In the mid 1990s when Modern Trade started off in India, everyone started saying that Kirana or small stand alone stores are doomed. After a few years later when online retail started, physical stores were expected to be badly hit. Although there has been some impact with regard to a few categories by online retail on physical stores, it is nowhere as widespread as prophesied. Kirana stores have always marched on stoically.
Fast forward to 2020 and the Covid-19 scare which has led to lock downs in most countries including India.
Interestingly, the small stores or Kiranas are managing quite well and many shoppers are dependent on these stores for their essentials. Many physical stores are catering to the shopper’s essential purchases. In spite of the lock down situation and home quarantine, online which had a good opportunity especially in the food space is grappling with delivery and stock challenges.
How will shopper behavior be after the Lock down? Which format will be preferred by shoppers? What might happen to the consumption patterns? Will there be a dramatic change after the Corona Virus scare goes away or at least reduces?
Most importantly, what will happen to Indian Retail and its various segments?
All these points have been detailed in this article published in Business Line’s BLoC. Click on this link to read the article and share your comments - What will shopping look like after Covid-19?
