Flipkart Wholesale sees three-fold increase in digital adoption among kirana stores in India

The company has been structuring its initiatives to enhance the in-app experience of kirana stores (neighbourhood convenience stores) on the back of increased e-commerce adoption.

Flipkart Wholesale, together with Best Price cash-and-carry business, serves over 1.5 million members across the country, which include kiranas, HoReCa (hotels, restaurants and cafeterias) and O&I (offices and institutions), according to the company.

Best Price cash-and-carry business has seen a three-fold increase in e-commerce adoption among kiranas in tier 2 and tier 3 cities from January 2021 to June 2021.

According to a company release, interesting trends have emerged from Best Price where one in every three customers is now transacting online through the Best Price app and website.

Dairy and fresh produce categories at Best Price have seen a two-fold spike in the number of members from January 2021 to June 2021, leading to a boost in farmer livelihoods.

The membership base for stationery items and electronic appliances categories has also doubled in this period as most of the population continues to work from home.

Adarsh Menon, Senior Vice President and Head - Flipkart Wholesale, said, “Flipkart Wholesale is built on the core value proposition of bringing prosperity to Indian kiranas by making their business easier using technology. All our efforts are aimed at helping small businesses which have emerged as self-starters in adopting e-commerce to make purchases.”

Small retailers who buy products from Flipkart Wholesale, which includes 29 Best Price cash-and-carry stores, can avail of a cashless ‘Digital payment on delivery’ when they receive their products.

Last month, Flipkart Wholesale also introduced ‘cash on delivery’ as a payment mode to all Best Price members who order through the Best Price app.

Flipkart Wholesale has also rolled out instant short-term collateral-free credit solutions to its members in partnership with banks and fintech lenders.

Under this, kiranas can avail of up to 14 days of interest-free credit ranging from Rs 10,000 up to Rs 25 lakh through an end-to-end digital process.

Flipkart Wholesale customers, according to the company, have access to easy credit facility to manage cash flow, a wide range of Flipkart-assured quality products, simple and convenient order returns and speedy product delivery directly to their shops with an easy order tracking facility and better margins on every product.

The Flipkart Group is one of India's leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, and Flipkart Wholesale.