Prem Kumar, Founder & CEO, SnapBizz, whose technology works with small stores, says, “The ubiquitous kirana or the small retail store, which is taking care of every neighborhood’s small and significant requirements has leapfrogged from a calculator to cloud for day-to-day operations.” SnapBizz, which has raised $10 million, works with more than 3000 kirana stores and has brought them into the cloud.

Smaller stores have adopted technology to automate supply chain and enhance consumer engagement. Within the confines of a traditional setup, digital tools such as SMS offers and in-store LED screens are making an impact on customer perception and sales. Kirana stores are now being transformed into a virtual supermarket, providing customers with an enhanced shopping experience.

According to a survey conducted by SnapBizz, of over 600 kirana stores spread across urban India, almost “half are sending promotional offers via WhatsApp and SMS using our push offer service”.

Promotional messages account for 53 percent of the total SMSs sent to customers. In Mumbai alone, more than 5 lakh text messages were shared with customers. Some stores have noticed increased sales with the help of customised texts and visual engagement solutions. About 23 percent shop owners communicate and engage with customers beyond the regular communication by sending across festive greetings and store information.

“We have noticed that the changes at the macro-economic level, including digital India, inclusion, and skilling of the bottom of the pyramid as well as at the store level where the new generation enters the business with a renewed outlook, are steering the appetite to adopt technology to simplify business,” says Prem Kumar.