Rise of Direct Commerce: Empowering Indian SMBs

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Direct commerce, often synonymous with direct-to-consumer (D2C) eCommerce, is growing at an unprecedented pace in India. With the rise of digital-first brands, robust digitization, and a more evolved consumer base, SMBs are increasingly adopting this model to thrive in a competitive market. Traditional retail models are taking a backseat, paving the way for a bright future for direct commerce in India.

Rise of Direct Commerce
Why is Direct Commerce Growing?
Direct commerce is outpacing horizontal eCommerce due to its unique advantages for both merchants and consumers. It provides early entry opportunities for merchants, enabling them to own their brand, data, and customer relationships while de-risking from over-reliance on marketplaces. Consumers benefit from personalized shopping experiences, access to unique products, and competitive pricing.

Benefits for Merchants
Control Over Brand and Customer Experience: Direct commerce allows india phone number list merchants to maintain a direct relationship with their consumers, ensuring consistent and personalized interactions. Unlike marketplaces where brand identity can be diluted, direct commerce empowers merchants to build a stronger connection with their customers. It also reduces channel concentration risks, protecting businesses from marketplace dependency.
Higher Profit Margins: By bypassing high marketplace commissions, merchants can design their own margin structures and marketing strategies, optimizing profitability. Direct commerce also enables merchants to execute multichannel customer acquisition and service strategies.
Data Ownership: Owning buyer data is a critical advantage, enabling merchants to build long-term monetization strategies. This data allows for better customer insights and targeted marketing, creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
Benefits for Consumers
Personalized Shopping Experiences: Direct commerce offers niche storytelling, 360-degree brand presence on social media, and access to exclusive products, fostering brand authenticity and emotional connections with consumers.