Myntra does a U-turn, to re-launch desktop version from June 1

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : May 03 2016 | 8:49 PM IST
A year after going app-only, fashion e-tailer Myntra will now launch again its desktop website on June 1.
Myntra, part of eCommerce giant Flipkart, had attributed the decision to the manifold growth in traffic from smartphones, which prompted it to go 'mobile-only' from May last year.
Myntra said the U-turn in its decision was based on consumer feedback and launch of new categories like home furnishing and jewellery.
"The premises of going on an app only strategy were based on mobiles being personal devices that enable a tailored experience unlike desktops and that mobiles are the future of computing devices," Myntra CEO Ananth Narayanan said in an emailed statement.
Both the premises were proven to be right and Myntra app became the most loved amongst leading Indian eCommerce firms, he claimed.
According to Google Playstore, Myntra's app has seen over 10 million downloads.
"Despite the many clear positives, we've decided to revisit our decision. The biggest reason is that the feedback from consumers, especially women," he said.
Citing company data, Narayanan said women customers, in particular, want to have the option of shopping across channels.
"In addition, as we enter the next phase of our rapid growth, we're launching home furnishing and jewelry where viewing intricate patterns lead to better purchase decisions," he said.
Following Myntra, many Internet-based services companies had begun contemplating going app-only with the likes of Ola announcing the same. There were indications that Myntra's parent firm, Flipkart may itself take that route.
"At Myntra, we've always believed in taking bold calls and pushing innovation forward. We tried to do this last year because we thought we can offer consumers a much better experience on the mobile. While that is still true that the mobile experience is far superior to the web, we have recognized that some consumers still want the option to shop on the web and we're humble enough to listen to our customers," Narayanan said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 03 2016 | 8:49 PM IST

Next Story