HOW B2B PLATFORMS ARE POWERING KIRANA DIGITALIZATION IN INDIA

India's 13 million kiranas are rapidly going digital, blending tradition with tech to stay competitive in modern retail.

- BY RICHA FULARA

The digitalization of kirana stores is reshaping India's retail landscape, transforming traditional neighborhood shops into tech-enabled modern retail hubs.

This shift is being driven by B2B platforms that equip small retailers with digital tools to compete in a fast-growing digital economy. By adopting these solutions, kiranas are becoming more efficient, profitable, and resilient.

“We view this not as a disruption of tradition, but as a necessary augmentation. The transformation is accelerating due to several key factors: the post-pandemic push for digital solutions, the government's 'Digital India' initiative which has expanded internet and digital payment infrastructure, and a growing consumer expectation for convenience,” shared Subarna Mukherjee, Founder & Global CEO, Shop Culture.

“Technology is empowering local retailers with better supply, credit access, and digital payments— helping them compete with modern trade and quick commerce,” added Akanksha Hazari, Founder & CEO, LoveLocal.

B2B Platforms Help Kiranas Go Digital

B2B platforms are transforming kirana stores by providing access to digital tools that simplify procurement, inventory management, and order tracking. They enable small retailers to operate efficiently, use data-driven insights, and compete with organized retail. By bridging the gap between traditional retail and digital commerce, these platforms make local stores more agile, profitable, and customer-focused.

“We help kiranas go digital with easy-to-use tools for online ordering, inventory management, and digital payments. We also support them with marketing, customer engagement, and data insights—helping them operate like modern retailers while preserving their neighborhood trust and relationships,” said Hazari.