With Doorstep Delivery and Easy Returns, E-Commerce Wins Hearts—But at What Cost to Local Stores?
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Aug 29 : The rise of online shopping has transformed commerce in Kashmir, reshaping how people buy and sell goods. As social media and e-commerce platforms streamline transactions, businesses and consumers alike are embracing the convenience of digital marketplaces.
Over the past few years, Kashmir has witnessed a surge in online businesses, with more residents opting to shop from the comfort of their homes. E-commerce platforms offer doorstep delivery, hassle-free returns, and exclusive discounts—advantages that traditional markets often struggle to match.
Saika, a college student and frequent online shopper, in conversation with Kashmir Despatch said, “Why visit crowded markets when apps like Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra offer endless options at competitive prices? Plus, returns are effortless if a product doesn’t meet expectations.”
While quick-commerce services like Zepto and Blinkit have yet to gain a strong foothold in Kashmir, other online retailers have successfully penetrated both urban and rural markets.
Mehjabeena, another shopper, highlights the appeal: “The return policies are a game-changer. Local stores rarely offer such flexibility.”
She said the shift to digital accelerated during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when virtual shopping became a necessity. Even after restrictions eased, many consumers—particularly the younger generation—continued to favor online purchases she added.
Adnan, an online seller, notes, “The pandemic permanently altered shopping habits. People realized how convenient it is to order everything from groceries to electronics with just a few taps.”
This digital revolution hasn’t just benefited global giants—local entrepreneurs are also thriving said Baseerat, a calligraphy artist, as she has expanded her customer base through social media.
Similarly, Aisha, a boutique owner, says, “Instagram is my storefront now. Most of my sales come from online orders.”
However, traditional shopkeepers face mounting challenges, with many reporting declining sales as customers migrate to online platforms.
To stay competitive, some have adopted hybrid models, combining physical stores with digital sales via Instagram and Facebook.
“Earlier, our shops would be bustling with customers, but now, even on good days, footfall has dropped by half,” laments Mohammad Irfan, a third-generation cloth merchant in Srinagar.
Yet, the future remains uncertain. Many traditional businesses have shuttered, with losses piling up.
“After 30 years, I had to downsize and let go of my staff. Online giants and economic instability left us with no lifeline,” shares Ghulam Nabi, a former electronics dealer.
The emotional and financial toll is evident as once-vibrant markets now bear signs of struggle. “If this continues, our heritage of local commerce will vanish,” warns economist Dr. Feroz Ahmad.
Despite the boom, rural areas lag due to limited digital literacy. Government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) aim to bridge this gap, but disparities persist—only 31% of rural Kashmir uses the internet, compared to 67% in urban areas.
Pertinently, with e-commerce offers unmatched convenience, the survival of traditional shops hinges on their ability to adapt to the digital age.
