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Mobile retailers accuse Samsung of favoring e-commerce giants, fueling grey market and causing loss to exchequer.
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Retailers demand level playing field, especially during Diwali season, citing unfair treatment and better access to products and discounts for online platforms.
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Samsung’s online-only strategy leads to decline in sales, market share, and retailer loyalty, with retailers seeking equal opportunities to compete with e-commerce giants
Mobile phone retailers have accused Samsung of favoring e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart, leading to a grey market in smartphones and causing loss to the exchequer. The All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) has sought a level playing field, especially during the Diwali season, citing unfair treatment and better access to products and discounts for online platforms.
AIMRA claims Samsung’s online-only strategy has led to a decline in sales, market share, and retailer loyalty, with retailers seeking equal opportunities to compete with e-commerce giants. The association represents over 1.5 lakh mobile retailers in India and has written to Samsung India, seeking a level playing field and equal access to products and promotions.
The retailers allege that Samsung’s exclusive launches on e-commerce platforms, like the recent M35 launch on Amazon, lead to illegal sales and GST evasion, ultimately harming the economy. They demand that Samsung offer all deals, products, and promotions across platforms and channels, enabling offline stores to compete effectively and encouraging customers to buy from physical stores.
