Kirana Stores

Zepto CEO sees clear path to IPO in 2025 with profitability in focus

Fresh out of bumper USD 350 million funding this time from marquee domestic investors, quick commerce company Zepto says it is on a clear path to becoming a full Indian-owned entity and hitting PAT positive milestone, as co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha exudes optimism about a possible IPO in 2025. In an interview with PTI, Palicha strongly countered allegations about the quick commerce model disrupting and stunting the growth of traditional kirana stores. He asserted that these and other "narratives" are not grounded in real data and underrate the "net positives" achieved so far by the industry, including job creation. Palicha further said that instant 10-minute delivery models like that of Zepto have generated lakhs of jobs, been wage-additive, and created all-around "value" for both consumers and workers. Moreover, the quick commerce model executed at a scale for groceries and items of daily use is unseen, unmatched globally, he said adding that this goes to showcase the unique .

Quick comm captures nearly half of Kirana sales; mkt to hit $40 bn by 2030

As consumer preferences shift towards the convenience of last-minute grocery deliveries, quick commerce companies are outpacing traditional retailers, with 46 per cent of consumers surveyed reporting a cut in purchases from Kirana shops, a report has said. The quick commerce market size is expected to reach USD 40 billion by 2030, a jump from USD 6.1 billion in 2024, according to the report by Datum Intelligence. "Nearly half (46 per cent) of respondents report reduced spending at Kirana shops, indicating a shift in customer behavior towards quick commerce platforms," it noted. Quick commerce refers to the delivery of consumer items in 10-30 minutes. Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Flipkart Minutes are among the top quick commerce platforms in India. The quick commerce market is projected to capture approximately USD 1.28 billion of Kirana sales by 2024, accounting for 21 per cent of total sales on these platforms, the report further said. "Quick commerce's focus on speed an

Quick commerce led to closure of 200,000 kirana stores: Retailers' body

Recent data reveals, metro cities have experienced the greatest impact of quick commerce with 90,000 kirana stores shutting down in these areas alone, compared to 60,000 closures in Tier-I cities

Kirana stores face tough Diwali with 30% sales drop, quick commerce thrives

In India, approximately 13 million kirana stores form the backbone of FMCG distribution, especially in rural regions and Tier-II and Tier-III cities, accounting for nearly 85 per cent of sales

Consumer Affairs Ministry examining quick commerce competition issues

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had said in August that the government is not opposed to e-commerce but is focused on ensuring fair competition between online and offline businesses

Can kirana stores survive the exponential rise of quick commerce in India?

Some savvy kiranas are already evolving - becoming specialist gourmet shops, mini-supermarkets, or setting up their own efficient delivery systems

India's kirana stores turn to eb2b innovation, udaan leads market growth

Udaan is revolutionising how kirana stores operate by offering digital solutions that streamline procurement, boost efficiency, and facilitate access to formal credit

DS Group targets Rs 5,000-cr revenue from confectionery business in 5 years

The maker of Rajnigandha Silver Pearls and Pass Pass plans to continue its focus on Indian ethnic flavours to drive this growth

42% of Indian kirana stores have already shifted away from Paytm: Report

The trust in Paytm has decreased among 68% of Indian Kirana stores after the RBI announcement on January 31, a report released on Thursday said

Hindustan Unilever to help kirana stores compete with big cos via ONDC

Hindustan Unilever (HUL) became the first fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company to join ONDC last year through UShop

22% kirana owners extremely optimistic about business this festive season

The survey, conducted among 5,000 kirana owners across the country, showed that 22 per cent of kirana owners in India are feeling "extremely optimistic" about business prospects this festive season

Top headlines: RIL pushes battery unit timeline to 2026, PM signs off G20

Business Standard brings you the top headlines at this hour

With rains at unprecedented low in August, kiranas keep stocks low

Sales of FMCG items slowed both on a month-on-month (M-o-M) basis and year-on-year (Y-o-Y) and stores stocked up on lesser products, according to Bizom data

Govt looks to tap section of kirana stores to expand GST base: Report

The federal government is also working on a strategy with state governments and will seek their inputs to increase the base of indirect tax payers

Govt may offer low-cost credit to small retailers, ease rules: Officials

Neither of the officials provided details on how banks would be compensated for providing cheap loans

Coca-Cola India expands distribution network to rural mkts, kirana stores

"Consciously working on addressing the needs of rural consumers by offering them the most relevant packs," said Coca-Cola India

Women kirana partners lead deliveries for Flipkart in India's remote areas

The programme enables the kirana partners to make limited time-based deliveries contingent on their comfort and availability and has enabled large-scale participation from women

Amazon launches Smart Commerce to change local stores into digital dukaans

Stores will now be able to digitise their operations, enhance in-store experience for walk-in customers, and create their own online storefront in minutes powered by Amazon

udaanCapital ties up with Northern Arc Capital for financing 50,000 kiranas

udaanCapital currently helps disburse over Rs 8,000 crore credit a year to 150,000 kiranas and small businesses. The credit is short-term and ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25 lakh

udaan tops duopolistic Kirana e-commerce market in India: CLSA report

The platform has a 60% share in this space, with Reliance Jiomart being the only other dominant player