e-commerce
Trell eyes the next 100 mn online shoppers in Tier II and Tier III cities
KOLKATA: Social commerce, one of the biggest drivers of e-commerce today has witnessed exponential growth in recent years. This holds particularly true since the onset of the pandemic that saw a surge in online shopping.
Besides social commerce, online video content has also experienced skyrocketing demand as people spend an increasing amount of time browsing for engaging, and relatable content.
Having chartered a remarkable growth trajectory, Trell is now offering products from distinguished beauty and personal care brands including Lakmé, Tresemme, and Ponds, amongst 50 labels including MyGlamm, Bombay Shaving Company, Mirabelle, Ustraa, Biotique, Plum, Mamaearth, Lotus, Khadi Essentials and OGX to name a few, with attractive discounts on its recently launched ‘Shop’ section.
While Trell takes pride in catering to the wellness needs of its users and providing a seamless shopping experience, it also benefits the content creators on the platform. The front running platform empowers these micro-entrepreneurs by enabling them to monetize their tried and tested recommendations in their videos. On the Trell Shop website, while buying products, customers can now make informed purchases by viewing videos by expert creators just before adding the product to their cart.
Speaking on how the platform caters to a myriad of lifestyle categories, Trell co-founder Pulkit Agrawal said, “The idea of launching Trell’s Shop section came after extensive research and study on consumer behaviour and preferences. Today, users creating and consuming content on Trell can also purchase desired products from eminent brands at their convenience. As Trell continues to evolve and grow, we will be expanding our product offerings to achieve our goal of becoming a global leader in the space.”
Offering content in seven regional languages including Marathi, Kannada, Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam, Telugu, and Hindi apart from English, the content creators on Trell hail from Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Trell has also noted that over 70 per cent of purchases on the Trell Shop are from these cities.
e-commerce
Flipkart rolls out 105 per cent bonus for 20,000 employees
Strong FY25 performance drives payouts even as layoffs and shifts unfold.
MUMBAI: In a year where belts were tightened and rewards loosened, Flipkart seems to be playing both offence and defence trimming roles on one hand while handing out a generous 105 per cent bonus on the other. The Walmart owned e commerce major has rolled out a 105 per cent bonus payout for 2025, covering nearly 20,000 employees, signalling a year of steady operational momentum even as the company navigates restructuring pressures. The payout, communicated internally by chief human resources officer Seema Nair, is tied to performance across key metrics including growth, operational efficiency, financial outcomes and people indicators, a combination that suggests the company is inching closer to its long stated goal of sustainable profitability.
Employees at SD level and below are set to receive their bonuses in March, while payouts for senior leadership, including vice presidents and senior vice presidents, will follow after the close of the performance cycle. The elevated 105 per cent multiplier stands out in a sector where cautious payouts have increasingly become the norm, pointing to what appears to be a relatively strong internal scorecard for FY25.
Yet, the announcement arrives with a noticeable contrast. Earlier this year, Flipkart reduced its workforce by around 300 roles as part of its annual performance review process. While officially framed as performance driven, the juxtaposition of layoffs alongside above target bonuses reflects a more nuanced balancing act, one that prioritises cost discipline while continuing to reward and retain high performing talent.
This dual approach is becoming increasingly common across the technology and e commerce landscape, where companies are navigating an uneven hiring environment while under pressure to deliver profitability. Rewarding top contributors, even amid selective workforce reductions, allows firms to maintain morale and retain critical talent without losing sight of financial prudence.
At the same time, Flipkart is also undergoing leadership shifts that hint at a broader strategic recalibration. Nishant Verman has been appointed senior vice president for corporate development and partnerships, while group chief financial officer Sriram Venkataraman is set to step down. Ravi Iyer will take on expanded responsibilities within the finance function, marking a reshuffle at the top as the company gears up for its next phase.
These changes come amid reports that Flipkart is planning to shift its holding structure back to India, a move widely interpreted as groundwork for a potential public listing. While timelines remain fluid, the combination of stronger financial discipline, leadership restructuring and employee incentivisation suggests a company preparing itself for greater scrutiny and scale.
For employees, the 105 per cent payout offers a welcome boost in what has otherwise been a period of adjustment. For Flipkart, it is a signal that even as it cuts where necessary, it is willing to spend where it counts. In the high stakes game of growth versus profitability, the company appears to be hedging its bets carefully, rewarding performance while reshaping itself for what could be its most defining chapter yet.
