The hum of scooter engines, the buzz of mobile apps, and the promise of deliveries within 10 minutes ~ this is the new soundtrack of urban retail in India. The rapid rise of quick commerce platforms has introduced a seismic shift in the way urban consumers shop, presenting both opportunities and grave challenges for India’s traditional retail ecosystem. Corner shops, or kiranas, have long been the backbone of India’s retail landscape. They are more than mere convenience stores; they are woven into the social and economic fabric of neighbourhoods.

The shopkeeper often knows your family, your monthly credit history, and even your preferred brand of biscuits. Yet today, many of these shops find themselves on the verge of extinction, as footfalls diminish and revenue plummets. The pandemic may have accelerated this decline, but the convenience of app-based deliveries is sealing the fate of countless small businesses. Quick commerce........

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