When we talk about the Indian markets, we cannot ignore the Kirana stores. Undoubtedly, these Kirana stores are the backbone of any market in a locality. For a long period of time, the need for the Kirana stores has been immense. Surely, this trend will continue to stay for many years to come. One cannot imagine Indian markets without Kirana stores. These have become a necessity.
A few years ago, there was a time when these Kirana stores were in dire need of modernization and digitalization. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the situation got worse. Kirana Stores were one of the few businesses that were allowed to open. However, one of the major challenges was to accept cash payments. That is when Kirana Stores, which probably did not feel any need to shift to online payments earlier, underwent a drastic change.
Not only just payments but the need for digitalization of Kirana Stores from different verticles became necessary at that time. That is when some startups proved to be a boon for the Kirana Stores.
SnapBizz- The Retail Booster
This Bengaluru-based startup has helped most of the unorganized sector go digital in different metropolitan cities of India. It has a wide network in cities like Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai. SnapBizz has helped thousands of Kirana stores in managing their supply chains. Also, it has guided them on several finance-related issues. Undoubtedly, this platform is a must-try for all those who are looking forward for the digitalization of their Kirana Stores.
Max Wholesale
Max Wholesale was actually generated to solve a friend’s problem. In the year 2016, Rohit Narang, whose family owned several Kirana stores, shared the problem of lack of technology in the business with his friend Samarth Agarwal. Samarth was an IITian. When Rohit discussed the issue with Samarth, he developed an application. This eventually became a boon for the Kirana Stores. Slowly and gradually, they found certain key points and problems that a Kirana Store owner faces. Now, Max Wholesale has become a major tech startup that has been helping the Kirana Stores.
Jumbotail
Jumbotail is an amazing retail platform that has helped more than 30,000 Kirana Stores. It has become an online B2B marketplace for food and grocery needs. In different ways, this startup helps the local Kirana Stores.
Stanford graduate S Kartik Venkateswaran and Ashish Jhinja came up with Jumbotail in the year 2015. It reportedly raised $85 million in a Series C round of funding in the year 2021. The aim of the company is to expand its network in 100 different cities in India.
Kirana King
Kirana King is one of the fastest-growing grocery retail companies in India. Since its inception in 2017 in Jaipur, the company has reached the heights of success. The core mission of the company is to encourage retailers to adopt the transformation of their Kirana stores. Kirana King helps the retail stores and provides an organized platform. Kirana King primarily focuses on standardization, digitization & centralization of the traditional Kirana system.
ALSO READ: List of top 7 marketing tools for small scale businesses