#FlipkartKids and the changing face of shopping for kids in India

Flipkart is now a household name. At least,in my household, we have been using Flipkart as our go-to shopping destination for everything from gadgets to cosmetics and everything in between. Speedy delivery, discounts, comfort to shop from home are just some of its positives. The very news of Flipkart launching an online shopping destination exclusively for kids was enough for me to get uber excited for this #FlipkartKids Indiblogger meet.

So there I was, at The Blue Frog in Lower Parel,Mumbai on 19th Dec 2015 at 2 PM,ready for this exciting adventure to begin. It was the grand occasion of launch of ‘Flipkart Li’l Stars – India’s Biggest Online Kids Store’ after all.

After a breezy registration, we were ushered in the huge dreamy Blue Frog where amazing cocktails and lunch spread waited to entice us all. Pretty soon, bloggers (mommy, daddy in the majority!) started streaming in and then began the selfie session that lasted till the end. The proceedings of the afternoon were started with a lively introductory speech by Kalpana Behara who talked about how she fell in love with blogging as a mommy, her struggle with writer's block and her ongoing journey. Then came the highlight-we had Chhota Bheem walking around the venue! He was waving and dancing and taking pictures with everyone, setting the tone perfectly for the next item-a panel discussion with executives from Flipkart, Disney, Mattel and Chhota Bheem. The most illuminating discussion of the afternoon, it opened our eyes to many facts-

• The parents and kids today are very aware of what is happening in the world,especially the kids, who are in tune with worldly trends
• Technology has changed the way we shop and kids are no different
• Chhota Bheem is exceptional as it has made its own mark among the Disney, Mattel toys. While Barbie is still extremely popular, Chhota Bheem is a mark of Indian excellence as kids are crazy about it!It is turning into a sensation everywhere!
• Kids are so advanced these days,they want what they want and they want it then & there. This is a challenge for the sellers to improve their logistics
• Flipkart is also bringing thousands of toys for special needs kids from international arena which will take some time to be shipped,but it is a big step forward.
• The best part is that the e-commerce arena has brought the magic of shopping for whatever we want,right from the comfort of our own home.

Pondering over these points in themselves was a big brainer, then came some light entertainment in the form of Indiblogger's own music band and the amazing Ad Mad game where we all chipped in teams on 10-11 each trying to sell Flipkart kids' toys. The event ended on a high note when we were each presented with a Chhota Bheem souvenir by Flipkart. I am positive that #FlipkartKids is going to be a huge success too!