Phygitalization of Micro and Macro Kiranas

Kirana stores in rural India are undergoing a significant transformation. Innovative efforts are modernizing these traditional retail hubs, bringing modern retail practices and technology to smaller towns and villages.

- ARITRA GHOSH

As the retail landscape evolves, these small stores face significant challenges – from competition with organized retail chains to maintaining efficient inventory and supply chains. Enter Flipkart Wholesale, Frendy, and Vilcart — three innovative companies revolutionizing the kirana store landscape by bringing modern retail practices and technology to smaller towns and villages

A POWERHOUSE IN B2B RETAIL

Flipkart Wholesale, an integral part of the Flipkart Group, has emerged as a leader in India's B2B sector by integrating Walmart's B2B model with Flipkart's innovative retail strategies. "We have a truly omnichannel approach, with 26 stores across the country, a robust out-store business, and an ever-growing online presence," says Dinkar Ayilavarapu, Head, Flipkart Wholesale. The company's unique model seamlessly integrates physical stores, a field force, and online platforms into a single inventory system, ensuring a wide range of products are consistently available across all channels. This omnichannel strategy is a game-changer for kirana stores, which often struggle to stock the necessary items to compete with organized retail chains. Flipkart Wholesale offers an unmatched variety, enabling these small businesses to thrive. "Our omnichannel strategy allows us to serve the full breadth of our customers' requirements, whether they visit our stores, receive doorstep service, or order online. They benefit from our extensive inventory and efficient distribution," Ayilavarapu explains.

MODERNIZING MICRO KIRANAS