New Delhi: In a major development that will step up competition in the e-commerce industry, the $111-billion Tata group with a presence in almost every key sector ranging from retail to hotel and car business is aiming to bring all its services under a single digital platform. According to the Financial Times, the group is coming up with an all-in-one e-commerce app for its array of consumer products and services. The prototypes will consolidate the group’s consumer-facing businesses and existing online assets and expected to be launched by 2020 end or early next year. Also Read: Accenture To Lay Off 25K 'Low-Performing' Employees Globally, Thousands Of Indians Set To Lose Jobs In Covid-19 Pandemic

The biggest Indian conglomerate’s decision to build the 'all-in-one' e-commerce app is aimed at taking on the e-commerce market with Amazon and Walmart-funded Flipkart already pushing for growth and Reliance also trying to aggressively expand its portfolio of products.

As per the report, Tata Digital Chief Executive Officer Pratik Pal has been tasked with the app. Pal holds a wide experience and associated with Tata Consultancy Services for almost a three decade, where he was global head of retail. In his role he shaped up the digital business of some of the world’s largest retail chains including Walmart, Tesco Plc, Aldi., Target Corp., Best Buy Co. and Marks & Spencer Group Plc.

The all-in-one app aims to tap the group’s wide portfolio of services and businesses which makes cars, air conditioners, smart watches and tea. It operates luxury hotels, airlines, utilities, an insurance business, departmental stores and a supermarket chain. The group also runs brands such as Tetley and Jaguar Land Rover including Starbucks in India.

Tata is trying to scale up its digital presence to take on rivals such as Amazon.com Inc., Walmart Inc.’s Flipkart and Reliance Industries Ltd, who are already pushing for growth in India.