Online Store in a Few Clicks: Yandex Launches New SaaS Platform KIT
In a major move for Russia’s online retail sector, Yandex has launched KIT, a SaaS platform that allows users to quickly create an online store with pre-configured sales infrastructure.
Easy Launch and Ready-Made Infrastructure
With KIT, anyone can set up an online business—even without technical expertise—since no programming skills or special knowledge are required.
The platform includes a range of convenient features: one-click ordering, multiple payment options including BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later), and delivery through integrated services. It offers ready-made UX templates, tools for managing products, orders, and inventory, as well as integration with CRM systems, cash registers, and delivery services. A built-in AI assistant helps newcomers navigate the platform, understand its features, and generate store analytics.
The launch comes at a time of rapid e-commerce growth in Russia: in the first six months of 2025, the market expanded by 36%, reaching 5.3 trillion rubles ($66,457 bln).
From Nail Polish to Violets
Currently, KIT is open to sellers in categories like clothing and fashion accessories, beauty products, home, garden, and DIY goods, including decorative plaster, plywood, hardware, and plants.
By October, Yandex plans to open the platform to all sellers, regardless of category. Opening a store is straightforward—business owners simply submit an application. Store templates are already optimized for SEO, attracting organic traffic and supporting ad-driven promotion.
KIT is more than a digital storefront: effective online sales require infrastructure and traffic. Experts describe it as a turnkey solution—from setting up a site to making the first sales. Checkout supports purchases without registration, multiple payment options, BNPL, and delivery. Shipping addresses, payment methods, and installment plans are automatically imported from Yandex services and partners.
Long-Term Investment
With more product categories and expanded AI features, KIT could become a universal system for Russian entrepreneurs’ online sales. It streamlines e-commerce across the country, giving small and medium-sized businesses a simplified route to establishing effective sales channels.
While the platform is currently limited to the domestic market, the global SaaS model remains attractive, and KIT has promising export potential. Future AI developments may include enhanced analytics, product recommendations, and more personalized customer experiences. Yandex’s platform could eventually lead Russia’s online retail niche.
Aligned with Current Trends
For several years, Yandex has made e-commerce expansion a strategic priority—developing infrastructure services from marketplaces (Yandex.Market) to advertising tools and logistics (Yandex.Delivery). The company has combined technologies from its e-commerce ecosystem—including Market, Yandex.Eda, Yandex.Lavka, and Delivery—to enable fast shipping. Launching KIT is a logical next step, leveraging existing integration capabilities across Yandex’s services.
