MAM
Meesho partners with ONDC to democratise internet commerce
Mumbai: E-commerce company Meesho on Wednesday announced its integration with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to help connect buyers with hyperlocal sellers and support India’s vision of creating an inclusive e-commerce ecosystem.
In line with Meesho’s mission to democratise internet commerce for everyone, the integration will fuel the discoverability of products for consumers while creating a wider market for hyperlocal suppliers. The pilot will first be launched in Bangalore and gradually rolled out in other locations over the coming months.
With 80 per cent of Meesho’s 14 crore annual transacting customers coming from tier-two+ cities, the company has been instrumental in boosting access for underserved users across the country. More than eight lakh sellers are currently registered on the platform, of which 40 per cent are from tier two cities and beyond. Meesho has always focused on making e-commerce more inclusive and the integration with ONDC will amplify the company’s efforts in that direction.
Meesho founder and CEO Vidit Aatrey said, “With a shared goal to empower small sellers and give a fillip to hyperlocal businesses, the integration will boost our efforts to democratise internet commerce for everyone. ONDC will also play an important role in expanding India’s e-commerce sector by bringing more consumers online. We have been working closely with ONDC to ensure that the integration is smooth and the user experience remains seamless.”
ONDC chief executive officer T Koshy commented, “At ONDC, our aim is to create an open e-commerce ecosystem that caters to one and all. We are pleased to onboard Meesho, as its deep capabilities in small towns will set the network flywheel in motion and take ONDC closer to our goals. E-commerce is still small in India, and new-age platforms like Meesho will be strong network participants for ONDC in this journey.”
MAM
Shoppers Stop elevates Biju Kassim as GSS Beauty CEO
Move comes as GSS Beauty scales global brand partnerships in India.
MUMBAI: From store shelves to global shelves, the beauty game is getting a sharper makeover. Shoppers Stop has elevated Biju Kassim as managing director and chief executive officer of Global SS Beauty Brands Limited (GSSBB), signalling a stronger push into the premium beauty segment. The move builds on Kassim’s role in setting up GSSBB, a wholly owned subsidiary that has quickly positioned itself as a fast-growing distribution platform for global beauty brands in India. The unit has been central to Shoppers Stop’s ambition of expanding its footprint in the high-margin beauty and luxury categories.
Chairman Nirvik Singh noted that Kassim’s experience across the beauty ecosystem and his understanding of premium and luxury consumers would help steer the next phase of growth. The focus, he indicated, will be on sharpening the company’s beauty portfolio and scaling partnerships with international brands.
Kassim, for his part, steps into the role at a time when India’s premium beauty market is undergoing rapid evolution, driven by rising consumer aspirations and increased access to global labels. He highlighted that GSSBB will remain a key strategic pillar, with an emphasis on expanding brand partnerships, enhancing consumer experiences and driving growth across markets.
As global beauty brands continue to eye India as a high-growth destination, Shoppers Stop’s bet is clear: owning not just the shelf, but the entire beauty ecosystem behind it.
