PhonePe gets into local commerce through ONDC

Bengaluru: Walmart-backed PhonePe has forayed into hyperlocal commerce with its shopping app Pincode that’s built on the government-promoted ONDC (open network for digital commerce) protocol. Pincode is currently live in Bengaluru and will launch in other cities soon.

The Pincode app will enable neighbourhood stores to digitally connect to Bengaluru’s consumers, offering the convenience of online ordering, discounts and instant refunds and returns. The app will pilot in Bengaluru with grocery, food, pharma, electronics, and home decor.

PhonePe founder & CEO Sameer Nigam called it the UPI moment for e-commerce and a paradigm shift in building a global-first solution from India. “Pincode is a new shopping app that offers a revolutionary new approach to e-commerce, which puts all the local stores and sellers at the heart of the digital shopping growth story. Built on ONDC, it is expected to create new op