BALANCING TRADITION AND TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA’S RETAIL WORLD

Abstract

The rapid growth of Q-Commerce (Quick Commerce) has transformed the retail 
landscape by offering instant delivery services that cater to modern consumers’ need for 
convenience and speed. However, this evolution has significantly impacted traditional local 
retailers such as kirana stores and small supermarkets, which have long served as the backbone 
of India’s retail sector. This article analyses how the rise of Q-Commerce has influenced local 
retail businesses in terms of customer behaviour, sales, and competitiveness. It also explores 
the major challenges faced by traditional retailers and highlights potential opportunities for 
collaboration and coexistence in a rapidly digitizing market. The study aims to provide a 
balanced understanding of how traditional retail can adapt and sustain itself alongside the 
growing dominance of Q-Commerce platforms.