As consumer preferences lean towards the convenience of rapid grocery deliveries, quick commerce platforms are outperforming traditional retailers, with 46% of surveyed consumers reporting reduced purchases from local Kirana stores, according to a report by Datum Intelligence. The quick commerce market is forecasted to grow to $40 billion by 2030, up from $6.1 billion in 2024.
“Nearly half (46%) of respondents reported spending less at Kirana shops, signaling a clear shift towards quick commerce options,” the report noted. Quick commerce, which aims to deliver goods within 10-30 minutes, has gained traction with platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Flipkart Minutes leading the charge in India. By 2024, the quick commerce market is expected to capture approximately $1.28 billion of Kirana sales, representing 21% of total sales on these platforms.
The report highlights that quick commerce’s emphasis on speed and convenience aligns well with consumers’ desire for efficient, on-demand shopping experiences, particularly in the grocery sector. The study further revealed that about 75% of online grocery shoppers increased their unplanned purchases in the last six months, with the majority spending over ₹400 per order.
Kirana stores, once dominant in India’s grocery landscape, are now facing significant challenges. The report indicates that 82% of consumers have shifted at least 25% of their grocery spending from Kirana shops to quick commerce platforms.
“Quick commerce has experienced unprecedented growth, reshaping consumer behavior across the retail ecosystem. With a projected growth rate of 74% in 2024 and an expected 48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the 2023-28 period, it is set to become the fastest-growing retail channel,” the report stated.
Initially focused on groceries and essentials, quick commerce now caters to a broader range of products, including electronics, clothing, cosmetics, household items, medicines, pet supplies, books, and sports equipment. The study also found that 75% of online shoppers reported a significant rise in impulse buying over the past six months, a trend linked to increased confidence in receiving items promptly.
Conducted in October 2024, the study drew insights from a survey of 3,000 adults across 10 Indian cities, along with interviews with industry experts, Kirana store owners, and analysis of market data and reports.
