Online Grocery Shopping: The Silent Revolution Taking Place in India at This Moment

A decade or two back, who would have imagined that millions of people in India would be shopping for clothes, books and other household items online. Ecommerce has been the biggest talking point in the country over the last five years.

Most of the start-ups that we talk about are either directly connected to the ecommerce industry or aid it in financial or customer acquisition. And no, it isn’t a big town phenomenon any more as majority of online customers are coming from the hinterland as they find access to the same brands and products same as their big city counterparts.

The Silent Revolution
As we write this, a silent revolution is taking place that would redefine the ecommerce industry in India. Online grocery shopping is fast gaining popularity in India. While it may be concentrated around the large cites at the moment, its spreading like wild fire around the nation. Industry experts see what has happened so far only a tip of the iceberg. With India being the sixth largest grocery market the opportunities and possibilities are immense. While ecommerce has made deep inroads competing with different types of retail industries, food and grocery industry is the prized catch. About 70% of the $500 billion-plus retail market is held by food and grocery items and here is where the big bucks lie.

Modern Indians’ Modern Way of Shopping

As cities and towns have grown bigger, most Indians are living fast and busy lives these days. Historically shopping in India was as much a social engagement as it was about picking up the necessary supplies. Gone are such days and today in big towns and cities it is all mad rush of people and commuting in a polluted environment. It is not hard to understand that majority of the urban middle class are increasingly opting to buy grocery.

One More Step in the Digital World…

Another factor that is attributed behind this rising popularity is that the people in the country have already seen the benefits of ecommerce in other spheres. Unlike a decade back there is less apprehension when it comes to ordering products online. From deals and discounts to cash back offers, online stopping can save a lot of money.

Online Grocery Shops, the Newest of Convenience on Offer

Apart from being convenient and saving money, online grocery stores offer customers a wide choice of items ranging from exotic tea leaves to fruits and vegetables from different parts of the world. With eating habits changing and people more than willing to experiment dishes from around the globe - these stores offer customers the necessary ingredients, wrapped in value and care.

It’s only a matter of time before online grocery shopping becomes as common as the penetration of mobile phones in the country. Akin to your laptop, your smartphone is soon to become the storefront of your favourite grocery store, available within your reach – from your home or office!