Kolkata, Jul 23 (UNI) The Flipkart Group, India’s homegrown e-commerce group, today

announced the launch of Flipkart Wholesale, a new digital marketplace that will help

transform the kirana retail ecosystem in India by leveraging cutting-edge and locally

developed technology.

As part of this launch, the Group also announced the acquisition of 100% interest in

Wal-Mart India Private Limited, which operates the Best Price cash-and-carry business,

to leverage the strong wholesale capabilities of the company and enable growth and

prosperity for kiranas and MSMEs.

Kiranas and MSMEs are central to India’s retail ecosystem and Flipkart Wholesale will

focus on meeting their needs by providing small businesses a wide selection at significant

value, powered by technology to make their lives easier. Whether in grocery, general

merchandise or fashion, these businesses will have one-stop access to an extensive

selection of products with attractive schemes and incentives, supplemented with

data-driven recommendations for stock selection, delivered through a fast and reliable

network to drive greater efficiencies and better margins.

In addition, kiranas and MSMEs will benefit from access to easy credit options and

opportunities for new income generation through various Flipkart initiatives, creating

new ways to catalyse growth. These opportunities are especially relevant at this time

as kiranas and MSMEs work towards achieving scale and profitability following the

impact on business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flipkart Wholesale will leverage Flipkart’s strong homegrown technology capabilities,

extensive leadership in the consumer e-commerce segment, and a unique

understanding of the industry in India. The business will also utilise the Flipkart Group’s

vast supply chain infrastructure to reach kiranas and MSMEs across the country.

Flipkart Wholesale will draw on the merchandising experience of the Walmart India

team, its strong relationships with brands, deep DNA of servicing kiranas and

12+ years of operating Best Price stores. One of India’s largest cash-and-carry

businesses, Best Price currently supports more than 1.5 million members, including

kiranas, horecas and other MSMEs, and has long-standing supplier diversity and

development programs. Flipkart Wholesale will continue to develop technology tools,

and ecosystem partnerships to help Indian commerce unlock its potential.

Top Indian brands, local manufacturers and sellers have partnered with Flipkart

Wholesale to ensure the availability of an exhaustive range of products and merchandise

for kiranas and MSMEs. At the same time, partners will benefit from broader reach

across the country, micro-market insights to enable effective inventory planning and new

product development, and cost-effective distribution.

Kalyan Krishnamurthy, Chief Executive Officer, Flipkart Group, said, “As the e-commerce

pioneer in India, the Flipkart Group has transformed the shopping experience for millions

of Indian consumers. With the launch of Flipkart Wholesale, we will now extend our

capabilities across technology, logistics and finance to small businesses across the country.

The acquisition of Walmart India adds a strong talent pool with deep expertise in the

wholesale business that will strengthen our position to address the needs of kiranas and

MSMEs uniquely. With this development, the Flipkart Group will further build upon the

synergies across its businesses to drive greater value and choice for end-consumers and

businesses alike.”

Judith McKenna, President and Chief Executive Officer, Walmart International, said,

“For over a decade, we’ve been committed to India’s prosperity by serving kiranas and

MSMEs, supporting smallholder farmers and building global sourcing and technology

hubs throughout the country. Today marks the next big step as Walmart India’s pioneering cash-and-carry legacy meets Flipkart’s culture of innovation in the launch of Flipkart

Wholesale. By leveraging each other’s strengths and unique expertise, this combined

team will break new ground in their shared mission to help Indian businesses grow and

succeed. We look forward to a bright future for Flipkart Wholesale.”

Flipkart Wholesale will launch its operations in August 2020 and will pilot services for

the grocery and fashion categories. It will be headed by Adarsh Menon, a veteran at

Flipkart. Sameer Aggarwal, Chief Executive Officer at Walmart India, will remain with

the company to ensure a smooth transition, after which time he will move to another

role within Walmart.

Adarsh Menon, Senior Vice President and Head - Flipkart Wholesale, said, “Flipkart

Wholesale will further deepen and build on Walmart India and the Flipkart Group’s

commitment to kiranas and MSMEs over the last several years. Thousands of kiranas

have already partnered with Flipkart to enhance their business and income streams.

I am excited to be part of this new initiative that allows us to expand opportunities for

growth for them and bring further prosperity to their lives. We will leverage the

synergies between Flipkart and Walmart India as we stay focused on transforming

the wholesale experience for kiranas and MSMEs.”

Sameer Aggarwal, Chief Executive Officer, Walmart India, said, “This move recognises

the critical role that kiranas and MSMEs play towards India’s economic prosperity and

growth, and the coming together of Walmart India with Flipkart Wholesale will provide an

opportunity to build upon the 12+ year legacy of the Best Price brand serving kiranas

across India.”

With the acquisition of the Walmart India business, its employees will join the Flipkart

Group and the home office teams will integrate over the next year. The Best Price

brand will continue to serve its 1.5 million+ members via its omnichannel network of

28 stores and e-commerce operations.

UNI BM SJC