Impact of Non- Store Retailing in Indian Economy

Abstract

Non-store retailing is the selling of goods and services without ever establishing a physical store, as opposed to the traditional way – the very foundation of retail. In an ever-changing market of globalization era, where need for better efficiency is crucial, non-store retailing is patronized to time conscious consumers or compulsive buyers. Non-store retailing, that includes e-commerce, direct selling, telemarketing, etc., has evolved throughout the years and continues to offer consumers the convenience of buying 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and delivery at the location and time of their choice. Taking a leap in popularity in the pandemic era, the mere expectation that it will grow at a staggering rate over the next few years is no rocket science either. Although here the potential customer base can be limitless, it’s not devoid of its own demerits and negative aspects, of which unhealthy competition leading to customers having to pay twice-thrice the money they should pay, is the biggest. This study aims to thoroughly go through both the positive and negative aspects of non-store retailing, to seek out and strike a balance between store based retailing and non-store retailing, so that both continue to develop, evolve and thrive in a healthy manner and contribute to the nation’s GDP and towards customer satisfaction as well as retention.