In bustling Mumbai, the 75-year-old Ramji Dharod stands at the brink of closing his corner store, once full of life but now quiet and collecting dust. The rise of 10-minute delivery apps such as Zomato, BlinkIt, and Zepto has transformed shopping behavior, with many consumers opting for convenience over community. Dharod fondly recalls a bustling store filled with customers, but today, cardboard boxes of unsold snacks symbolize a different reality.
Reports show that around 200,000 neighborhood shops have shuttered in India, with delivery apps leading the charge. Retailers like Sunil Kenia, who offers necessities beside Dharod’s shop, share their struggles, with many relying on wholesale to survive. COVID-19 exacerbated the issue, cutting business revenue by half as customers vanished to online platforms.
The trend is unmistakable: a survey revealed 42% of urban Indians favor quick delivery, shifting the landscape and leaving retailers grappling with a 52% plunge in essential goods sales. While quick commerce only thrives in major cities for now, experts predict an ongoing growth rate of over 40% annually.
Trade organizations have raised alarms about the aggressive online expansion, pointing to predatory pricing tactics harming mom-and-pop shops. Quick commerce firms, however, argue that they cater to individuals who find traditional shopping challenging, providing new opportunities for small brands lacking shelf space.
Analysts contend that India’s diverse retail landscape can accommodate both traditional and modern shopping methods. The key for corner shops might lie in innovation and utilizing technology to create a superior shopping experience. With click-to-deliver convenience becoming the norm, adaptation is crucial for local retailers keen on survival in a digitally dominated market.
