Myntra does app-only U-turn, to restart desktop version on June 1

A year after going app-only, fashion e-tailer Myntra will now launch again its desktop website on June 1. Myntra, part of eCommerce giant Flipkart, had attributed the decision to the manifold growth in traffic from smartphones, which prompted it to go 'mobile-only' from May last year.

Myntra said the U-turn in its decision was based on consumer feedback and launch of new categories like home furnishing and jewellery. 

"The premises of going on an app only strategy were based on mobiles being personal devices that enable a tailored experience unlike desktops and that mobiles are the future of computing devices," Myntra CEO Ananth Narayanan said in an emailed statement.

Both the premises were proven to be right and Myntra app became the most loved amongst leading Indian eCommerce firms, he claimed.

According to Google Playstore, Myntra's app has seen over 10 million downloads. "Despite the many clear positives, we ve decided to revisit our decision. The biggest reason is that the feedback from consumers, especially women," he said. Citing company data, Narayanan said women customers, in particular, want to have the option of shopping across channels.

"In addition, as we enter the next phase of our rapid growth, we're launching home furnishing and jewelry where viewing intricate patterns lead to better purchase decisions," he said. 

Following Myntra, many Internet-based services companies had begun contemplating going app-only with the likes of Ola announcing the same. There were indications that Myntra's parent firm, Flipkart may itself take that route.