MAM
Snapdeal establishes 15 new logistics hubs
MUMBAI: Snapdeal, India’s leading value-focused ecommerce marketplace, has expanded its logistics network by opening 15 new centres at manufacturing hubs located across 10 cities in India.
The new centres are located in Ahmedabad, Surat, Jaipur, Indore, Hyderabad, Panipat, Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru and New Delhi.
In the metros, the new centres are located inside manufacturing hubs in areas like Kirti Nagar, Patparganj & Okhla (New Delhi), Reay Road (Mumbai) and Chandra Layout (Bengaluru).
The new centres cater to the growing shipment volumes from manufacturers who are opting to sell directly on Snapdeal, bypassing the traditional structure of selling through wholesalers and retailers.
The fast growth of the online market, especially in the non-metro centers, is allowing these manufacturers to tap a new set of always-connected customers, which traditional retail structures cannot capture.
The new logistics hubs will ensure faster movement of shipments and offer dedicated facilities for the manufacturing units, including packaging of orders and online tracking for orders in transit.
According to a Snapdeal Spokesperson, “Through our deep presence inside these manufacturing clusters we now offer doorstep pick-ups from the factories. The new centres aim to make the fulfillment process simpler for the sellers so that they can devote all their resources towards production.”
With Indian e-commerce now growing beyond the first 100 million urban users, a market of potentially 400 million new users is emerging across India’s Tier 2 and 3 cities and bulk of these users are looking for value-priced merchandise. This has caught the attention of manufacturers who specialize in the value-priced segment and who see Snapdeal as the best fit for their merchandise and clientele. There has been a steady increase in sellers on Snapdeal who manufacture their own products.
In 2020, Snapdeal is aiming to add 5000 manufacturer-sellers on its platform this year. Most of these manufacturers produce and sell daily use products like steel & copper utensils, kitchen gadgets like juicers & atta dough makers and fashion accessories like watches & wallets.
Over the last two years, Snapdeal has deepened its focus on value-priced merchandise. It has added 60,000+ new sellers, who have added over 50 Million new listings which has helped build a deep assortment of products relevant for value-savvy buyers.
In December 2019 Snapdeal had enhanced its distribution network to cover more than 26000 pin codes across India, which includes all the metros, Tier 1 & 2 cities and most of Tier 3 and 4 towns of India.
As homes evolve to reflect a growing focus on wellness, hygiene, and long-term durability, the materials we choose are coming under sharper scrutiny. It’s no longer just about how a space looks, but also about how it performs under daily use. From accidental spills in the kitchen to everyday wear in living spaces, the right materials can make the difference between a home that simply appears clean and one that actively supports healthier living.
Across categories like paints, surfaces, and furniture, there is a clear shift towards solutions that minimise toxins, resist stains, and are easier to maintain. Here’s how thoughtful material choices can help create a home that is both beautiful and better for everyday life.
Cleaner Walls: The Shift to Low-VOC Paints
Walls cover the largest surface area in any home, making them a critical factor in indoor air quality. Traditional paints often contain high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), or chemicals that can release harmful fumes long after application. These emissions are known to contribute to headaches, respiratory irritation, and long-term health concerns, particularly in enclosed spaces.
This has led to a growing preference for eco-friendly paints, which are formulated using natural, non-toxic, and sustainable materials. With low to zero VOC content, these paints significantly reduce indoor air pollution and create a safer environment for families, especially children and the elderly. Water-based formulations are another key advancement, as they limit the use of hazardous solvents without compromising on finish or durability. Brands like Nippon Paint have introduced eco-friendly, child-safe paint ranges that align with this shift towards healthier interiors.
Beyond composition, finish also plays a role in maintenance. Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss emulsions are increasingly preferred for interiors, as they are less absorbent and more resistant to stains, making walls easier to clean and maintain over time.
Hygienic Surfaces: Where Performance Meets Everyday Living
If walls influence air quality, surfaces, especially in kitchens and children’s bedrooms or play areas, directly impact hygiene. Interestingly, studies have shown that kitchen surfaces can sometimes harbour more bacteria than bathrooms, largely due to frequent exposure to food, moisture, and spills.
This makes the choice of countertop and surface material particularly important. Porous materials can absorb liquids, leading to staining and potential bacterial growth over time. In contrast, non-porous surfaces offer a more hygienic alternative, as they prevent absorption and are easier to clean.
Engineered quartz surfaces have emerged as a strong solution in this space. For instance, offerings from Specta Quartz Surfaces are designed to address both hygiene and durability concerns. Being non-porous and impenetrable, these surfaces do not absorb liquids, making them resistant to common household stains such as tea, coffee, turmeric, or juice. They also offer ease of maintenance, as most spills can be cleaned with a damp cloth, and occasional use of mild soap is enough to restore the surface.
Additionally, they are NSF and GreenGuard certified, proving that these surfaces are safe for direct food contact and do not support the growth of bacteria, mould, or mildew. This is particularly relevant in Indian kitchens, where cooking often involves heavy use of spices, oils, and frequent cleaning.
Smart Furniture Choices
Furniture is another area where material choice plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean and healthy home. Sofas, chairs, and wardrobes are constantly exposed to dust, spills, and daily wear, making durability and stain resistance key considerations. Fabrics like microfiber, leather, and synthetic blends like polyester or olefin are becoming popular for upholstered furniture. These materials are designed to repel liquids, resist scratches, and withstand regular use, making them ideal for households with children or pets.
Brands like Orange Tree offer furniture that combines aesthetic appeal with practical material choices. Laminates from companies like Century Ply are now designed to be stain-resistant and durable, making them suitable for wardrobes, cabinets, and seating. These finishes not only enhance longevity but also reduce the effort required for daily upkeep.
Designing for Long-Term Well-Being
What ties these material choices together is a broader shift in how we think about our homes. Cleanliness is no longer just about routine maintenance, it begins with selecting materials that are inherently easier to maintain, safer to use, and more resistant to wear.
Low-VOC paints contribute to better air quality, non-porous surfaces improve hygiene, and performance-driven furniture materials reduce the stress of everyday living. Together, they create an environment that supports both physical health and peace of mind.
As modern lifestyles become more fast-paced, the demand for homes that are low-maintenance yet high-performing will only continue to grow. By choosing materials that can handle spills, resist stains, and stand the test of time, homeowners can create spaces that are not just visually appealing, but also fundamentally healthier to live in.
