In a bid to uplifts the local kirana stores through e-commerce portals, the commerce minister Piyush Goyal, reportedly has asked Amazon, the US-based e-commerce mammoth to work with the unorganised retail sector of the country, cited Inc42.
The development comes to light after Goyal held a meeting to understand the business model of ecommerce —accounting, investment pipeline and future inclusion of kirana stores.
Besides, the DPIIT (Department for promotion of industry and internal trade) has sought to the e-commerce platforms about suggestions on how the small retailer and kirana stores can become a part of the larger business.
As per the e-commerce platform, getting kirana stores onboard is seen as a way to enhance performance and last-mile delivery. Therefore pushing for there inclusion might not be a difficult task for the Indian government.
Importantly, major e-commerce platforms such as Myntra, Walmart, Flipkart Reliance, Grofers and Big basket have started working with the unorganised retail shops to penetrate deeper into the Indian market and more than 12 million kirana stores across hyperlocal areas have been set up.
Furthermore, the US-based retail chain Walmart has launched a ‘Mera kirana’ programme to advise the neighbourhood stores on using low-cost modern techniques and processes such as assortment planning, layout and fixtures, displays, backroom, licenses, safe food handling, customer retention, and value-added services.