Quick Commerce in India: Navigating Challenges and Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Growth

Abstract

Indian economy has shifted its paradigm from agri-based to service-driven and all-inclusive economy in due course. Due to globalization, privatization and technological advancements, trade and commerce activities are flourished. The next evolution of e-commerce, quick commerce (Q-commerce), has taken off in India thanks to shifting consumer lifestyles, digital adoption, and the growing need for lightning-fast deliveries. With a focus on its implications for long-term sustainability, this study examines the opportunities and problems related to the expansion of Q-commerce in India. On the one hand, Q-commerce sites like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart are using hyperlocal delivery models to redefine convenience and generate job opportunities. However, there are a number of obstacles they must overcome, such as high operating costs, ineffective inventory management, environmental issues brought on by excessive packaging, and labour exploitation in the gig economy. The lack of regulations and infrastructure limitations in India's cities and semi-urban areas that hinder scalability are also examined in the study. By means of an extensive examination of secondary