Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Batch 15
Term 3
Section E
Instructor Prof. Vidushi Pandey
Group Number 8
Group Members ( Name with Reg no)
Contents
A. Industry and firm selection
The e-commerce fashion industry in India had been growing at a remarkable pace, driven by factors such
as increasing internet penetration, rising smartphone usage, changing consumer preferences, and
convenience in online shopping. The availability of a wide range of products, easy return policies, and
competitive pricing had contributed to the industry's popularity. Online marketplaces like Flipkart,
Amazon, and Myntra dominated the e-commerce fashion landscape. These platforms provided a space
for various brands, both domestic and international, to showcase their products and connect with a larger
customer base. They offered diverse clothing options, including ethnic wear, western wear, sportswear,
and accessories. Discounts, sales events, and promotional campaigns were common strategies used by e-
commerce fashion platforms to attract customers. Seasonal sales like "Big Billion Days" and "Great
Indian Festival" offered significant discounts on fashion products, contributing to a surge in online
shopping during these periods.
According to a report by Unicommerce, e-commerce-focused supply-chain SaaS technology platform,
the online fashion industry in India demonstrated overall 51% growth in FY21 and 66% growth on
various brand websites. The report also showed that tier 3 cities and beyond reported the highest order
volume growth of 192% while kids’ wear has been the biggest gainer with over 200% order volume
growth online. The report also highlights that women's wear holds the majority share of the e-commerce
fashion market with a 50% market share in FY-21 and reported 30% order volume growth as compared
to the previous financial year. On the other hand, the kid's wear segment took the industry by surprise
with over 200% order volume growth and the market share significantly increased from 3% in FY-2020
to 17% in FY-20211.
Another report by Statista estimates that the online fashion market in India is projected to reach a value
of $14.4 billion by 2023, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.5% from 2019 to
2023
Many e-commerce platforms had started introducing their own private labels and exclusive collections.
These were usually designed in-house or in collaboration with fashion designers, providing unique and
affordable options to consumers. Apart from traditional e-commerce platforms, fashion aggregators like
Limeroad and Voonik emerged. The direct-to-consumer (D2C) model has become increasingly popular
and helpful for this industry. These platforms used technology to offer personalized fashion
recommendations, curated collections, and style inspiration to users. Influencer marketing gained
prominence in the Indian e-commerce fashion industry. Social media influencers and bloggers
collaborated with brands to promote their products, showcasing them in real-life scenarios. Social
commerce, where products are directly sold through social media platforms, also started gaining traction.
E-commerce fashion platforms were placing a strong emphasis on providing a seamless customer
experience. This included easy navigation, detailed product information, multiple payment options,
hassle-free returns, and responsive customer support. Technological advancements such as augmented
reality (AR) and virtual try-ons were being integrated into some platforms. These technologies allowed
customers to virtually try on clothing and accessories before making a purchase decision, enhancing the
online shopping experience.
There was a growing awareness of sustainable fashion practices among consumers. Some e-commerce
platforms started offering eco-friendly and ethically produced fashion products, catering to the
environmentally conscious segment of the market. E-commerce fashion platforms were expanding their
reach beyond metro cities to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This expansion was facilitated by improved
logistics and delivery networks, making fashion accessible to a larger segment of the population.
B. What is the business model of your current firm?
Myntra, an Indian e-commerce platform specializing in fashion and lifestyle products, has undergone several
significant changes in its business model since its inception in 2007. Here's an in-depth overview of the
evolution of Myntra's business model with reference to key milestones and timelines:
Myntra was founded Recognizing the growing Myntra introduced its first
Founding Year: 2007
Pivoting to Fashion E-
(2012 - 2014):
in 2007 by Mukesh demand for online fashion private label brand,
Bansal, Ashutosh retail, Myntra decided to "Roadster," in 2012. Since
Lawania, and Vineet pivot its business model to then the company has
Saxena in Bangalore, focus exclusively on expanded its portfolio of
India, initially started fashion and lifestyle private label brands,
as an online products, offering a wide including DressBerry, HRX
personalized gift shop, range of clothing, by Hrithik Roshan, Anouk,
offering a range of footwear, accessories, and and more. This allowed
personalized lifestyle products from Myntra to offer exclusive
merchandise various brands. products and strengthen
its brand identity.
