fast fashion, literally: how slikk & blip are taking quick commerce to your closet
from instant groceries to instant outfits – here’s why startups like slikk & blip might just change how india shops for clothes
while chatting with friends on twitter space, the founder of blip fashion hops into our convo, sparking a fresh debate: do we really need clothes delivered in under an hour? and if so, who’s pulling it off better – the big players or new startups?
as we dived into the details with the founder, we got an inside look at blip and slikk, two emerging players who are taking “quick commerce” beyond groceries, aiming to deliver fashion faster than ever before.
this breaks down the q-commerce game for fashion, explains how slikk and blip operate, and explores why established giants like blinkit, swiggy, and zepto might struggle to keep up.
the quick commerce model: slikk vs. blip
inventory management and dark stores 📦
while both startups avoid the hassle of large, centralized warehouses, slikk takes a unique approach by establishing a large-format dark store in southern bengaluru.
this dark store is strategically placed to efficiently serve its most active pin codes, allowing slikk to maintain control over inventory and ensure timely delivery. meanwhile,
blip continues its zero-inventory model, working directly with local retailers who fulfill orders on demand.own fleet vs. third-party delivery 🚚
unlike blip, which relies on third-party delivery partners like dunzo and porter, slikk operates its own delivery fleet to meet its 60-minute delivery commitment. managing an in-house delivery team allows slikk to streamline coordination and provide a more consistent delivery experience. in contrast,blip’s model benefits from the flexibility and low costs associated with outsourcing deliveries.
impressive delivery times ⏱️
blip boasts an average delivery time of 37 minutes (founder mentioned on the twitter space), positioning itself as the fastest in the fashion q-commerce game. slikk, with its well-coordinated dark store and dedicated fleet, promises a reliable 60-minute delivery time. these rapid delivery speeds cater to spontaneous shopping needs, setting a new standard for convenience in fashion q-commerce.small but mighty teams 💪
with just two founders, blip operates on a lean team structure, maintaining agility.
slikk, launched by akshay gulati, om swami, and bipin singh, entered the market in august 2024 and focuses on efficiency by keeping team size small and operational costs low.
slikk also offers unique perks like a seven-day return policy and a try-and-buy option to build trust in a high-return category like fashion.
why big players like blinkit, swiggy, and zepto might struggle
inventory headaches 🏬
platforms like swiggy,blinkit and zepto hold large inventories for brands like fabindia, decathlon, and jockey.
while this approach gives them control over stock, it creates complications in storage, logistics, and rapid fulfillment.
unlike slikk and blip’s more nimble setups, blinkit and zepto are dealing with warehousing costs and operational bottlenecks that slow down delivery.too many categories, not enough focus 🔍
q-commerce giants handle a wide range of categories, from groceries to household items, meaning fashion is just one among many.
this broad approach makes it difficult to match the speed and seamless experience that specialized players like blip and slikk offer.
in contrast, blip and slikk are laser-focused on fashion, making their operations more streamlined and customer-focused.logistics complexity ⌛
while swiggy instamart and zepto have their own delivery networks, managing logistics across diverse product types introduces delays.
blip and slikk, however, avoid these hurdles by relying on targeted logistics: slikk with its own fleet and dark store, and blip with third-party providers,
allowing them to maintain consistency in speed without the logistical complexities of an in-house fleet.
targeting instant shoppers: who’s buying in?
impulse buyers & last-minute needs 💥
both blip and slikk cater to spontaneous shoppers, especially young customers who want instant gratification. whether it’s a last-minute outfit for a party or a quick gift, these platforms are designed for people who shop on a whim.high average cart values 💰
slikk’s average order value is ₹1,800, and it nets about ₹550-600 per sale, making high-value carts a significant part of their strategy. by offering exclusive collections from trendy d2c brands like soul store and rigo, slikk targets a premium segment within young shoppers, capitalizing on the value and volume that q-commerce demands.
funding, scaling, and future goals
slikk’s funding boost 💸
slikk recently raised $300,000 in a pre-seed round from better capital, which it plans to use for expansion. with its own delivery fleet, dark store, and ai-driven personalization, slikk aims to scale its operations across bengaluru and eventually expand to other cities.
this funding will also support ai development to enhance user experience and help manage their unique inventory-light model.blip’s low-profile strategy 🔍
unlike slikk, blip has not disclosed its funding status, but the founders are focusing on staying lean and agile.
as slikk and blip redefine quick commerce for fashion, they’re setting a new standard for instant shopping experiences in india.
by streamlining operations, focusing on curated fashion, and using smart logistics strategies, they’re able to deliver clothes at record speeds – a concept that has yet to be fully realized by big players like swiggy,blinkit and zepto.
whether india’s broader market is ready for instant fashion remains to be seen, but the demand for rapid, convenient shopping is clearly on the rise.
if blip and slikk continue their growth, they could very well reshape the landscape of fashion e-commerce in india’s biggest cities, showing us that instant fashion might be more than a trend – it could be the new norm.
fyi:
these are my written notes (not for reference lol)
