Jabong has no plans to switch to 'app only' platform, says MD Praveen Sinha

Fashion and lifestyle e-commerce company Jabong has decided to buck the trend by not joining other e-tailers, especially its arch-rival Myntra, in switching to a 'app only' platform.

Jabong co-founder and managing director Praveen Sinha told MAIL TODAY in the national capital on Tuesday, "Today is not the time to make any such move. The main aim of online retail is to provide choice to customers." Any such move would amount to killing the customer base, he further said.

"Industry estimates show that there is still about 50 per cent of the demand originating online. So, we would not consider any such move in the next two years," Sinha added.

"If app-based orders are 90 per cent or more, only then Jabong can change its mind", he further added.

The announcement assumes significance as Myntra announced on Tuesday its shift to become only an app-based store from May 15.

Myntra chief executive officer (CEO) and head of commerce at Flipkart Mukesh Bansal told reporters in Bangalore, "... we have decided that effective May 15, Myntra services will only be available through app on all smart phones."

Sinha and another Jabong co-founder Arun Chandra Mohan also announced $2-million investment as individuals in on-demand laundry service provider Wassup.

The Chennai-based start-up offers services in Bangalore, Delhi and Chennai in a managed marketplace model and will add Pune and Cochin in coming months.

"The intent is to be present in about 100 cities in next three years. We will also add personal care, home care, car care, pet care and handyman services to the portfolio through our technology platform in the near future," Wassup co-founder and CEO Balachandar R said.

The company plans to rake in another $10-$15 million in next 8-12 months as it expands its services across major cities in the country.

"We are looking to service the daily laundry requirements of middle class consumers. About 95 per cent of the market is still unorganised and there is a huge potential to move that to organised online route," Balachandar said.

(In association with Mail Today Bureau)