Grofers, BigBasket see orders soaring as virus lockdown shuts malls

Online grocery platforms Grofers and BigBasket are witnessing up to two-fold growth in purchases as authorities in multiple cities close malls and shopping places to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

The e-tailers said they are shoring up supplies amid the sudden increase in demand due to panic buying across a number of cities in the last couple of days.

These companies are witnessing very high demand for products in the personal hygiene category as well as immunity boosting items such as honey and ayurvedic products.

"In the last couple of days we have seen what we may call panic buying across a number of cities and categories. Cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune and Ahmedabad have seen a higher surge with nearly 80 per cent growth followed by Delhi NCR and Hyderabad at a 60 per cent spike in business for a 75 per cent growth in national business," said Grofers Co-Founder and CEO Albinder Dhindsa.

"We have seen a rise in both the number of orders at 45 per cent as well as order value at 18 per cent," he added.

Alibaba-backed BigBasket said it has witnessed two-fold growth in traffic and revenue. It has also witnessed an increase of 15-20 per cent in its basket value.

Though BigBasket has faced "some disruption" in its supply chain in the last three days, the company said it has taken corrective action and has "geared up for supplies to meet the increased demand".

On delivery delays, BigBasket said, "We will face some constraints for a few more days because it takes time to build capacity in terms of storage, delivery fleet and people. Our teams are working hard to streamline this and we will be back on track very soon."
BigBasket has also witnessed increased demand for essential items such as staples, atta and dal, fruits and vegetables