Narinder Mahajan on ODN & Channel Engine’s mantra for cross-border success

In an exclusive interview with Adgully, Narinder Mahajan, CEO and Co-Founder, ODN, shares insights into how the collaboration with Channel Engine is facilitating the expansion of Indian brands into the Middle East and Europe. Learn how the integration of content strategy and marketplaces is paving the way for seamless cross-border journeys for brands in today’s dynamic e-commerce landscape.

In what specific ways does ODN envision enabling the expansion of Indian brands into the Middle East and Europe through this collaboration? How does the integration of content strategy and marketplaces contribute to a seamless cross-border journey for these brands?

In this partnership, Channel Engine will support ODN’s Footsteps in the MEA and European markets, while ODN will empower the expansion of Indian brands into MEA and Europe.

Collaboratively, we are harnessing the potential of ODN’s outstanding E-commerce Content Solutions and Channel Engine’s state-of-the-art technology to empower brands to overcome the hurdles of expanding across borders. It will give retailers effortless control over their marketplace sales, enhanced product listings, and the catalyst for precision-targeted advertising campaigns. This synergy forms a triumphant formula for success!

Whenever a brand thinks of going live, there are two questions – Content and End-to-end marketplace management. This collaboration is going to help brands who are trying to sell online in the MEA and European markets and are struggling their way out. ODN and Channel Engine together can hold their hand to will support in enhancing sales and conversion in these markets.

We are trying to envision the expansion of Indian brands into the Middle East and Europe by enabling them with the right content that enables sales and conversion and eventually getting them listed on the right marketplaces as per category understanding. Having exposure to the GEC market with multiple active clients and delivering Content Services from year to year; ODN is fully set to enable the Indian brands into the Middle East and Europe.

Adding to the journey, the Channel Engine can be the medium to provide solutions to their logistics and fulfilment for global last-mile delivery, marketplace issues, media strategy, and advertisement along with supporting the integration process and setting up a stable and scalable integration. Also, cross border invoicing, translation and global product mapping and information distribution can be effectively managed.

Our collaborative purpose for the brands would be to make the cross-border accessible.

Given the diverse global markets ODN aims to connect Indian brands and retailers to, what challenges and opportunities do you foresee in terms of adapting to and capitalizing on evolving industry trends? How does ODN plan to navigate and leverage these dynamics for the benefit of its clients?

There are a few challenges that could be foreseen such as:

Cultural Differences:Understanding and navigating diverse cultural nuances and consumer behaviours in various markets could pose a challenge.
Regulatory Compliance:Adhering to different regulations and compliance standards in each market may require careful consideration and adaptation.
Logistical Complexities:Managing the logistics of international shipping, supply chain, and distribution could present operational challenges.
Market Competition: Each global market has its competitive landscape, and standing out among local and international competitors is essential.

The diverse global markets have opportunities galore.

Global Brand Recognition:Successful expansion can lead to enhanced global brand recognition and credibility.
Adapting to Trends: Being present in various markets allows Brands to adapt quickly to emerging industry trends.
Economies of Scale:Leveraging economies of scale through international operations can lead to cost efficiencies.

ODN plans to leverage these opportunities and overcome the challenges through market research, strategic partnerships, implementing technology, etc.

Market Intelligence:Through thorough market research and market intelligence, local preferences, trends, and competition are analysed.
Adaptive Strategies:ODN has implemented adaptive strategies tailored to each market's unique characteristics and requirements.
Technology Integration:Utilizing AI and data analytics ODN is staying agile and responding to evolving trends.
Partnerships and Collaborations:Building strategic partnerships like Channel Engine with local entities can aid in overcoming regulatory hurdles and understanding local markets.

With a focus on optimizing sales, streamlining operations, and elevating revenue for brands and retailers, how does ODN Digital Services plan to leverage its expertise in Shop-Now Content strategies to achieve these objectives in the context of the partnership with Channel Engine?

ODN has the vision to ensure creative ideas get visually manifested and deliver great value for brands. To deliver the same with the best possible quality while managing scale and the least possible industry-offered time; we get thousands of products live on marketplaces from shoots to listing with 100% marketplace acceptance and ensuring an 80% fill rate with a 9+ content score on more than 50 marketplaces across 11 countries including the Middle East with clientele of Landmark Group, Fossil, Apparel Group, Noon. A well-known watch and lifestyle brand has seen a significant decrease of 80% in content production across APAC through our Content Services.

With Channel Engine Plugins, the brands would be able to streamline operations through their technical solutions and operational solutions like logistic management, returns management, global last-mile delivery and more, along with advertisement and promotional solutions to enhance sales.