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Published on
May 30, 2025
5 min read
Quick Commerce Now Makes Up 20% of India’s E-Commerce, Says Walmart International CEO
Walmart International’s CEO, Kathryn McLay, said that quick commerce in India accounts for 20% of the country’s overall e-commerce market and is growing at a rate of 50%, according to Economic Times. She said at the Bernstein Annual Strategic Decisions Conference, “That’s a part of ecommerce that we want to be playing in”, talking about Walmart’s growing focus on the segment through Flipkart.
As part of its expansion plans, Flipkart’s India-based marketplace arm has received a cash injection of ₹2,225 crore (about $260 million) from its parent company in Singapore, as per recent regulatory filings. The funding will support Flipkart’s growing focus on its quick commerce arm, Minutes, which aims to set up 800 dark stores across the country by the end of 2025.
Quick Commerce Sees Rapid Growth
Quick commerce in India refers to the delivery of essentials such as groceries, snacks, and daily items within 10 to 30 minutes. This model has gained massive popularity, especially in urban cities. It is changing how consumers shop for everyday needs, making speed and convenience a top priority.
Earlier this month, Flipkart Minutes’ vice president, Kabeer Biswas, shared with ET that the company had already completed half of its planned rollout.
Meanwhile, Walmart International CEO Kathryn McLay mentioned that the focus for Flipkart and Myntra is more on gaining market share and growing the business, rather than short-term profits. Shortly after Myntra expanded its services to Singapore, it also received a capital boost of ₹1,062.5 crore (around $124 million) from its parent company.
She said, “We’re excited about their growth. We are not so focused on profitability that we would trade off market share and growth for the future. You take the balance of all of that, and we will get there at the right time.”
Walmart Keeps an Eye on Indian Market Trends
As a part of Walmart India’s e-commerce strategy, the retail giant continues to closely monitor the quick commerce landscape. While Walmart currently operates in India through Flipkart and PhonePe, it remains interested in emerging consumer trends and is open to exploring opportunities that align with its long-term goals.
Kathryn McLay said that Walmart’s instant shopping experiences must evolve with consumer expectations. The company sees India as a key market where speed, technology, and customer service can drive the next phase of growth.
Impact on Online Retail and Grocery Shopping
The rise of quick commerce in India is reshaping online retail in India across various categories. The most visible impact is in the grocery sector, where timely delivery has become a strong differentiator.
According to industry reports, online grocery growth in India is expected to continue its upward trajectory. More consumers are opting to skip physical stores and order essentials online, especially in metro cities. This shift is being driven by a mix of working professionals, young families, and students who value time over cost.
Platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart are leading this transformation. These companies have built extensive dark store networks to ensure rapid delivery across key locations.
What This Means for the Future
The fact that quick commerce in India now contributes 20% to the e-commerce sector highlights a clear shift in consumer demand. As more global players like Walmart keep an eye on these changes, the market may see further investments, new partnerships, and even M&A activity in this space.
With rising competition and changing customer habits, companies will need to innovate constantly. As McLay emphasized, success in India’s digital economy will depend on how well businesses understand local needs and deliver seamless online experiences.
This development marks a turning point for the quick commerce industry in India, with Walmart India’s e-commerce strategy likely to adapt as the demand for Walmart’s instant shopping and similar services continues to grow.
