ITC Classmate bets on omni-channel, digital tools to stay relevant in digital-first India

Classmate pursues a multi-channel play across general trade, modern retail, e-commerce, quick commerce and D2C via Classmateshop.com, while integrating eduGAMES QR codes and 11 interactive challenges to defend share in the Rs 16,500 crore stationery market amid price-sensitivity and digital classrooms.

— FiledWed, 8 Jul, 2026, 01:33 IST·First seen Wed, 8 Jul, 2026, 01:33 IST·Source Financial Express · BrandWagon

What happened

ITC Classmate · ITC's Classmate stationery brand pursues an omni-channel strategy across general trade, modern retail, e-commerce, quick commerce and D2C while

Key facts

  • Rs 16,500 crore stationery market
  • Rs 21,981 crore FMCG FY25 revenue
  • consumer spends over Rs 1,000 crore
  • launched 2003
  • 11 interactive challenges

Why this matters

Classmateshop.com and quick-commerce expansion signal ITC building direct consumer touchpoints and digital IP (eduGAMES) that could underpin future edtech partnerships or bolt-on acquisitions in learning tools.

What to watch

  • Quarterly ITC education-and-stationery segment revenue and margin disclosures
  • Quick-commerce stationery GMV and Classmate SKU listings
  • EdTech/tablet adoption metrics in K-12 affecting notebook volumes
  • Competitor D2C launches (Navneet, Camlin/Kokuyo, Doms) and private-label pricing
  • Back-to-school seasonal sell-through data across channels
  • Scale Classmateshop.com with subscription/bulk school-supply bundles for back-to-school cycles
  • Deepen quick-commerce SKUs (Blinkit/Zepto/Instamart) for last-minute impulse purchases
  • Expand eduGAMES content library and tie QR engagement to loyalty/repeat purchase
  • Push premium and stationery-adjacent lines (art, geometry, gifting) to offset core notebook decline