From offline to online: How traditional brands in India are embracing D2C

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The Indian consumer market is undergoing a major transformation. With the rise of the internet and mobile phones, consumers are increasingly shopping online. This has led to a boom in the direct-to-consumer (D2C) space, as brands look to reach consumers directly, bypassing traditional retail channels.

Traditional brands in India are no exception. Many of these brands are now embracing D2C models in order to stay competitive. There are a number of benefits to D2C for traditional brands. First, it allows them to reach a wider audience. Second, it gives them more control over the customer experience. Third, it allows them to collect more data about their customers, which can be used to improve their products and marketing.

Of course, there are also challenges associated with D2C. One challenge is that it can be expensive to set up and maintain an online store. Another challenge is that it can be difficult to compete with established D2C brands.

Despite the challenges, many traditional brands are finding that D2C is a viable way to reach new customers and grow their businesses. Here are a few case studies of traditional brands in India that have successfully embraced D2C:

• Ajanta-Orpat: This is a leading manufacturer of hearing aids in India. The company launched its own D2C website in 2019 and has seen significant growth in online sales since then.
• Cornitos: This is a popular brand of potato chips in India. The company launched its own D2C website in 2020 and has seen double-digit growth in online sales.
• LG: This is a global electronics brand. The company launched its own D2C website in India in 2021 and has seen strong growth in online sales.
• Kiehl’s: This is a global skincare brand. The company launched its own D2C website in India in 2022 and has seen strong growth in online sales.
• Havells: This is a leading manufacturer of electrical appliances in India. The company launched its own D2C website in 2022 and has seen strong growth in online sales.

These are just a few examples of traditional brands in India that are successfully embracing D2C. As the Indian consumer market continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more and more traditional brands moving to D2C models.

Benefits of D2C for Traditional Brands

There are a number of benefits to D2C for traditional brands. These include:

• Increased reach: D2C allows brands to reach a wider audience than they would through traditional retail channels. This is because consumers can now shop online from anywhere in the world.
• More control over the customer experience: With D2C, brands have more control over the customer experience. This is because they can manage all aspects of the customer journey, from marketing to sales to customer service.
• More data about customers: D2C allows brands to collect more data about their customers. This data can be used to improve their products and marketing.

Challenges of D2C for Traditional Brands

There are also some challenges associated with D2C for traditional brands. These include:

• High cost of setting up and maintaining an online store: Setting up and maintaining an online store can be expensive. This is because brands need to invest in technology, marketing, and customer service.
• Competition from established D2C brands: There are a number of established D2C brands in the market. This means that traditional brands need to compete with these brands for market share.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges, D2C is a viable way for traditional brands to reach new customers and grow their businesses. If you are a traditional brand that is considering D2C, I encourage you to do your research and make a plan. With careful planning, you can successfully embrace D2C and grow your business.

About the author:

Shibam Sarbswa is a seasoned mechanical engineer and business consultant with a specialization in marketing. With extensive experience across various industries, he offers expert guidance in market research, growth hacking, digital marketing, and strategic planning to drive business success.

Disclaimer: This article has been reproduced with the author’s consent. The Enterprise does not warrant, endorse, guarantee or assume responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of the information offered within the article.