How has quick commerce changed the business model of Indian grocery
retailers?

Adhiraj Saini

doi:10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i10.048

Title: How has quick commerce changed the business model of Indian grocery retailers?
Authors: Adhiraj Saini
Journal: International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research (IJSSER) ISSN: 2455-8834 Volume: 11 Issue: 10 Publication Date: October 2026 DOI: 10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i10.048
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Adhiraj Saini GD Goenka World School
MLA 8 Saini, Adhiraj. "How has quick commerce changed the business model of Indian grocery retailers?" Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 11, no. 10, Oct. 2026, pp. 6196-6212, doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i10.048. Accessed Oct. 2026. APA 6 Saini, A. (2026, October). How has quick commerce changed the business model of Indian grocery retailers? Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, 11(10), 6196-6212. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i10.048 Chicago Saini, Adhiraj. "How has quick commerce changed the business model of Indian grocery retailers?" Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research 11, no. 10 (October 2026), 6196-6212. Accessed October, 2026. https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i10.048.
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ABSTRACT: Indian grocery retail businesses have been transformed over the past few years with substantial growth of quick commerce (QC) delivery platforms as they transformed inventory management, doorstep delivery, and customer expectations. This study investigates major driving factors responsible for the rise of QC in India and explores the disruption of traditional business models. This study is based on secondary data from recent studies published in peer reviewed journals, industry reports, and publications from 2020 to 2026 as part of descriptive research design. Findings of the study suggest that increasing smartphone usage, demand for convenience, adoption of UPI, cheap internet, improved last-mile deliveries, and technological advances have played a vital role in expanding quick delivery apps. Order processing and delivery has been faster due to shift from local retail shops and supermarkets and warehouses to micro-fulfilment centers and dark stores in densely populated areas to provide delivery within 20 minutes. However, competition has become more intense for local grocery shops, especially in urban areas where consumers prefer convenience and speed. Lastly, this study has identified challenges for quick commerce platforms like high operating costs, pricing, inventory management, sustainability, and profitability. The study suggests collaboration between QC players and local stores to avoid competition and reduce problem of inventory management and high operating cost of establishing new dark stores. They can create win-win situation with local fulfilment and fastest delivery without bearing loss for anyone. To conclude, long-term sustainability will rely on adaptability of business models that can manage affordability, convenience, and trust.

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