E-retailing in India: Issues and challenges

Perception of Consumer‘s regarding shopping has been changed with the introduction of internet media. Retail industry has observed major revolution in the changing technology oriented business scenario of 21st century in India. Internet facility has shrunk the entire World and the rules of retail marketing are changing dramatically with the introduction of Information Technology. The e-Retailing website is the front door of the online store that interacts between the e-retailer and consumers. The electronic retailing (e-Tailing, e-Retailing, internet retailing etc.) is the model of selling of retail goods using electronic media, in particular, the internet. E-Retailing is a subset of e-Commerce (Electronic Commerce). E-Retailing accounts for about 10% of the overall growth of e-Commerce market. The growth in the e-Retailing market is driven by the need to save time by urban India. It is estimated that 2.5 billion internet users, access to internet has played a significant role in growing the business markets. The Internet gives retailers an instrument for: broadening target markets, enhancing consumer relationships, extending product lines, improving cost efficiency, improving consumer communications, and delivering customized offers. Changing demographics (youthful India), changing lifestyles and exposure to the developed markets give a fillip to e-Retailing industry. One can buy anything from stereos to iPod‘s without stepping out through internet media. E-Retailers serve 24 hours x 7 days in a hassle free manner to consumers.