Wal-Mart Stores is all set to introduce its B-to-B platform in the Indian cities especially in Lucknow and Hyderabad in the first week of July.
According to its India operations head, Krish Iyer, the retailer having about 20 and odd wholesale outlets in India will draw support from e-commerce service also. The company operates even in Lucknow and Hyderabad cities also.
The service will also be rolled out to other outlets in the 18 cities in a gradual manner after understanding the teething troubles and feedback from the member-buyers, he added. "We will not start rolling out to the other 18 stores for the next six months," Iyer clarified.
The e-commerce service will be available only to its trader members, he said.
India now restricts global online retailers from selling their products directly to consumers. However, the sources in the government say now the government may allow global online retailers like Amazon to sell their products by removing restrictions.
However, Wal-Mart does not have any immediate plans to sell directly to consumers. At present, it will continue its focus on business-to-business. It is now catering to its members in the radius of 20 kms and e-commerce will help to expand its service area to 40 km radius.
Wal-Mart has been operating under the wholesale format in India since 2007. The company's desire to enter India with supermarkets has been met with fierce opposition from small shopkeepers and political parties.
