care items. The scope for selling everyday household utility items is high, and it is growing steadily. More and more working people are choosing to shop for their monthly groceries online, as it saves time and effort. However, the area of perishables is a tricky one, and many have raised complaints against leading etailers on the quality of fruits, vegetables, and meat.

Amazon appears to be taking one step ahead of others by selling plastic wraps, puja items and the like. There will certainly be a good market for such products. Given Amazon’s history, the new store is likely to set the cash registers ringing soon.