Convenience is king in India’s retail revolution

New Delhi: Convenience is fast emerging as the primary driver of retail choices in India, with over 70 per cent of consumers saying they would continue using quick commerce platforms even if discounts were reduced, according to a report released on Tuesday.

The findings highlight a clear shift from price sensitivity to speed and ease of access in everyday purchases.

Despite the rapid rise of quick commerce, neighbourhood kirana stores continue to play a central role in routine grocery shopping and trust-based transactions. However, 51 per cent of consumers reported reduced reliance on kiranas over the past year, reflecting changing consumption patterns.

Quick commerce is primarily used for urgent needs, with 45 per cent of consumers relying on it for last-minute purchases. Another 24 per cent use these platforms for daily top-ups such as milk and bread, while 19 per cent turn to them for impulse buys like snacks and beverages.

At the same time, 13 per cent of respondents said they now depend more on kiranas, and 27 per cent reported no significant change in their shopping habits.

Kirana retailers are facing operational challenges, including tighter margins, shorter credit cycles and increasing consumer expectations. Still, many are open to digital integration, with 40 per cent expressing interest in partnering with quick commerce platforms and 32 per cent showing tentative interest. Digital payments, especially UPI and QR codes, are now widely accepted among kiranas. However, adoption of advanced technologies such as POS systems and inventory tools remains limited due to cost and complexity.