22 August 2024, Mumbai
The industry is divided in its reaction to Piyush Goyal's comments on e-commerce. Small retailers have largely supported Goyal’s statements, while industry bodies argue that e-commerce has actually benefited smaller retailers.
Goyal expressed concern over the rapid growth of e-commerce in India, warning of potential disruption to small retailers. He also criticized the pricing strategies of major e-commerce firms, questioning whether their reported losses indicated predatory pricing.
Some retailers have reported a significant drop in sales over the past few years, attributing it to the rise of online shopping. However, others argue that e-commerce has enabled small and medium enterprises to reach a nationwide and global customer base, without needing to invest in distribution channels .
The debate highlights the complexities of the e-commerce landscape in India, where small retailers and industry bodies have differing opinions on the impact of online shopping.
