How Kirana Stores became back bone during lock down period?

Kirana stores have thrived due to their acquaintance with consumers, understanding of their shifting needs, and capacity to sell products in a variety of quantities. Loose quantities of products that must be marketed in correct packs can also be obtained. As a result, Kirana shops have a high degree of flexibility in terms of product offers, payment systems, delivery options, and returnability are some of the most crucial reasons for their longevity.

Customers will findKirana stores to be very convenient. However, in India, a new category of customers with strong purchasing power is emerging. Nowadays many people work in offices and do not have time to go to Kirana shops to buy groceries. Credit cards are now accepted by Kirana stores as a form of payment. Young Indian customers are highly brand savvy. They also desire a pleasurable buying experience. Convenience of order, convenience of point of delivery, and convenience of payment, such as various payment apps, credit cards, and so on, allow e-commerce players to succeed. E-commerce players are also learning Kirana ecosystem best practises, which is not the case in the other direction.

The path of e-commerce players in India is being strengthened by rapid mobile penetration, inexpensive data costs, a big number of unemployed young who may be hired as delivery boys, and an increased attraction for branded products. This has an impact on Kirana stores businesses, but it also provides a fantastic opportunity for local brands to sell their products through these shops. Kirana stores in fast-growing cities will face greater problems than those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

It will be necessary to gain a better understanding of the needs of the local market. Customizing offers to meet local demand will be tough for e-commerce businesses. For example, Orderhood is one of the greatest free Android apps for ordering things and services from your neighbours. Whether you live in your neighbourhood or have relocated to a new location. Orderhood will provide you with the opportunity to find products of your choice from a variety of shopkeepers around your locality.

Because eCommerce companies in India are at a huge scale, it's critical that the hyperlocal market develop a new level of planning that can compete with the previously established eCommerce behemoths. This means that Kirana shopsin the neighbourhood can resurrect and will no longer be harmed by online behemoths.

During the lock-down, Kirana stores formed the backbone of supply chains. During the initial days of the lockdown, e-commerce players were likewise unable to deliver. However, e-commerce companies have resumed their deliveries. It will be in both of their best interests to work together and establish synergy. As previously said, they must compliment one another in order for them to coexist.

There would be no regulatory hurdles when it comes to promoting retail in the country. Small Kirana shops must be protected, and foreign investment in this sector should be encouraged. To benefit all stakeholders in the retail business, a balanced and proactive approach is required.