Flipkart takes aim at Amazon Prime with new loyalty programme

Indian online retailer Flipkart will be launching its second loyalty programme later this month, a move aimed at boosting customer retention and rivalling Amazon.com Inc's Prime benefit plan.

'Flipkart Plus' will be launched on August 15, India's Independence Day, the Bengaluru-headquartered firm said on Wednesday, adding that the programme will offer faster and free delivery, early access to major sales events and better customer support.

Flipkart, which is in the process of being acquired by US retail giant Walmart Inc, had attempted a loyalty plan in the past without much success.

Amazon launched Prime, its global loyalty programme that offers free, faster shipping and free music and video streaming services, in India in 2016.