Amazon to sell directly imported products via Global Store

Amazon India has launched a global store where Indian customers can now purchase select products listed on the company's American site and pay in rupees through options like net banking. These products will come with local customer care support and delivery, with their pricing inclusive of import duties and taxes.

However, online shoppers cannot pay for these products with cash on delivery.

Global Store is one of a slew of consumer-facing programmes drawn from its US parent, to be introduced in India by Amazon this year. Most recently it launched its Prime annual subscription service, which proved to be a best-selling product during its annual festival sale in the first week of October.

The global store is being launched just before the start of Amazon India's second sale this month from 17-20 October. "While initially (it will have) products from the US, in future tens of millions of products from key markets like the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan (will be listed) as well," said Amit Agarwal, country head of Amazon India.

The global store is also likely to help Amazon India play catch-up with rival Flipkart in the key fashion category. The Indian company has built a strong lead in the segment bolstered by its portals Myntra and Jabong and has captured two thirds of the online fashion market.

At present, Amazon India has four million products across 12 categories like fashion and accessories, electronics, books, home and kitchen. With the introduction of a global store, the total selection has now reached 85 million products.

Amazon India will bring in products from brands not available in India, like Nixon watches and Jessica Simpson shoes, which will give it an additional edge in fashion market.