HOW EYEWEAR E-COMMERCE CAN SUCCEED IN THE INDIAN MARKET !

14.

Dec, 2023

luxride

The Indian eyewear market is expected to grow rapidly and touch $10 billion by 2030. However, e-commerce has not been very popular in this sector, unlike other sectors such as fashion, electronics, or groceries.    What are the reasons for this and how can e-commerce overcome them and seize the opportunities? One of the main reasons why e-commerce has not been very successful in the eyewear sector is the lack of trust and confidence among consumers, especially those who wear prescription lenses. Glasses are a very personal and important item that affect one's vision and appearance. Therefore, consumers want to test different frames, check the fit and comfort, and get their eyes checked by a professional before buying them. This is something that online platforms cannot fully provide, even with features such as virtual try-on, free home trials, or easy returns.   Another reason is the low awareness on adoption of online eyewear platforms among consumers & this is partly due to the low internet penetration and digital literacy in rural areas, where most of the eyewear demand comes from. Moreover, many consumers are still loyal to their local opticians, who have built relationships and trust with them over the years.   However, these challenges also create opportunities for e-commerce players to innovate and differentiate themselves in the market. One of the strategies that many online eyewear platforms have adopted is to adopt an Omni channel approach, where they combine online and offline channels to offer a seamless and convenient customer experience. For example, Lenskart, one of the leading online eyewear platforms in India, has increased its physical presence to over 700 stores across the country, where customers can get their eyes tested, try on different frames, and place their orders online. Similarly, Titan Eyeplus, another major player in the industry, has launched its own online platform, where customers can browse through its catalog of products and book appointments at its nearby stores.   Another strategy is to focus on creating value-added services and products that cater to the specific needs and preferences of Indian consumers.   The e-commerce segment in the eyewear industry in India is still in its early stage, but it has a lot of potential to grow and disrupt the market. By overcoming the challenges of trust, awareness, and adoption, and by leveraging the opportunities of omnichannel integration, value-added services, and product innovation, e-commerce players can create a competitive edge and capture a larger share of the market

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