E-commerce giant Amazon India, which is gearing up for the upcoming festival season, expects to see strong growth in the sales of large appliances this fiscal despite rising concerns across sectors over a slowing economy leading to a muted consumer sentiment.

The company said it would offer a wider selection of products in the large appliance segment and more aggressive finance options this season. The e-commerce major will hold its Great Indian Festival from September 29 to October 4 (prime members get early access on September 28).

Suchit Subhas, Director - Large Appliances and Furniture at Amazon India, said: “When it comes to large appliances, consumers are looking for a wider selection, affordability, seamless delivery and installation experience. Keeping this in mind, we have widened the large appliance product range besides offering a variety of finance options, including no-cost EMI besides exchange offers for the festival season.”

Stating that this strategy is backed by key consumer insights, he pointed out that one out of every two large appliances on Amazon is purchased on EMI and half of that is done on no-cost EMI schemes. In addition, one out of every five large appliance purchases happens under an exchange offer.

Swifter deliveries

The e-commerce major is also working on offering swifter deliveries leveraging the dedicated fulfilment network for large appliances, including same-day installation and delivery to more locations. “The other key focus is on damage-free delivery. We are extending the open box delivery options for large appliances (which involves opening the package for consumer inspection on delivery) to 25 cities this year,” Subhas added. 

Manish Tiwary, Vice-President, Category Management, Amazon India, said nearly 500,000 sellers, including brands, small and medium businesses, artisans and tech start-ups, will be selling their products on the platform this festival season. PTI quoted his as saying brands like Samsung, Xiaomi and OnePlus, large appliance manufacturer like Bosch as well television makers will launch their products on its platform.

“You wouldn’t do that if there was a slowdown. Starting from weavers to larger sellers, we see no signs of doubt in their minds. With speed, affordability and selection, this Diwali promises to be a far bigger one for us,” he said.

The company on Monday also kickstarted the Amazon Festival Yatra, under which three special trucks showcasing diverse products in the “home-on-the-wheels” format will travel across 13 cities.

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