Reinventing Kiranas!
Business Today|November 17, 2019
Reliance, HUL, Amazon, Flipkart and Grofers are hooking neighbourhood stores as force multipliers.
Ajita Shashidhar
Reinventing Kiranas!

Residents of Navjivan Cooperative Society, a quiet midmarket residential complex in the western suburbs of Mumbai, have in the past few months got used to a small Flipkart truck entering their premises between 10 am and 10.30 am every day. “It’s a bit of a nuisance for us, but at least Mahesh gets to make extra money,” murmurs an elderly resident, as Mahesh Gamre, owner of Deepika General Stores, rushes out of his 200 sq. ft-store. The Flipkart truck offloads 4550 packages, which Gamre quickly keeps in his store, the ground floor of his one-room flat where he lives with his wife and parents. Gamre’s wife, Geeta, takes charge of the shop, which stocks rice, dal, sugar and even detergent or soap. Soon, Gamre sets out on his scooty wearing a Flipkart delivery cap. He delivers 30-40 packets within a 5 km-radius of his shop and makes ₹ 7,000-8,000 per month, in addition to the ₹ 25,000 he earns from the kirana store. “I got married recently and I was looking for additional income; the Flipkart partnership came as a blessing,” he says.

In Vadodara, 62-year-old Samun K. Campwala, owner of a cake shop, signed up with Amazon a couple of years ago. The additional space in his 600 sq. ft-store has turned into a micro warehouse, from where he delivers packages to addresses within 2-3 km of his store, earning an additional ₹15,000-20,000 every month. “Not only have I been able to repay my debts, this additional income has helped me spend on my kids’ higher education.”

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUSINESS TODAYView all
"Moving to cloud helped us grow❞
Business Today India

"Moving to cloud helped us grow❞

What was the problem you were grappling with?

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
She's Got Time
Business Today India

She's Got Time

MORE WOMEN ARE BECOMING WATCH CONNOISSEURS, SEEKING OUT BOTH JEWELLED AND TECHNICAL WATCHES FOR THEIR STYLE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

time-read
3 mins  |
November 24, 2024
RISING STAR
Business Today India

RISING STAR

PARUL GULATI IS a name that's been steadily gaining prominence in the Indian entertainment industry after she appeared on season 2 of Shark Tank in 2023. She has become a multifaceted personality who effortlessly transitions between acting and entrepreneurship.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
Building on a Legacy
Business Today India

Building on a Legacy

WHEN ZAHABIYA KHORAKIWALA stepped into her role as Managing Director of Wockhardt Hospitals over a decade ago, she confronted formidable challenges that have since turned into achievements.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
LEADER IN INNOVATION
Business Today India

LEADER IN INNOVATION

AS FEDEX'S PRESIDENT (Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Africa), Kami Viswanathan has a lot on her plate.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
WAITING IN THE WINGS
Business Today India

WAITING IN THE WINGS

Here are those who missed out as they have not yet completed a year in office; they'll be strong contenders in 2025

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
A DECENT PROPOSAL
Business Today India

A DECENT PROPOSAL

IN TODAY'S WORLD OF TRYING TO CREATE AN EQUITABLE SPACE, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR HOUSEHOLDS. WOMEN ARE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE THEIR OWN SAVINGS POOL AND INVESTMENT ROUTINE. GIVEN THIS, HOW SHOULD FUTURE BRIDES APPROACH FINANCIAL PLANNING?

time-read
5 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Women and the STEM Bias
Business Today India

Women and the STEM Bias

EMPOWERING WOMEN IN STEM WILL NOT ONLY BENEFIT INDIVIDUALS, BUT ALSO STRENGTHEN THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY, DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 24, 2024
ROCKET WOMEN
Business Today India

ROCKET WOMEN

WOMEN IN INDIA ARE NOT ONLY VENTURING INTO SPACE BUT ARE ALSO STARTING TO SPEARHEAD THE COUNTRY'S EFFORTS IN THE GLOBAL SPACE RACE.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 24, 2024
ONE STEP FORWARD
Business Today India

ONE STEP FORWARD

THE NUMBER OF WOMEN INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS IS GROWING STEADILY, BUT IT'S A LONG WAY FROM GENDER PARITY. MUCH MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO BREAK THE GLASS CEILING IN BOARDROOMS.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 24, 2024