Zepto co-founder Aadit Palicha has addressed concerns about the impact of quick commerce on traditional kirana stores, dismissing the notion that it harms them. In a recent interview, Palicha stated that quick commerce platforms, such as Zepto, Blinkit, and Instamart, contribute more to job creation than to the detriment of kirana shops. He referred to claims about quick commerce negatively affecting local stores as “anecdotal” and based on “data-free narratives.”
Palicha referenced CAIT data, showing that grocery and household essentials consumption rose by $46 billion between 2022-23 and 2023-24.Of this, quick commerce accounted for less than $5 billion, while kirana stores gained a significant $41 billion. He argued that this disproves the idea that quick commerce is responsible for diminishing the presence of kirana stores.
Palicha emphasized that even with 1,500% growth, quick commerce would still account for a small portion of the projected $200-250 billion consumption increase.
Palicha explained that only 0.2% of Zepto’s sales were below cost, and attributed higher prices to quality standards.
Palicha further highlighted that quick commerce platforms, including Zepto, are significant job creators. He stated that Zepto alone has created 1.14 lakh jobs, with the industry employing 3-4 lakh delivery partners across India. Palicha highlighted that workers now earn ₹23,000 monthly, with quick commerce set to create more jobs than Indian Railways.