In May 2014, Myntra was In an ambitious move, Myntra In 2017, Myntra launched an
App-Only Strategy (2015 -
Omnichannel Approach
Acquisitions (2014 - 2016)
2016)
(2017 - 2019):
acquired by Flipkart, announced an app-only omnichannel initiative to bridge
another major player in the strategy in 2015, intending to the gap between online and
Indian e-commerce space. shut down its desktop website offline retail. It opened several
This acquisition was part of and become a mobile-only "Myntra Fashion Brands" stores
Flipkart's strategy to platform. This decision was across India, allowing
strengthen its position in based on the increasing mobile customers to experience and
the fashion segment. penetration in India. However, purchase products in physical
Myntra continued to in early 2016, Myntra reversed stores. The company also
operate as a standalone this decision and relaunched its launched the "Myntra Mall"
platform while benefiting desktop website due to user concept, a virtual mall that
from Flipkart's resources feedback and a slower-than- hosted multiple brands within
and expertise. expected transition to mobile- the Myntra platform.
only usage.
2. Profit Formula:
Commission and Fees: Brands and sellers pay Myntra a commission for every product sold on the
platform. This model incentivizes Myntra to promote products effectively.
Advertising Revenue: Myntra can generate additional income through paid advertising. Brands can
pay for featured placements, banners, and sponsored content, giving them more visibility on the
platform.
Premium Services: Myntra's subscription service "Myntra Insider" offers members exclusive
benefits such as early access to sales, styling tips, and free shipping, contributing to increased
revenue.
Resource Velocity: Leverages high-velocity resources like the e-commerce platform and virtual try-
on tech. Manages moderate-velocity resources including brand partnerships and logistics. Innovates
low-velocity resources such as technology infrastructure enhancements.
Example: Myntra's revenue model is comparable to Amazon's third-party seller system, where
brands pay a fee for using Amazon's platform to sell products.
3. Key Resources:
Brand and Seller Network: Myntra's extensive network of brands and sellers provides customers
with a wide variety of choices.
Technology Infrastructure: The platform's user-friendly website and mobile app enable seamless
browsing and shopping experiences.
AR Technology: Myntra's virtual try-on feature sets it apart from competitors, offering customers a
unique way to interact with products.
Logistics Partnerships: Efficient delivery is possible due to collaborations with logistics and courier
companies.
Marketing Collaborations: Partnerships with influencers, designers, and celebrities amplify
Myntra's visibility and credibility.
Example: Myntra's partnership with Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan for his brand HRX
demonstrates its collaboration with celebrities to enhance its brand appeal.
4. Key Processes:
Product Aggregation and Curation: Myntra scouts and selects products from various brands,
curating a diverse collection that aligns with current fashion trends.
Personalization Algorithms: Myntra's data analytics processes analyze user behavior to generate
accurate and personalized recommendations.
Logistics Management: Myntra manages the entire order fulfillment process, from inventory
management to efficient delivery, ensuring products reach customers on time.
Customer Support: Myntra's prompt and responsive customer service team addresses queries,
concerns, and returns, creating a positive shopping experience.
Technology Innovation: Myntra's investment in AR technology for virtual try-ons showcases its
commitment to adopting innovative solutions to enhance customer engagement.
Example: Myntra's use of data-driven insights to predict fashion trends and curate collections aligns
with Zara's strategy of quickly responding to emerging trends and restocking inventory accordingly.
C. Competitor Analysis
i. Identify a major competitor for Myntra in the industry & Analyse the competitor’s business
model.
A major competitor for Myntra in the Indian e-commerce fashion industry is "Ajio," an online
fashion and lifestyle platform. Ajio is owned by Reliance Retail, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries,
and competes with Myntra by offering a variety of clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products. Here
are some details about Ajio's Business Model:
Curated Selection
Ajio focuses on curating a unique and diverse selection of fashion products. It offers a wide range of
clothing, footwear, accessories, and beauty products catering to different tastes, styles, and
demographics.
