The retail industry is changing the way it operates, ever since the call for ‘Make in India.’ A new wave of businesses is disrupting traditional supply chains with a Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) business model. These D2C brands are carrying Indian traditions, flavours, and culture forward by modernising them for the new-age consumer who prefers to buy online. India has over 185 million users who buy online, and the country is positioned third in digital shopping, right after the United States and China.
To reach online buyers, D2C brands are rebuilding old and familiar products. These brands are trendsetters and are reshaping the traditional retailing industry and impacting large-sized retailers. Their primary focus is customer experience and meeting customer expectations.
Below, we have curated the top D2C brands that are revolutionising retail in India. Explore the workings of D2C brands and how they are using third-party shipping service providers to enhance customer engagement and loyalty with on-time delivery of orders.
Understanding the Concept of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C)
D2C brands sell their products directly to consumers, bypassing the need for traders and intermediaries. By eliminating middlemen, they offer products at competitive prices while maintaining healthy profit margins. They leverage customer data to gain insights into preferences, shopping behaviours, and market trends. This data-driven approach allows for more personalised marketing and product development. With direct access to customers, D2C brands swiftly adapt to market changes and introduce new products or features based on real-time feedback.
Leading Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Brands in India
India has witnessed a surge in D2C brands across various sectors, from fashion and beauty to food and electronics, revolutionising the way consumers shop. These brands are offering innovative products and a unique shopping experience. The direct-to-consumer (D2C) market in India is projected to expand more than 15 times by 2025.
Let us take a closer look at top 11 pioneering D2C brands in India in 2023:
- Zavya: Zavya believes in making fashion affordable to young women with its premium artistically designed silver jewellery collection. Zavya brings the essence of craftsmanship to contemporary fashion jewellery.
- Moonfy: With an unconventional portfolio of products that spice up Indian food, the wide range of non-veg masala products has satisfied many a palate. They are made from 100% natural ingredients and are hygienically packaged for easy consumption.
- Monrow: This is a brand that creates new footwear design standards with its unique collection of cruelty-free and 100% vegan products. The footbed is typically 4-layered foam, and the sole is non-slippery.
- Banno: As the name suggests, this is a clothing brand that believes in ‘swagger’ as a means of expression of women’s thoughts. They add an element of ‘swagger’ or an edge to factory-made products.
- Curioscub: This new-age toy maker brand uses only wood, fabric, and water-based paints to make playtime products. The toys are made by skilled artisans and are designed for hand-eye coordination in kids and most child development activities.
- Zaydn: This is a D2C brand that vouches for the young and the trendy. It specialises in making quirky, premium-quality sneakers that are affordable. Their eye-catching designs are very popular on social selling platforms.
- Seevo: Seevo makes sustainable home furnishing using the skills and art of traditional artisans in stylised designs. With a collection of eco-friendly and ethically crafted furnishing options, Seevo blends design with a commitment to a greener planet.
- Loving Crafts: This is a platform to order personalised gifts on special occasions and moments. They also offer products like scrapbooks and greeting cards for all the milestones in life.
- Buds and Blush: This D2C brand offers the latest in-home garden options like tropical plants, succulents, and lots of cactus varieties. They primarily offer rare, exotic specialities using advanced breeding and production techniques, creating interesting variants for collectors.
- Shyle: A D2C brand that offers well-designed silver jewellery and accessories, Shyle has an international clientele following. Their unique prints and handicraft collections empower women to embrace their unique style with confidence.
- Sacred Herbs: Addressing the market gap for non-chemical hair colour and care products, this D2C brand makes its products based on research and guidance of technical experts like chemists, dermatologists, toxicology professionals, and inputs from regulatory experts.
These D2C brands have created new experiences for Indian shoppers and are changing their buying persona. Indian buyers are happy with the value-adding services of these new-age businesses. Connecting directly with consumers, these brands offer meaningful and personalised shopping experiences.
Considering the various advantages of D2C selling, these businesses must partner with reliable logistics providers who deliver orders on time.
The Role of Shiprocket in Empowering D2C Businesses
Shiprocket courier service uses shipping and logistics technologies to give businesses an effective platform to reach their consumers. This leading shipping logistics service provider becomes the face of the D2C brands and ensures orders are delivered on time and win customer appreciation.
The role of Shiprocket in empowering D2C businesses is:
- Broad Network of Courier Partners: Shiprocket provides access to a wide network of courier partners. D2C brands can pick the best suited for their products based on cost, speed, and reliability.
- Automated Shipping Processes: Shiprocket proposes automation solutions that will help D2C businesses improve their services. Some of these services are order tracking, picking orders at the warehouse, and auto-label generation for D2C products.
- Enhance Customer Experience: Shiprocket allows D2C businesses and their consumers to know the status of their orders with real-time tracking. It also has notification features to keep customers informed about their orders and therefore enhances the overall shopping experience for buyers.
- Optimise Shipping Costs: D2C brands can lower their shipping costs by working with Shiprocket’ for bulk shipping.
- Scale Operations: Shiprocket helps D2C businesses to grow as it scales the shipping and logistics services to keep pace with the needs of the business.
In effect, it is crucial that D2C brands partner with shipping and logistics providers who enhance the brand’s relationship with customers.
Shiprocket remains committed to assisting brands in growing their business with customised D2C brand shipping and logistics services!
Conclusion
D2C brands in India are the new wave with a significant impact on the retail industry. They are reviving traditional products for the modern consumer. The products are familiar yet innovative and refreshing in their applications. The interesting product range, competitive pricing, and easy doorstep delivery have made these brands a shopper’s delight.
Their experience centers add to the D2C brand engagement, leading to higher sales. Eliminating the traditional supply-chain process, these brands are directly reaching customers with quick shipping services. Platforms like Shiprocket play a pivotal role in supporting the growth and success of D2C businesses with efficient and low-cost shipping solutions.
The future of retail in India undoubtedly includes a prominent place for D2C brands, where consumers can expect greater choice, personalised experiences, and innovative products that cater to their evolving needs and preferences.
Yes, Indian consumers prefer D2C brands as they give them direct access, avoiding distributors and other middlemen costs.
D2C brands sell directly to consumers, often online, reducing costs compared to B2C brands, which involve more intermediaries. However, B2C brands can scale quickly due to their extensive distribution networks.
D2C brands disrupt traditional retail by eliminating the need for intermediaries, offering competitive prices, and building direct relationships with consumers. This shift in the retail landscape challenges traditional supply chain models and encourages innovation.
