Kirana stores or the small neighborhood shop has always been predicted to close down in the face of competition. In the mid 90s when the Foodworld Supermarket chain started, everyone expected these small shops to shut down in that area. Later on with the arrival of several chains and then online retail, this doomsday prediction for these small shops has always been around.
Interestingly, till date these small Kirana shops have not only stuck around but have also managed to keep up with the shopper expectations. They have implemented various value additions like cramming in a few shelves to create a self service shopping experience, extended hours of operation, better service, etc.
Coupled with their penetration in any locality, they are truly the Indian version of convenience stores.
However, this might be challenged, soon. Already a few convenience store chains have started and recently a global retail chain has announced their entry into India.
How will the kirana stores compete in the face of such direct competition, Will the global chain be able to have a quick and easy entry? Will this finally lead to the Kirana stores to be affected? – Many more such questions have been addressed in my two articles in the “Inside Retail” column of the Business Line on Campus.
The links to these two articles are –
- https://bloncampus.thehindubusinessline.com/columns/inside-retail/can-indias-convenience-stores-stand-up-to-competition-from-abroad/article29856810.ece
- https://bloncampus.thehindubusinessline.com/columns/inside-retail/challenges-for-7-eleven-store-chain-in-india/article29983936.ece
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