Private Labels and Exclusive Brands
Similar to Myntra, Ajio has a strong emphasis on private label brands. It offers a mix of its own
private labels like "Ajio Own," as well as exclusive collaborations with both Indian and international
brands. These exclusive products differentiate Ajio's offerings from other platforms.
Technology Integration
Ajio integrates technology to enhance the shopping experience. It uses features like visual search and
recommendations based on browsing history to help customers discover relevant products quickly.
Inclusive Fashion
Ajio has a focus on offering inclusive fashion, including plus-size clothing and a wide range of sizes.
This approach aims to cater to a broader audience and promote body positivity.
Handpicked Styles
The platform showcases handpicked styles curated by fashion experts. This curatorial approach helps
customers find the latest trends and fashion-forward products easily.
Discounted Deals and Sales:
Ajio offers regular discounts, deals, and sales events to attract customers. Its "End of Season Sale"
and "Big Bold Sale" are examples of campaigns aimed at offering significant discounts on fashion
products.
Customer Engagement
Ajio engages with customers through its blog and style content, providing fashion tips, trend
insights, and style inspiration. This content-driven approach creates a community and encourages
customer engagement.
Return and Exchange Policies
Ajio provides customer-friendly return and exchange policies, ensuring a seamless shopping
experience. This builds trust and encourages customers to shop confidently.
Fast and Reliable Delivery:
Ajio, backed by the resources of Reliance Retail, offers fast and reliable delivery services. It has the
advantage of leveraging Reliance's extensive logistics network.
Mobile App and Website
Ajio operates through both its mobile app and website, ensuring accessibility for customers who
prefer either platform for their shopping needs.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Ajio collaborates with fashion designers, brands, and influencers to launch exclusive collections and
collaborations. These partnerships add a unique touch to its product offerings.
Loyalty Programs
Ajio offers loyalty programs like "AjioPRO" that provide additional benefits to regular customers,
including early access to sales, special discounts, and personalized recommendations.
Omnichannel Presence
While primarily an online platform, Ajio has also explored an omnichannel approach by setting up
select "Ajio Golden Glow Club" physical stores. These stores offer a curated shopping experience
and allow customers to try on select products.
Sustainable Fashion
Ajio has shown interest in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly fashion by offering a selection of
environmentally conscious products.
ii. How is the Ajio’s digital strategy disrupting the market/affecting Myntra’s business.
Our analysis based on the trends and strategies Ajio's digital strategy has shown potential to disrupt
the market and impact Myntra's business. Here's how Ajio's digital strategy is affecting Myntra:
Myntra, in response to increasing competition in the Indian e-commerce fashion industry, has
undertaken various strategic initiatives and innovations to maintain its market position and stay
competitive. They have focused on private labels, exclusive partnerships, technology-driven
personalization, content creation, loyalty programs, and collaborations. These strategies are aimed to
enhance customer engagement, loyalty, and overall shopping experience Here's a detailed
explanation of how Myntra has responded to competition, along with examples:
Myntra, as an e-commerce platform, responds to competition in the market by leveraging network
effects and the platform model. Here's how Myntra uses these concepts to enhance its
competitiveness:
1. Network Effects:
Network effects occur when the value of a product or service increases as more people use it. In
Myntra's case, as more customers join the platform, the overall experience becomes more attractive,
leading to a positive feedback loop. Here's how Myntra leverages network effects:
User Base Expansion: Myntra focuses on acquiring and retaining customers to increase its user
base. The more users on the platform, the stronger the network effects become. As more users
browse, buy, and review products, the platform gains valuable data insights that enhance
personalization and recommendations.
Social Engagement: Myntra encourages social interactions among users. Sharing product reviews,
ratings, and outfit photos creates a sense of community and provides a platform for customers to
influence each other's purchasing decisions.
Seller Attraction: The larger the customer base, the more attractive Myntra becomes to sellers and
brands. This leads to a broader product selection, which in turn attracts more customers, creating a
self-reinforcing cycle.
2. Platform Model:
The platform model involves creating an ecosystem where multiple stakeholders (brands, sellers,
customers) interact and create value for one another. Myntra acts as an intermediary that facilitates
these interactions.
