Archive · 19 Dec 2025
India's E-commerce Boom Splits Shoppers by Income
In India, online shopping is splitting into two groups.
One group wants groceries delivered very quickly, in under 10 minutes.
The other group is happy to wait days as long as the prices are lower.
Meesho, a company that focuses on low prices and a wide selection, has seen its stock go up a lot.
Zepto, which offers very fast deliveries, is planning to raise money through an IPO.
This shows that in India, some people care more about saving money, while others care more about convenience and speed.
Investors are now more interested in companies that can make a profit, not just grow quickly.
Additionally, some IPOs are gaining post-listing due to technical factors like short delivery auctions, where traders get trapped and have to buy shares at higher prices.
India's e-commerce market is splitting into two segments: speed-focused and savings-focused.
Meesho's stock has surged nearly 95% since its IPO, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers.
Zepto is preparing for a $500 million IPO, focusing on 10-minute grocery deliveries for urban, higher-income consumers.
Quick-commerce companies are shifting focus to profitability and sustainable growth.
Investors are rewarding companies with clear paths to profitability, even if growth is slower.
- Who
- Indian shoppers, Meesho, Zepto, Nithin Kamath
- What
- E-commerce boom splitting into two segments: speed vs. savings
- When
- 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- Income divides and differing consumer priorities, technical factors in IPOs
Budget-Conscious Shoppers
Urban, Higher-Income Consumers
Delivery Speed
Budget-Conscious Shoppers
Prefer longer delivery times for lower prices
Urban, Higher-Income Consumers
Value fast, 10-minute grocery deliveries
Spending Priorities
Budget-Conscious Shoppers
Focus on saving money and finding deals
Urban, Higher-Income Consumers
Prioritize convenience and immediate access
- Meesho's Stock Surge
- 95 percent since listing
- Zepto's IPO Plans
- $500 million
- Meesho's Focus
- Budget-conscious shoppers in smaller cities and towns
- Zepto's Focus
- Urban, higher-income consumers who value convenience
- Quick Commerce Phase
- Entering a more disciplined phase, focusing on margins and unit economics
- Short Delivery Auction
- Meesho's auction price was ₹258, while the market price was around ₹226
Sources
Speed or savings? India’s e-commerce boom splits shoppers by income
Nithin Kamath Warns: Miss This IPO Glitch And You Are Handing Profits To Someone Else
Why are many IPOs gaining post-listing? Zerodha's Nithin Kamath explains technical factors behind rising shares
Meesho shares tumble 7% after 43% surge in 4 day rally; what's ahead
Pros and Cons of Investing in Meesho
Meesho shares cool off after doubling from issue price: 5 reasons why UBS sees a 2030 powerhouse
