Tag: Zepto

National

Blinkit, Zepto Scrap 10-Minute Delivery Amid Concerns Over Gig Worker Stress

allycaralgoa

Quick commerce companies such as Blinkit and Zepto have voluntarily scrapped their 10-minute delivery promises after concerns were raised by Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya regarding the growing pressure and stressful working conditions faced by gig workers.

According to reports, the move followed a meeting between government representatives and leading delivery platforms, including Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato, and Swiggy, where delivery timelines and worker welfare were discussed in detail. The discussions focused on the impact of ultra-fast delivery expectations on rider safety, mental stress, and overall work conditions.

The 10-minute delivery model, while popular among consumers, has long drawn criticism for pushing delivery partners to meet unrealistic timelines, often at the cost of safety and well-being. Labour authorities expressed concerns that such aggressive delivery targets could encourage risky behaviour on roads and increase physical and psychological strain on gig workers.

Following the deliberations, quick commerce firms reportedly agreed to reassess delivery commitments, opting for more flexible timelines that balance customer convenience with worker welfare. The decision marks a significant shift in how the gig economy platforms approach operational efficiency and social responsibility.

The development highlights the government’s growing engagement with the gig economy sector and reflects an effort to create a more sustainable ecosystem for delivery partners, who form the backbone of India’s rapidly expanding quick commerce industry

Travel

Bengaluru Traffic Leaves Even Founders Frustrated — Zepto’s Aadit Palicha Calls His Airport Commute “The Most Painful Thing”

allycaralgoa

Bengaluru’s notorious traffic jams have found yet another critic — and this time, it’s a familiar face from India’s startup world.

Zepto co-founder Aadit Palicha recently admitted that his biggest struggle in the city isn’t scaling a startup or managing logistics, but simply getting to the airport.

Speaking on a podcast, Palicha confessed that traveling from his home to Kempegowda International Airport is “the most painful thing” in his life right now. “That’s like the most painful thing that I have to do one or two times a month,” he said, adding with a laugh that he’d be “very happy” if companies actually managed to solve Bengaluru’s congestion problem.

Palicha’s remarks strike a chord with millions of Bengaluru residents who spend hours in traffic every day. Despite its position as India’s tech capital, the city continues to struggle with road infrastructure, rapid urbanisation, and increasing vehicle density.

As Bengaluru works toward sustainable mobility solutions — from metro expansions to last-mile connectivity initiatives — Palicha’s comment underscores how even the most successful entrepreneurs can’t bypass the city’s everyday hurdles.

— Reported by Allycaral | Connecting Global

Fit & Fabulous

House of Rare and Zepto Partner to Deliver Premium Fashion in 10 Minutes

Tanisha Cardozo

The House of Rare has launched a strategic partnership with Zepto to bring premium fashion to customers’ doorsteps in just 10 minutes, signaling a major shift in how style-savvy shoppers can access occasion-ready outfits. Initially rolling out in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune, this collaboration begins with a curated collection of Rare Rabbit menswear staples — including shirts, polos, and tees that suit immediate wardrobe decisions.

This move responds to a growing demand from urban millennials and Gen Z consumers for on-demand fashion that matches their fast-paced, plan-on-the-fly lifestyles. Whether it’s dressing up for a sudden dinner plan or refreshing an outfit before a trip, this partnership provides immediate access to style — redefining convenience in the fashion space.

Over time, the collection will expand to include other verticals under The House of Rare, including Rareism (womenswear), Rare Ones (boys’ wear for ages 4 to 14), and Rare’Z (footwear and streetwear). This staggered rollout will allow the brand to test product mixes, customer preferences, and order flows through the Zepto app, optimizing for a seamless quick commerce experience.

Pulkit Verma, Chief Business Officer, Digital at The House of Rare, emphasized that this move isn’t just about speed, but relevance. “Q-commerce is rapidly transforming how India shops, and we see it as a powerful lever for fashion retail. Our partnership with Zepto isn’t just about being fast, it’s about being relevant in the moment our customer needs us,” he said.

Fashion in Q-commerce is quickly gaining traction. A Redseer report noted that the sector is set to grow from $2.8 billion in 2023 to over $10 billion by 2026. Fashion, traditionally considered slower-moving than essentials, is emerging as a promising vertical due to the increasing demand for instant gratification, particularly in impulse or occasion-based apparel.

From Zepto’s perspective, this partnership is part of a larger strategy to expand its lifestyle and premium offerings. “By partnering with The House of Rare, we are giving users instant access to premium fashion, making it possible to refresh their wardrobes in minutes,” said Devendra Meel, Chief Business Officer, Zepto.

The partnership does more than deliver fashion — it also provides invaluable data on user behavior, preferences, and local demand patterns. These insights can inform merchandising decisions, helping The House of Rare plan store and e-commerce inventories more effectively. Accessories will soon follow the apparel rollout, boosting attach rates and order value as the core journey stabilizes.

With over 170 retail stores and a growing e-commerce footprint, The House of Rare sees Zepto as a complementary channel that supports its omnichannel ambitions. This move blends immediacy, curated fashion, and hyperlocal insight, reshaping how — and how fast — style reaches the modern Indian consumer.