We are familiar with e-commerce by now, as we deal with Flipkart and Amazon and other online companies. These days we come across quick commerce (Q-commerce) startups such as Zepto. It promises delivery within 10-90 minutes of order placement. It has led to remodelling of companies such as Grofers, Dunzo and Swiggy. It creates a hyper-local opportunity.

E-commerce companies have large warehouses on the outskirts of the cities. They cater to the customers which are closest to the warehouse facilities. The delivery time is a few hours, the same day, next day to a few days. Q-commerce companies create dark stores that stock essential 2000 items including groceries, OTC medicines and other daily necessities. These service urban customers in top cities.

Kirana stores were offering such services in their own localities. They had relationships with the customers and knew their credit standing. These stores held their own despite the e-commerce. They survived because of the personalization of services. Q-commerce do threaten the kirana stores. However, q-commerce work in certain localities with high density of population. They must be willing to pay for the q-commerce service. Thus they may not be a threat to the kirana stores. It is possible for e-commerce, q-commerce and kirana to co-exist.

Q-commerce can also offer services such wireman, electrician, plumber through the q-commerce platform.

Kirana stores can also tie-up with such platforms and be a part of this system.