Online deliveries threaten the survival of India's corner shops

In India, the rise of quick online delivery services has begun to strain the traditional corner shop model, especially in urban areas. A store owner, Ramji Dharod, who has operated his business in Mumbai for over sixty years, is facing closure due to a sharp decline in customer foot traffic. Local residents now favor the convenience of mobile apps for grocery shopping, which has severely reduced business for established shops. Another neighboring shop owner, Sunil Kenia, reported that his sales have dropped to 50% of pre-pandemic levels. This shift in consumer behavior is attributed to the rapid growth of online grocery services, which offer 10-minute delivery options. A PwC survey indicates that about 42% of urban consumers prefer quick delivery for urgent shopping needs. Although the threat to corner shops is more pronounced in major cities, experts warn that this trend could have long-term repercussions for traditional retail all over the country. The corner shops are losing their relevance as people find it increasingly difficult to resist the convenience that comes with online shopping. Trade organizations have raised concerns about the negative impact of this trend on small retailers, urging the government to address the fast-paced expansion of online delivery services.