Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Under Fire! Shopkeepers Demand Action Over Deep Discounts

The troubles of Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart seem to be increasing. The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) has demanded action from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) against quick commerce companies like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart. The organization alleges that these companies are trying to drive out small retailers from the market by using strategies like deep discounts and predatory pricing.

Crisis on Grocery Stores: Claim of 2 Lakh Shops Closing

The effect of online stores is visible on small shopkeepers. Due to the offers and discounts given by online companies, the sales of shopkeepers have decreased rapidly, and it has been claimed that about 2 lakh grocery stores have closed in 75-80 cities. That is, its effect is being seen more on the ground because companies provide cheap goods, and customers are shifting to them.

Huge Discounts on FMCG Products

The report said that quick commerce companies are creating problems for shopkeepers by giving huge discounts on FMCG products. This is increasing competition forcefully. Its effect is also visible on shopkeepers. The organization has asked to fix a discount of 10% on MRP on FMCG products. AICPDF has recommended that the government implement strict rules regarding discounts for online marketplaces. Also, the organization has claimed that if this does not happen, small grocery stores may be closed very soon. Therefore, immediate action should be taken to stop them.

FMCG Companies Changed Strategy

FMCG companies like HUL, ITC, Parle, and Adani Wilmar are now adopting the strategy of setting different packaging and prices for quick commerce platforms. With the help of this, coordination can be done between shops and quick commerce. This is being done by big companies to retain small shopkeepers. Because this makes it difficult for small shopkeepers. They give fewer discounts, and customers focus more on buying cheap goods.

The sales figure from quick commerce is increasing rapidly. Its figure has reached $10 billion, and a report has claimed that it can cross $75 billion by 2032. So far, no statement has been given by any company on this.