On one side are shoppers who want groceries delivered to their doorstep in under 10 minutes. On the other are millions who are happy to wait days, as long as the price is right
India’s e-commerce story is no longer moving in one direction. It’s splitting into two fast-diverging lanes.
On one side are shoppers who want groceries delivered to their doorstep in under 10 minutes. On the other are millions who are happy to wait days, as long as the price is right. Recent market moves by e-commerce giant Meesho and quick-commerce app Zepto show just how sharply this divide is shaping India’s online shopping boom.
Meesho’s rally signals the power of value
Meesho has emerged as the surprise star of India’s IPO market this year.
The Bengaluru-based platform, focused on budget-conscious shoppers in smaller cities and towns, has seen its stock surge nearly 95 percent since listing, making it India’s best-performing large IPO of 2025.
Investors are betting on Meesho’s simple promise, which is low prices, wide selection, and access for consumers who aren’t chasing speed.
The company’s asset-light marketplace model and focus on non-metro demand have struck a chord at a time when inflation remains a concern for many households. The rally has also propelled co-founder and CEO Vidit Aatrey into the billionaire ranks—a reminder that “slow and cheap” can still win big in India.
Zepto doubles down on speed
At the other end of the spectrum is Zepto, which is preparing to file papers for a $500 million IPO. Built around the promise of 10-minute deliveries, Zepto represents India’s fast-growing quick-commerce segment, one that caters largely to urban, higher-income consumers who value convenience over cost.
The company plans to use IPO proceeds to expand warehouses, strengthen last-mile delivery, and compete more aggressively with rivals like Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart. But the quick-commerce model comes with high cash burn, and investors are increasingly asking tough questions about profitability, not just growth.
According to recent industry analysis, who spome to Bloomberg, quick commerce in India is entering a more disciplined phase. Companies are slowing reckless expansion, focusing on margins, and narrowing service areas to improve unit economics. The race is no longer just about who delivers fastest—it’s about who can do it sustainably.
That shift matters because investor appetite has changed. The market is rewarding clear paths to profitability, even if that means slower growth.
Together, Meesho’s blockbuster rally and Zepto’s IPO push underline a deeper reality: India’s e-commerce market is being shaped by income divides. For millions, savings still trump speed. For others, convenience is worth paying for.
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