Myntra is developing its Network effects and Platform Model by implementing the below
strategies:
Private Label Expansion: Myntra's private label expansion includes successful brands like
"Roadster," focusing on trendy and affordable fashion, showcasing their commitment to customer
preferences.
Exclusive Partnerships: Collaborations with designers and influencers, such as Deepika Padukone
for "All About You," attract customers seeking unique offerings.
Technology and Personalization: Myntra's tech investments like "Myntra Studio" for personalized
looks and machine learning-based recommendations enhance engagement.
Fashion Content and Blogs: Myntra has a dedicated blog section called "Myntra Insider" that
provides fashion tips, trend insights, and lifestyle content. By offering valuable content beyond just
products, Myntra aims to create a community and establish itself as a go-to platform for fashion
advice.
Loyalty Programs: Myntra has introduced loyalty programs like "Myntra Insider," which provides
users with points for various activities on the platform. These points can be redeemed for discounts,
early access to sales, and other exclusive benefits, enhancing customer retention and engagement.
Collaborations and Celebrity Endorsements: Myntra collaborates with various celebrities and
influencers to promote its brand. This creates a Marque effect for the platform. For instance, Myntra
has worked with Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan for the "HRX" brand, which offers sportswear and
activewear. These collaborations not only attract attention but also appeal to fans of the celebrities.
Seasonal Sales and Promotions: Myntra actively participates in seasonal sales and promotions to
compete for customer attention and boost sales. Its "End of Reason Sale" (EORS) is a flagship event
known for offering significant discounts on a wide range of products, similar to competitors' sales
events.
Enhanced Delivery and Returns: Flexible delivery, "Try and Buy," and easy returns enhance the
customer experience.
Sustainable Fashion Focus: Myntra offers eco-friendly options, targeting environmentally
conscious consumers.
Diversification: Expansion into beauty and personal care products broadens Myntra's market reach.
Cross-Channel Marketing: Myntra uses cross-channel marketing to maintain its presence on
various platforms. It has a strong social media presence and engages with customers through email
marketing, app notifications, and targeted ads, ensuring its brand remains top-of-mind.
Expansion Beyond Fashion: Myntra has ventured into other lifestyle segments, such as beauty and
personal care products. By diversifying its product offerings, Myntra seeks to capture a broader share
of consumer spending and expand its market reach.
3. Network Effect and Externalities
Externalities refer to the positive or negative impacts that an individual's actions or decisions can
have on others who are not directly involved in those actions. In Myntra's context, externalities could
manifest in various ways:
Positive Externality: If a customer leaves a positive review for a product on Myntra, it can benefit
other potential customers by providing valuable insights and building trust in the product's quality.
Negative Externality: On the other hand, if a seller provides inaccurate product information, it could
lead to negative experiences for customers who receive products that don't match their expectations,
impacting Myntra's reputation.
Positive Network Effects:
User Engagement and Recommendations: Myntra encourages customers to engage with the
platform by leaving reviews, ratings, and interacting with products. As more users provide
feedback, the accuracy of product recommendations improves, enhancing the user experience
and attracting new customers.
Personalization: By analyzing data from user interactions, Myntra tailors product
recommendations to individual preferences. As more users engage, the system becomes better at
predicting what customers might like, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and retention.
Community Building: Myntra fosters a sense of community among users through features like
reviews, sharing outfits, and participating in online fashion discussions. This sense of belonging
encourages customers to remain active on the platform.
Negative Network Effects: Negative network effects might occur if Myntra's platform experiences
technical issues or lacks quality control, causing customers and sellers to lose trust and leading to a
decline in overall platform value.
Same-Side Network Effects: In Myntra's context means that as more customers use the platform,
the experience improves for each individual customer. More customers lead to more reviews,
enhancing product insights. The growing user base refines personalized recommendations, and a
vibrant community emerges through social interactions. This cycle continues, creating a more
valuable and engaging platform for all customers.
a. Increased Customer Reviews and Rating
b. Enhanced Personalization
c. Community and Social Engagement
d. Positive Feedback Loop
Cross-Side Network Effects:
Seller Attraction: Myntra's growing customer base makes it an attractive platform for sellers and
brands looking to tap into a larger audience. The more customers Myntra has, the more potential
customers sellers can reach, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship.
