Changing Consumer Mindsets in the Kirana World

In my household, like many others, the task of preparing the shopping list falls to my mother. I remember the days when I used to visit the bustling anaj mandi in Bahadurgarh to pick up kirana (grocery) items. The mandi had large, well-stocked stores, and I preferred buying from Dhamdia Stores because they were frequented by many, ensuring that the products were fresh and authentic.

However, as time passed, the shopping landscape began to evolve. The arrival of Easy Day shops, followed by Jio Mart outlets, brought about a shift not just in where we buy our groceries, but also in how we perceive the experience. Shopping from these newer, organized retail chains became more than just a convenience – it turned into a social standard.

The reasons were clear: cleanliness, higher discounts, the comfort of air-conditioned stores, and, of course, the ease of credit card payments that offered attractive rewards. These aspects appealed to the modern consumer who values efficiency, hygiene, and the ability to earn something back from their purchases.

As an intellectual and ERP & Analytics expert, I’ve always been fascinated by the way technology and data reshape consumer behavior. Today, it’s hard to remember the last time I shopped at a non-air-conditioned store or from a place that doesn’t accept credit cards. This change in my habits reflects a broader trend. Consumers now prioritize not just the products they buy, but the entire shopping experience, seeking value in every aspect of the transaction.

This shift represents the evolving mindset of today’s customers – one where convenience, comfort, and added benefits have become just as important as the goods themselves. As an AI & ML enthusiast, I believe that understanding and leveraging these changing consumer behaviors through technology will continue to make the world a better place to live.