A Smart Survival and growth
In today’s fast-paced market, convenience is king, and small retailers are feeling the pressure more than ever.
Whether it’s from online giants offering 10-minute deliveries or inconsistent pricing from local distributors, retailers of kirana shops and general stores face real challenges in retaining their walk-in customers and protecting their margins.
At Ajanta Soya Limited, we don’t just work with manufacturers and distributors—we support retailers too.
Let’s understand – Why Are You Losing Customers?
- Distributors offering inconsistent prices, cutting into already thin margins
- Slow delivery and stock turnover, leading to cluttered shelves
- Online marketplaces offer faster, smoother service with more choice
- Stock-outs and late deliveries from your distributor damage customer trust
8 Smart Solutions to Help You Compete & Thrive
1. Combo Offers: Clear Stock & Drive Sales
What to do: Bundle slow-moving items with fast-moving products.
Example: “Buy 2 packs of chips and get ₹10 off on cold drinks”
Why it works: It creates a value for customers and clears slow inventory.
2. Go Digital: Get Listed Where People Search
What to do: Register your store on platforms like ONDC, Google Business, or local delivery apps.
Why it works: Today’s customers search before they visit. Digital visibility means more footfall and home delivery orders.
3. Offer Local Delivery: Match the Big Guys
What to do: Use hyperlocal apps like Dunzo, LoadShare, or Porter, or simply take orders on WhatsApp for nearby deliveries.
Why it works: When your customer knows they can get their daily oil, snacks, or atta delivered from a trustworthy shop nearby, they’ll think twice before opening a shopping app.
4. Smart Inventory : Always Stock What Sells
What to do: Use simple tracking (even Excel or mobile apps like zyka to monitor which products move faster and set reorder alerts.
Why it works: You avoid stockouts on bestsellers and prevent shelf space from being taken up by dead stock.
5. Create In-Store Experiences: Give Them a Reason to Visit
What to do: Offer new product tastings, an activity for small children, or loyalty discounts for regulars.
Example: “Sunday Sampling – Try our new mustard oil for frying!”
Why it works: These are things online stores can’t replicate. You build emotional connection and trust.
6. Engage Customers Through WhatsApp
What to do: Send your regular product updates, new offers, or even ask them for feedback.
Why it works: It keeps your store top-of-mind, especially when they’re planning their next grocery run.
7. Work with multiple Distributor : Keep Your Options Open
What to do: Don’t depend on just one distributor. Compare prices from multiple sources before placing bulk orders.
Why it works: You gain better bargaining power and can negotiate for better rates, ensuring your profits are protected.
8. Collaborative Buying: Team Up for Better Deals
What to do: Form buying groups with nearby stores to place larger orders.
Why it works: Volume speaks. You unlock bulk discounts, and the savings can improve your margins or be passed to customers.
Retailers Who Adapt, Stay Ahead
The small store isn’t going away. In fact, it’s evolving.
By adopting smart strategies like better inventory control, local delivery, digital presence, and smarter buying—you can not only survive this convenience war, but thrive and grow.
Remember, your personal connection, trust, and familiarity are your biggest advantages over the digital giants.