Shopo

Shopo.in operated as an online marketplace specifically tailored for Indian artisans, designers, and creators of handcrafted goods. The platform was established in 2011 by Theyagarajan S and Krithika Nelson. Theyagarajan, an alumnus of NIT Trichy with a background in computer science, brought technical expertise to the venture, while Krithika provided the creative direction.

The business model centered on providing a digital storefront for sellers to showcase and sell their products, which ranged from jewelry and home décor to stationery and upcycled accessories. Shopo.in aimed to empower small-scale Indian creators by handling backend logistics, allowing them to focus on their craft. The platform functioned as a zero-commission, mobile-first marketplace, facilitating direct interaction between buyers and sellers through a chat-and-buy system. This approach targeted the large segment of small and medium-sized businesses in India, offering them an easy entry into e-commerce without the complexities of managing a full-fledged online store.

In a significant milestone, e-commerce giant Snapdeal acquired Shopo.in in 2013 to strengthen its presence in the burgeoning handicraft and artisan market. Following the acquisition, Shopo was relaunched in 2015 as an app-based, commission-free marketplace, attracting over 20,000 shops within a few months. Despite this initial traction and its focus on a niche but vibrant segment, Snapdeal ceased operations for Shopo in February 2017. The decision was made to integrate the unique aspects of the Shopo seller and product experience into the main Snapdeal platform.

Keywords: Indian handicrafts, online marketplace, artisan goods, e-commerce platform, mobile commerce, designer products, C2C market, small business, Snapdeal acquisition, digital storefront