Snapdeal sees mask and sanitiser sales rapidly increase on consumers in red zones

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
May 19, 2020

E-commerce platform Snapdeal has seen sales of face masks more than triple in the past month and sanitiser sales rise by 60%, driven by red zones like Delhi NCR.

 
“The NCR alone accounted for 22% of the masks sold across India,” a Snapdeal spokesperson told TNN. “Gurgaon had the largest market share of 30%, Noida and Greater Noida 22%, Delhi and Ghaziabad 18% each and Faridabad 9%. The sale of masks has more than tripled in the last 30 days because of greater awareness, easy availability, and reduced prices.
 
“The sale of hand sanitisers went up by 60% in the last one month with 500ml and multi-pack bottles of 50-60ml being the most preferred. Just like masks, Gurgaon was the biggest market accounting for 40% of sanitiser sales in the NCR. Orders for personal protection equipment like face shields, shoe covers and goggles have also gone up," continued the spokesperson.

As the Delhi NCR is classed as a coronavirus red zone, due to the high number of confirmed cases in the area, only deliveries of essential goods are permitted.
 
The business has been heavily promoting products including face masks and sanitisers on its social media and has offered deals such as 50% off face masks to drive sales. Although sales of non-essentials such as clothing are now allowed in green zones, many consumers are facing tight budgets and so sentiment is down. Essential health and safety goods represent a way for businesses to keep revenue flowing despite economically uncertain times. 
 
Snapdeal is also promoting local businesses on its social media as part of its ‘Vocal for Local’ media campaign to support Indian businesses on Facebook. The business has also been running contests and sharing games on its Facebook page to keep its customers engaged.