NEW DELHI, India and BENTONVILLE, Ark., October 25, 2023: The Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi) empowering micro-, small- and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) in India, saw sellers see an increase of over 70% (YOY) in sales through Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Sale.
Since its inception in 2019, Walmart Vriddhi has empowered 40,255 MSMEs across the country, providing them with tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age. The achievement of Walmart Vriddhi, along with its local program partner Swasti, showcases its dedication to fostering economic growth at the grassroots level.
This growth also demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of its MSME partners as they navigate the challenges of today’s market. The range of products sold by Walmart Vriddhi sellers on Flipkart’s platform is diverse, spanning various categories. Among the best-selling items are apparel, home decor and accessories.
Jason Fremstad, Senior Vice President, Supplier Development, Walmart Sourcing, commented on this achievement: “Empowering MSMEs is at the heart of Walmart’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth. Through Walmart Vriddhi, we have seen incredible resilience and determination from our partners in India. This milestone reinforces our belief in the potential of these businesses to drive innovation and create lasting impact. We are proud to support their journey towards growth.”
Under the guidance of Walmart Vriddhi, Abbie Fashions discovered its digital presence on Flipkart in 2022. Previously catering to local audiences in Rajasthan and Delhi, the brand’s newfound online reach has garnered a devoted following from all corners of India, resulting in an impressive 25% upsurge in their overall sales. Another business, Naturally Pahadi, which promotes sustainable and nutritious products rooted in the Himalayas, onboarded onto Flipkart’s Marketplace through the Walmart Vriddhi program. This strategic move resulted in a remarkable 300% sales boost, boosting the popularity of their Himalayan offerings.
Against the backdrop of a thriving Indian market and rising national revenues, Walmart Vriddhi’s association with Flipkart plays a pivotal role in handholding MSMEs to grow. The program empowers sellers to tap into the potential of eCommerce, reaching a wider customer base and increased sales. It also assists sellers with tasks such as registration, onboarding, providing customer insights, and brand approval on Flipkart’s platform.
Rakesh Krishnan, Vice President and Head – Marketplace, Flipkart, said, “Flipkart’s mission is to create opportunities for sellers to thrive in the digital age. We are delighted to see Walmart Vriddhi sellers achieve significant sales milestones through our platform. This reflects our strong partnership and shared vision of driving economic growth through eCommerce.”
Joseph Julian, Program Director, Swasti said, “Swasti is honored to be part of the Walmart Vriddhi program, working hand in hand to enhance the capabilities of MSMEs in India. This milestone underscores the importance of holistic support systems for these enterprises, and we remain committed to providing the knowledge and resources needed for their sustainable growth.”
With strong partnerships and a dedicated focus on digital enablement, Walmart Vriddhi is poised to continue empowering India’s MSMEs, driving innovation, and fostering lasting impact in the ever-evolving digital age.
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart.
Swasti, a part of the Catalyst Group, is headquartered in Bengaluru, India and active globally with a footprint in 30 countries, was founded in 2004. Swasti co-designs demonstrable and scalable solution models in partnership with communities on the ground and influences policies nationally and internationally. Over the past 15 years, Swasti has directly reached over 400,000 people through its initiatives, including more than 238,000 factory workers, the majority of whom are women.
The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, Flipkart Wholesale, Flipkart Health+, and Cleartrip.
Started in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of sellers, merchants, and small businesses to participate in India’s digital commerce revolution. With a registered customer base of more than 500 million, Flipkart’s marketplace offers over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Today, there are over 14 lakh sellers on the platform, including Shopsy sellers. With a focus on empowering and delighting every Indian by delivering value through technology and innovation, Flipkart has created lakhs of jobs in the ecosystem while empowering generations of entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Flipkart is known for pioneering services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI and easy returns, which are customer-centric innovations that have made online shopping more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians.For more information, please write to media@flipkart.com
Over 32,000 MSMEs have already completed training under the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program
Hyderabad, India, July 25, 2023: Walmart and Flipkart today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Telangana, to create an ecosystem aiding capacity building for MSMEs in the state. The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Telangana, and Joseph Julian KG, Programme Director, Swasti.
The MoU, signed between Swasti and The Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Telangana, has been inked to facilitate the development of local MSMEs towards accessing a wider domestic marketspace, leverage online retail and enable sustained growth and commercialisation.
Under the new partnership, Walmart will extend its support to help MSMEs digitise their businesses and fuel capacity building for the state of Telangana. This will enable MSMEs to be a part of the offline and online domestic supply chains.
In partnership with Swasti, Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi) offers small businesses and entrepreneurs a complete learning platform and provides free training, in-depth expert assistance, and tailored tools and skills required to grow and expand their businesses. To facilitate the expansion and improvement of small and medium enterprises, training seminars and mentoring sessions are conducted regularly. MSMEs are now registering for the programme from tier 2 and tier 3 cities across India, along with key cities including Hyderabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Surat, Panipat and Kolkata.
On the signing of the MoU, Dr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Telangana, said, “MSMEs from different parts of Telangana are flourishing and bringing recognition to our state. MSMEs form a strong backbone to the country’s economy, and it’s crucial that we help them scale up and equip them with digital tools and technology to promote their business growth. We are happy to collaborate with Walmart Vriddhi to provide guidance and the support required to strengthen MSMEs and achieve greater success through the programme.”
The Walmart Vriddhi program provides a digitally enhanced learning experience through online modules with personalised feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions. Over 32,000 MSMEs have already completed the training.
Commenting on the partnership, Jason Fremstad, Senior Vice President, Supplier Development, Walmart, said, “We launched Walmart Vriddhi in 2019 with the intention to equip 50,000 Indian MSMEs with the skills necessary to succeed in business. From streamlining supply chains to implementing data-driven insights, these skills enable them to make informed decisions, identify emerging trends, and seize opportunities for innovation and expansion. Through Vriddhi, we are committed to empowering MSMEs with comprehensive learning opportunities to level the playing field and help ensure that MSMEs can not only survive but also thrive. 32,000 MSMEs to date have embraced the digital route, and it is a testament to the power of equipping them with future-ready skills.”
Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group, “Telangana is an important market for us and home to thousands of MSMEs, some of whom have already benefitted from our expanded pan-India reach. We want to sustain this momentum, support the state’s artisans, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs, and provide them with a thriving ecosystem to flourish and profit. We are happy to be a part of this initiative and extend our help.”
Joseph Julian, Programme Director, Swasti, said, “The development and expansion of MSMEs in the state will be aided by this relationship with the Telangana government. Through the Vriddhi initiative, we are dedicated to helping MSMEs become more resilient for the future and supporting their participation in local and national supply chains.”
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better, anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and on eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart.
Swasti, a part of the Catalyst Group, is headquartered in Bengaluru, India and active globally with a footprint in 30 countries, was founded in 2004. Swasti co-designs demonstrable and scalable solution models in partnership with communities on the ground and influences policies nationally and internationally. Over the past 15 years, Swasti has directly reached over 400,000 people through its initiatives, including more than 238,000 factory workers, the majority of whom are women.
