EMPOWERING INDIAN KIRANA STORES: AN AI CHATBOT FRAMEWORK TO COPMPETE IN THE QUICK COMMERCE MARKET

Abstract

The rapid rate of advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing sectors globally, and India's well-rooted retail environment is no exception. At the core of this environment lies the Kirana shop a small, independent localized stores that have been a stalwart of Indian business for years. Favored for their ease of access, loyalty, and customization of service, these outlets have been managed through informal and manual processes. But as consumers increasingly turn to fast commerce (q-commerce) sites that offer super-speedy delivery and inconvenience-free digital interfaces, Kirana shops are coming under growing pressure to go high-tech and remain relevant in a heightened competitive environment. Thisstudy suggests Kirana Buddy, an innovative AI- driven chatbot framework designed specifically to cater to the everyday requirements of Kirana shop owners. In place ofsubstituting conventional approaches, the answer supports them by making digital ordering, clever inventory tracking, and data-informed client interaction possible—without compromising on the human relationships upon which these shops are built. What separates Kirana Buddy is that it uses widely utilized tools like WhatsApp, making the technology familiar, approachable, and easy to adopt, even for individuals with limited digital literacy. The research delves into how AI is remodeling modern retailing, the unique socio-economic status that Kirana stores still hold in Indian society, and the growing threat posed by q commerce models. It also considers how digital technologies like Kirana Buddy can offer a sustainable and equitable path forward—helping small retailers thrive in a technology facilitated world without losing their identity. This model of the future shows innovation not replacing people but equipping them with tools to grow, compete, and adapt on their own terms.