In the early 2000s, shopping in India was mostly about crowded markets and long queues. But everything changed when Flipkart entered the scene in 2007. Founded by two IIT graduates, Flipkart began as a small online bookstore. With fast delivery, customer-friendly return policies, and the famous "Cash on Delivery" option, it quickly won the trust of millions.Over the years, Flipkart expanded into electronics, fashion, groceries, and more. Today, it’s one of India’s largest e-commerce giants, competing globally and setting new standards in digital retail.Whether you're buying a smartphone or the latest fashion, Flipkart offers convenience, variety, and unbeatable prices — all from the comfort of your home.comfort
In a country where traditional shopping meant navigating crowded streets, long queues, and chaotic markets, the emergence of e-commerce brought a quiet revolution. At the heart of this change in India stood a company that started with just books but ended up transforming how millions shop every day — Flipkart.
Founded in 2007 by Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, two IIT Delhi graduates who previously worked at Amazon, Flipkart began its journey as a humble online bookstore. At a time when internet penetration in India was still growing and people were skeptical about online payments, the idea of ordering books online was new and uncertain. But Flipkart’s commitment to customer satisfaction soon began to build trust.
One of the biggest turning points in Flipkart’s early growth was the introduction of Cash on Delivery (COD). This simple innovation addressed a major concern among Indian consumers — trust in digital transactions. By allowing customers to pay only when they received the product, Flipkart gained confidence in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where digital literacy was low but shopping aspirations were high.
As the company gained momentum, it expanded its product range — from books to electronics, fashion, household items, and eventually groceries. The company's focus on fast delivery, customer support, and easy return policies helped them stand out in the growing e-commerce market.
Over the years, Flipkart introduced several innovative features like "No Cost EMI," "Flipkart Plus" loyalty program, and exclusive product launches in partnership with top brands. Their Big Billion Days sales became one of the biggest online shopping festivals in India, breaking sales records year after year. These events not only boosted their own revenue but also created a cultural shift, where people began to wait for online sales just like they waited for festive discounts in physical stores.
The company's user-friendly app and website interface made it easy even for first-time internet users to explore, compare, and shop with ease. Flipkart’s logistics arm, Ekart, further ensured that deliveries reached even the remotest corners of the country. In fact, their aggressive logistics strategy was one of the key reasons behind their dominance over competitors in the early years.
In 2018, Flipkart made global headlines when Walmart acquired a 77% stake in the company for $16 billion, marking one of the largest e-commerce deals in the world. This deal not only validated Flipkart’s success but also positioned India as a major player in the global e-commerce landscape.
Despite rising competition from Amazon India, JioMart, and others, Flipkart continues to grow by focusing on local needs, vernacular language support, and affordable shopping experiences. With the growth of smartphone usage, internet penetration, and digital payment systems like UPI, Flipkart is well-positioned to tap into the next wave of online shoppers from rural and semi-urban India.
Today, Flipkart is not just an online shopping platform — it's a part of everyday life for millions of Indians. From buying smartphones and clothing to essentials and electronics, Flipkart has made shopping accessible, affordable, and convenient. It has empowered small sellers, created thousands of jobs in logistics and customer service, and changed how the nation shops.
