Looks like Flipkart no more enjoys the Xiaomi exclusivity it once used to, as is evident from a surprising announcement which the Chinese smartphone maker made today. Xiaomi has announced, that it will now sell its smartphones through multiple other channels too, which includes Snapdeal, Amazon and offline stores like mobile store and Airtel.
#MiFanFest: From tomorrow, Mi India fans can buy Mi products online across @Flipkart, @Snapdeal and @amazonIN !
— Hugo Barra (@hbarra) April 7, 2015
Xiaomi had earlier adopted a flash sales method, through which it sold over one million devices in just first five months of its introduction to India. The number could have been much much larger if limited availability wasn’t an hinderance.
But the company has today announced, that it will be selling its phones through Snapdeal and Amazon as well. It will also sell its phones through an offline sales model via over 800 mobile store outlets and exclusive Airtel stores.
Xiaomi’s intent behind the decision is pretty clear. The company, which is now one among the top 5 most valued tech startups in the world, wants to reach a wider set of audience and maximise on India’s ever-surging e-commerce shopping populace. While its Flipkart-only model brought fame and popularity, Xiaomi is now looking to bank on the same by expanding sell-off options.
1) To mark this special occasion, we are announcing two new partnerships with @Snapdeal n @amazonIN :) #MiFanFest
— Manu Kumar Jain (@manukumarjain) April 7, 2015
But this isn’t just it. There is more good news in store for all of you who wanted to get their hands on a mi smartphone. The company is now doing away with its frustrating pre-registration model of sales and will allow you to purchase its phone in a fashion similar to the usual smartphone buying. This indicates that the company, after a really long time, is fully stocked with its smartphones.
These announcements came on the wake of Xiaomi’s birthday celebration event, the #MiFanFest.
