India’s Quick Commerce Boom: A Catalyst For Economic Growth

It was 2 AM, and I was in the grip of a nasty cold. Tossing and turning, desperate for relief, I suddenly remembered an old remedy my grandmother swore by - steam inhalation. But there was a problem: I didn't own a steamer.

In that moment of discomfort, I turned to my smartphone and opened Blinkit, more out of hope than expectation. To my amazement, within minutes, I had placed an order for a steamer. Just 15 minutes later, as I hovered between disbelief and relief, my doorbell rang. There it was - my ticket to a good night's sleep, delivered in the dead of night.

This isn't just a story about finding relief from a cold. It's a testament to how quick commerce is revolutionising the way we interact with the market, bringing us closer to the long-sought ideal of a frictionless economy.

Growing up in Lucknow, shifting to Delhi and Mumbai one was always at a kirana store or corner shop. The trudge as a child was an adventure that often ended in disappointment. You were at the mercy of the shop owner. Ye nahin hai, doosra le lo. Agale hafte milega. We were used to a one-way flow of information or what the eyes could see. But where there is friction or a Delta 4 (As Kunal Shah would say) there is innovation. And that’s what one has seen across every sector.

I've long been fascinated by the concept of a frictionless market - a place where transactions occur seamlessly, information flows freely, and barriers to entry are minimal. That night, after receiving the steamer as I breathed in the soothing steam, I realised I was experiencing this concept firsthand.

My journey with quick commerce doesn't end there. Whether it's sourcing missing ingredients for an impromptu dinner party or purchasing essentials for my parents in Lucknow while I'm in Mumbai, each interaction has reinforced the incredible value proposition of this sector. These aren't just isolated incidents; they represent a fundamental shift in market dynamics.

The quick commerce revolution isn't just about convenience; it's about explosive growth and economic transformation. From a USD 3 billion market in 2023, it's projected to skyrocket to USD 40 billion by 2030. But beyond these impressive figures lies a story of empowerment and opportunity.

What excites me most about quick commerce is its potential for promoting inclusivity, particularly for women. E-commerce platforms, including quick commerce, are employing almost twice the number of female employees compared to traditional retail. This isn't just about delivery jobs; it's about creating opportunities for women across the value chain - from warehouse management to data analysis and customer service.

The job creation story doesn't end there. With an estimated 300,000-400,000 delivery partners already employed, quick commerce is opening up new avenues for employment, particularly for India's youth. Monthly salaries in metros are reaching up to ₹23,000, creating better-paying jobs and contributing to more balanced regional development.

As an entrepreneur, I'm particularly enthused by how quick commerce is levelling the playing field for small businesses. How many new brands have you discovered on quick commerce? From new organic spices to pooja needs, fasting supplies to dandiyas. The digital shelf has no physical limit.

The fact that 71 per cent of vendors from Tier 3 cities have seen increased sales since embracing online channels is a testament to its democratising power. It's breaking down geographical barriers and giving small businesses access to markets they could only dream of before.

Quick commerce isn't just about speed; it's about smarter, more efficient market operations. By allowing companies to bypass traditional distribution networks and source directly from manufacturers, it's optimising supply chains and reducing costs. This efficiency isn't just good for businesses; it translates to better prices and choices for consumers.

Quick commerce is more than a convenience; it's a catalyst for economic transformation. It's making our markets more efficient, our economy more inclusive, and our businesses more competitive on a global stage. As we move forward, let's embrace this change, support its growth, and work together to ensure its benefits reach every corner of our great nation.

The frictionless market may have been a dream for generations of economists and entrepreneurs, but with quick commerce, we're seeing it become a reality in India. And that, my friends, is truly exciting - whether it's 2 PM or 2 AM.

Roshan Abbas

Guest Author Founder, Kommune