From Kirana to Quick Commerce: How NCR’s Retail Habits Are Evolving in Real-Time

In India, the way people shop is changing fast. From the trusted kirana stores that have been part of our lives for generations to the rising dominance of apps promising groceries in 10 minutes — retail in the region is undergoing a massive shift. And it’s not just about convenience; it’s about how habits, technology, and even real estate are evolving together.

This article takes a closer look at why quick commerce is catching on so quickly in NCR — and what that means for various stakeholders.

Are Kirana Stores a thing of past?

Kirana stores are iconic in Indian retail. Walk into any residential block in Noida Expressway, North Delhi, or premium sectors in Gurugram, and you’ll find one — a small space packed with daily essentials, running on familiarity and credit.

As per ANAROCK’s report, as of 2023, Kiranas are still dominate the Indian retail scene, making up nearly 79% of the market. However, things are rapidly changing, by 2035, this is expected to reduce modestly to 61%, signalling that while they’re still essential, the tide is slowly shifting.

India’s metro cities are shopping in minutes, not hours.

Enter quick commerce. Whether it’s groceries, toiletries, snacks, or even a last-minute gift, platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart, and BigBasket Now are reshaping expectations in cities like Delhi NCR and Mumbai.

So, why are Tier 1 cities embracing this trend faster than most?

1. Internet + Smartphone Boom: As per ANAROCK, India’s internet penetration hit 55% in 2024, up from 33% in 2019, and smartphones now drive 78% of all e-commerce traffic.
2. UPI = Seamless Transactions: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has made paying for a quick delivery easier than ever. Between FY2019 and FY2024, digital payments saw a staggering 89.5% CAGR, according to the report.
3. Young, Busy Demographic: Nearly 29% of India’s population is under 30, which is significantly boosting the appetite for instant, digital-first shopping experiences.

And then there’s the lingering effect of the pandemic. What started as a safety net during lockdowns turned into a habit. People got used to speed, and now they expect it.

What This Means for Real Estate

This isn’t just a tech or consumer goods story — it’s also a real estate one. Quick commerce relies on dark stores and micro-fulfilment centers (MFCs): small, strategically located spaces in residential areas. A chain of systemically placed last mile infrastructure that integrates digital funnels with their customers.

In areas like Noida Expressway, Indirapuram, and Greater Noida, these units are popping up more frequently. As per ANAROCK, this shift is driving demand for smart, backend logistics spaces designed to fulfill hyperlocal orders within minutes.

For property owners and developers, this opens a new leasing opportunity beyond malls or high-street retail. As per data gathered by JLL and Miebach Consulting, the requirement for Dark Stores in is expected to reach 37.6 msf by 2027. Blink It plans to more than double it’s dark store network by 2026.

For developers and investors, this presents a fresh opportunity to design real estate assets tailored for speed, proximity, and efficiency — beyond the conventional retail or warehouse models.

Kiranas: Disrupted but Not Defeated

Quick commerce might be stealing some of the Kiranas’ thunder, but they aren’t out of the game. In fact, many are finding ways to adapt. Some are joining networks like ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) — where, as per ANAROCK, retail orders reportedly grew 17x between June 2023 and December 2024. Others are modernising operations with billing software, QR-based payments, and even offering their own deliveries. Of course, with over 140 million small provision stores still operating largely offline across India, there’s a long way to go. But the shift is already visible — and promising.

The Road Ahead: Coexistence, Not Competition

Looking at where things are headed, it’s clear that the future of retail in NCR isn’t about choosing between old formats and new ones — it’s about combining them. Malls will keep evolving into spaces for experiences, kiranas will go digital, quick commerce will handle our daily impulse needs, and big online platforms will cater to planned purchases. According to ANAROCK’s projections, organised retail will grow to 17% and e-commerce to 22% by 2035. That future won’t replace kiranas — it will include them in a smarter, more connected way.

Final Thoughts

In the fast lanes of NCR, retail is no longer just about price and product. It’s about time, ease, and adaptability.

The next time someone in Noida taps on Blinkit for a quick grocery refill while still trusting the kirana downstairs for monthly grains — remember, they’re not contradicting themselves. They’re just living in India’s new retail reality.

Quick commerce isn’t coming. It’s already here — and in NCR, it’s thriving.