Diverse Product Selection: As Myntra attracts more sellers, the platform offers an increasingly
diverse range of fashion products. This variety further entices customers to choose Myntra over
competitors due to the wider selection available.
D. Recommendations for the existing business model
i. How would you recommend the chosen firm to change its business model to adapt/thrive in
the competitive environment?
Myntra, an Indian e-commerce platform specializing in fashion and lifestyle products, has already
established itself as a significant player in the market. However, to adapt and thrive in the
increasingly competitive environment, Myntra could consider a strategic overhaul that encompasses
various aspects of its business model:
Omnichannel Integration: Myntra could consider integrating offline retail experiences into its
model. This could involve partnering with brick-and-mortar stores to create a seamless omnichannel
shopping experience, where customers can try on items in-store and make purchases through the
Myntra platform. This approach would leverage the advantages of both online and offline shopping,
offering customers more flexibility.
Virtual Fashion Events: Host virtual fashion shows or events that showcase new collections, trends,
and designs. Incorporate interactive elements, live streaming, and virtual try-ons to engage customers
in an immersive online fashion experience.
Collaborative Design Platform: Create a platform where customers can co-create designs for
limited-edition collections. This empowers customers to contribute to the creative process and fosters
a sense of ownership.
Blockchain for Authenticity: Implement blockchain technology to ensure the authenticity and
provenance of high-end fashion items. This could attract luxury brands and customers who value
authenticity and uniqueness.
Personalization and AI: Enhance the platform's personalization capabilities by utilizing artificial
intelligence and machine learning. By analysing customer data and behaviour, Myntra could offer
personalized product recommendations, size and fit suggestions, and style guides. This would elevate
the customer experience and increase engagement.
Sustainable and Ethical Practices: With growing consumer awareness of sustainability and ethical
practices, Myntra could incorporate more eco-friendly and socially responsible options into its
offerings. This might involve collaborating with brands that prioritize sustainable materials, ethical
sourcing, and fair labour practices.
Fashion Rental Platform: Launch a fashion rental service that allows customers to rent high-end
fashion items for special occasions. This can attract a segment of customers who seek luxury
experiences without the full price tag.
Virtual Try-On Technology: Invest in augmented reality (AR) technology to enable customers to
virtually try on clothing and accessories before purchasing. This addresses the challenge of online
shopping where customers can't physically try on items, enhancing their confidence in making
buying decisions.
Voice-Enabled Shopping: Integrate voice assistants and natural language processing to enable
voice-enabled shopping experiences. Customers can use voice commands to search, explore, and
purchase products.
Localized Offerings: Tailor the platform to cater to regional and cultural preferences. Collaborate
with local designers and artisans to offer unique products that resonate with specific customer
segments. This approach can help Myntra connect with a wider audience.
Social Commerce Integration: Incorporate social commerce elements by allowing users to share
their favourite products and outfits directly from the platform to social media. Additionally, consider
integrating user-generated content and reviews to provide authentic recommendations.
Data Monetization: Utilize anonymized customer data to offer insights and analytics to brands and
designers. This additional revenue stream can provide a new source of income while maintaining
customer data privacy and security.
Continuous Innovation: Establish an innovation hub within the company to explore emerging
technologies and trends. Regularly experiment with new features, such as interactive virtual
showrooms, voice-activated shopping, or gamified shopping experiences.
Localized Warehousing and Fulfilment: To optimize delivery times and reduce shipping costs,
consider investing in localized warehousing and fulfilment centres strategically placed across
different regions.
Membership Tiers: Implement a tiered membership system with increasing benefits based on
customer engagement and spending. This encourages customers to increase their involvement with
the platform to unlock better rewards.
Continuous Data Analysis: Regularly analyze data to gain insights into customer behavior,
preferences, and trends. This information can guide decision-making and ensure that strategies
remain aligned with customer needs.
Global Expansion: Consider expanding into international markets to tap into a broader customer
base.