Gajab.com debuts India e-commerce platform built around buyer-driven bargaining

Founder Shahnawaz Merchant launches Gajab.com with 5,000 SKUs across toys, home, kitchen and stationery, targeting 25,000 SKUs this quarter. The platform reintroduces bazaar-style negotiation to online retail, betting on Tier 2/3 cities that drive 60% of India's $125 billion e-commerce market.

— Source publishedWed, 17 Jun, 2026, 18:11 IST·First seen Wed, 17 Jun, 2026, 18:14 IST·Source The Hindu BusinessLine

What happened

Gajab.com launches India e-commerce platform with buyer-driven bargaining, opening with 5,000 SKUs across toys, home/kitchen and stationery. Founder Shahnawaz

Key facts

  • $940 billion India retail market
  • 80% unorganised
  • 58% offline purchases
  • $125 billion e-commerce in 2024
  • 5,000 SKUs at launch
  • 25,000 SKUs target this quarter
  • Tier 2/3 = 60% of e-commerce
  • 30-second average bargain

Why this matters

Watch Gajab as a potential acqui-hire or regional bolt-on for incumbents lacking authentic Tier 2/3 engagement playbooks, though SKU depth and GMV traction over the next two quarters will determine strategic relevance.