Aiming to let consumers "search online, shop offline", city-based Laranya Infoedge Pvt Ltd today launched the 'QOIE' application, a one-stop platform for information on popular shopping locations.
Starting with Kolkata, the application aims to cover 35 Indian cities by 2019.
Announcing its launch, Manish Agarwal, Director, QOIE, said, "Our aim is to change the way consumers make their purchase decision. We feel the future lies in going 'phygital'. QOIE blends physical and digital to create an ecosystem between the retailers (malls, stores and brands) and consumers across the two worlds for a seamless experience.
"With more than 95 per cent sales in the retail industry still happening offline and at the same time proliferation of smartphones in the country, we encourage people to Search Online, Shop Offline."
Consumers have the option to browse across 22 categories on QOIE, ranging from antiques, beauty and health, books, stationery and cameras to toys and baby products, and watches and jewellery.
The application, which is available for Android and Apple users, has already added over 1.5 lakh retailers stocking 400-plus national brands, Agarwal claimed.
A sum of Rs five crore has been earmarked for national expansion of 'QOIE' in the next 18-24 months, he added.
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