What Modern Trade can Learn from Mom & Pop (Kirana)
Enough has been said about the FDI in retail (in India). And my views are very clear. I also strongly believe that the Indian players can stand the might of MNCs and infact capitalize on the efficiencies which these MNCs will bring to the table. For the uninitiated, kiranas are shops that cater to the regular needs of food, grocery and also products like paan, cigarettes etc. within a locality/catchment area. There are also others like the headload and pushcart vendors. Globally, as modern trade expanded, both organised retail players and unorganised retail participants have co-existed. The Walmarts and Costcos have co existed with the mom and pop stores (in India these are called kiranas). I do believe that there is no reason why it cannot co-exist here in India. However there are a few factors apart from systemic deficiencies which have worked in the favor of kiranas or the local store owner/vendor. Personalized service ...