“30 minutes or free” was Pizza Hut’s promise, pushing the bar for fast delivery. Then came Zomato, speeding up food delivery. BigBasket followed, offering groceries delivered in just 10 minutes. Now, fashion retailers are following suit, eager to meet the demand for speedy service so customers can get their favourite styles without the wait.

E-commerce is booming, and global sales are projected to cross $7 trillion by 2025, according to eMarketer. With such immense growth comes intense competition, and retailers face intense pressure to deliver not just high-quality products but also fast and convenient services. For fashion brands, keeping up with fast delivery trends is becoming essential.

A Conveyco report reveals that 41 per cent of Indian consumers are willing to pay extra for same-day delivery, and 24 per cent of shoppers are even open to paying more to get their packages within a one-to-two-hour window. The data shows a significant shift in expectations. Retailers who can meet this demand are not only gaining an edge over their competitors but also securing long-term customer loyalty.

Experience is Everything. Get it Right.

Imagine selecting a new dress or sneakers online and receiving them at your doorstep within 60 minutes—no need to wait days for delivery. It is a dream come true for consumers, and new-age marketplaces are making this a reality. These platforms are providing virtual storefronts that allow customers to browse through digital aisles of fashion, click to buy, and receive their order in record time. These instant delivery services go beyond just satisfying a desire for speed; they offer a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience.

For many customers, quick and reliable delivery has already become the standard. Online fashion retailers who fail to offer this service run the risk of being left behind. According to Contimod Data, 88 per cent of consumers are willing to pay for same-day delivery, and businesses offering this feature can experience up to a 2X increase in conversion rates. Furthermore, over 25 per cent of shoppers would abandon their cart if same-day delivery was not available. This statistic clearly shows how crucial speed has become in driving online sales.

Pressure to Evolve

Retailers face a clear choice, adapt or risk falling behind. The rise of these new-age marketplaces is not just a trend, but a necessary evolution in the retail space. Failing to keep up with technological advancements could mean the end for many small and medium-sized businesses. With the right platform, they can take advantage of quick delivery services without the high overhead costs of physical stores or the complexity of managing logistics.

Offering same-day delivery also gives online retailers a major competitive advantage. As per Contimod Data, businesses can boost their competitiveness by over 85 per cent simply by providing same-day shipping. This demand for instant gratification is not going away. In fact, it is becoming the new norm for fashion retail, and staying outdated is a risk no brand can afford to take.

New-Age Marketplaces — A Lifeline for Retailers

These modern marketplaces do not just benefit consumers; they are also providing a lifeline to retailers. By setting up digital storefronts, brands can reach a wider audience without the hassle of maintaining expensive physical locations. This model allows retailers to offer their products locally within a defined radius, solving the problem of high rents and dead stock. Moreover, special campaigns and flash sales allow brands to move excess inventory efficiently, without hurting their margins.

The platform itself does much of the heavy lifting for retailers. With features like real-time tracking, personalised recommendations, and easy-to-use interfaces, brands can ensure a smooth, hassle-free shopping experience for their customers. By removing traditional barriers like distance and time, these marketplaces are empowering retailers to focus on growing their businesses while still meeting the increasing demands of consumers.

Same-Day Delivery

Fashion retailers who incorporate one-hour or even same-day delivery into their services are reaping the rewards. Customers have shown time and again that they value convenience over price, with many willing to pay extra just for the assurance of quick delivery. The fashion industry, long associated with seasonal trends and delayed gratification, is now catching up with the idea of instant fulfilment.

Today, shoppers expect the same level of service from their favourite fashion brands as they do from their food delivery apps. After all, if your favourite pizza can be delivered in under 30 minutes, why should your favourite pair of jeans take days?

For many businesses, the solution lies in adopting new technologies and partnerships with these fast-delivery platforms. With the shift in consumer behaviour towards instant gratification, same-day delivery is becoming not just a bonus but a necessity for success.