Google has finally unveiled “Google Shopping” in India that will allow users to easily filter through offers, review prices from multiple retailers, and find products that they are looking for. Users can avail this feature after Google added the Shopping tab to Google search and in Google Lens.
While Google already runs the Shopping tab in more than 30 countries, the new feature is expected to grow more engagement as well as drive more conversions.
The personalised experience will be available across various Google products, such as its home page and through Google Lens. Users will be able to see trending products across different categories, view various deals, and compare prices using the new offering.
For retailers, Google also launched its “Merchant Center” feature in Hindi, which will allow sellers to list their products for Google Shopping, without paying for ad campaigns.
Googles Merchant Center is used by retailers to upload store and product data for shopping ads for retailers. Until now, the Merchant Center was only available in English.
India has over 400 million internet users. However, only one-third of these have shopped online and that number includes those buying railway tickets online. From seasoned desktop shoppers to first-time users with entry-level smartphones, we hope this new shopping experience will make finding what people are looking for just a little bit easier, Google Vice President, Product Management, Surojit Chatterjee told reporters.
Currently, Google has partnered with e-commerce players such as Flipkart, Pepperfry, Snapdeal, Shein, ClubFactory, and others. In addition to e-commerce players, Google has also tapped into its large network of registered small and medium enterprises ,and has partnered with retailers of all sizes. The tech giant will also rely on machine learning to improve the personalised shopping experience over time.
Chatterjee said, “With this launch, our aim is to support the entire retail ecosystem, from shopping sites and large retailers to small local shops, and give them the tools, technology and scale to thrive in todays digital economy, according to a report in the Economic Times.
How do you use Google Shopping?
Users can visit the Google Shopping home page from India. The home page will show users various products from different categories, top deals, and more. Users can browse categories such as phones, clothing, books, watches, and more by scrolling down on the home page.
General search for a product on Google will now show a new “Shopping” tab in results when users search for a particular product. This Shopping tab appears next to News, Maps, Videos, and Books.
Clicking on the Shopping tab will allow users to explore results from several merchants, so that they can compare prices and complete their purchase.
Why did Google come up with the initiative?
Google said the idea behind launching Google Shopping is to increase the number of users who make purchases online. Though India has over 400 million internet users, Google says only one-third of them have ever made an online purchase.
This includes those who’ve bought, for instance, a train ticket online. People who’ve made a retail transaction online are even fewer. With Google Shopping, the tech giant aims to bring a larger share of India’s 58 million small-and-medium business (SMBs) online.
Google looks to expand in India
This move figures is ostensibly a part of Googles expansion plans in India. Just last month, Google had announced that it would release its Neighbourly app across India. Neighbourly is Googles India-only app that had so far been introduced only in a testing phase. The app helps people source local information with help from their neighbours.
The Neighbourly app was to be introduced nationally, starting with Bengaluru and Delhi, since both regions topped the wait list. The app was first introduced in Mumbai and Jaipur, and was then rolled out in Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Kota, Mysore, and Vizag in September.
Elton Gomes is a staff writer at Qrius