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Hyperlocal ecommerce- Redefining the rules of doing business

Hyperlocal ecommerce has made lives simpler and convenient

By Dr. Shamael Zaheer KhanPublished about a year ago 7 min read
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Hyperlocal ecommerce is redefining the rules of doing business

“Hyperlocal ecommerce is rapidly reorganizing the retail sector by offering enhanced convenience and easing lives of millions of consumers.”

From the last few years, the business world has been witnessing a gradual yet phenomenal shift in the way business is conducted. From making online orders of products of whatever choice and need, and waiting for them for quite a few days and even weeks has become a thing of the past. Think about the fact how hyperlocal ecommerce has changed the landscape of business that not just consumers of today are demanding lightning-fast deliveries but businesses as well are capably making it happen. Just a few clicks and taps, and businesses have it delivered to you. That’s hyperlocal ecommerce for you, at your doorstep- reorganized and redefined.

But what has made consumers and businesses think about adopting a hyperlocal business model?

Though there are a number of reasons that can be said to have impacted the way we do business viz a viz rising internet penetration, easy smartphone adoption, increased use of automation and AI enabled processes, increasing sedentary habits and lifestyles, etc., but it was only during the pandemic of covid19 that consumers and businesses, quite unanimously felt the need to adopt a hyperlocal model- one that makes ecommerce quick, safe and secure.

The sudden outbreak of the pandemic was a blessing in disguise for a lot of aspiring businesses, risk-taking entrepreneurs and customers who wanted ecommerce to be quick and contactless. It not only impacted our way of life but also made us reorganize ourselves to ensure continued access to essentials and supplies in the new times of lockdown, social distancing and self-quarantine.

The lockdowns during the pandemic pushed us to find solace in our mobile phones for both information and entertainment. It even helped the consumers get on the digitization bandwagon and this furthering of our presence in the digital space gave hyperlocal its platform to shine.

The Indian consumers were pretty quick to change tracks, by moving to hyperlocal delivery platforms to fulfill their requirements. The adaption of the hyperlocal model in our daily lives and becoming a business reality is clearly evidenced in its demand in the grocery space, always considered to be the toughest segment to penetrate within the online commerce bandwagon. Not just this, but if statistics and observations are anything to go by, the food ordering and delivery space has too witnessed a tremendous growth, especially during the pandemic.

Now with the coming into being of multiple online grocery stores, ecommerce platforms and some delivery based start ups who have forged partnerships with the local retailers and neighborhood stores, hyperlocal delivery of groceries, food items, fruits and vegetables has accelerated. In fact, this has been helpful and uplifting in the way that many of the retail stores and stand-alone outlets have embraced technology into their daily lives.

Dealing with smartphones for the majority of time, nowadays, the in-store experience of modern-day consumers has now transitioned to an in-hand shopping experience through intuitive mobile apps. Yes! Hyperlocal delivery software and apps have just successfully reorganized and redefined the way business is conducted. In fact, they promise immense growth and development through the state-of-the-art technology they use and the features they offer to businesses.

Let us understand the benefits that arise out of the use of a hyperlocal delivery software- which are perhaps the reason why businesses are choosing hyperlocal ecommerce more and more.

Business automation- By having a hyperlocal ecommerce delivery software, you, as a business, vow to undertake ecommerce that is ‘hyperlocal’. This makes your business become increasingly automated as these software and apps continue to make amends and improvements from time to time in their software capabilities to ward off competition and stay relevant in the market. The more automated a business gets; it becomes increasingly efficient- something that benefits businesses of today a lot.

Unparalleled business visibility- Hyperlocal ecommerce is facilitated to a great extent through the use of delivery software and apps. A great software provides businesses visibility of the highest order. This results in the businesses getting noticed and their websites receiving increased click through rate (CTR). So, which business would not pounce upon the chance to be noticed in today’s times that are just getting competitive to the core?

Store house of information- Hyperlocal businesses of today are nothing less than a storehouse of information in the sense that they have access to almost everything that directly or indirectly concerns the users’ buying habit. By the use of a futuristic software and app, businesses are in a better position to make out as to what a particular customer wants regularly and more frequently and which things are demanded less often by him. Information gained by businesses through use of this sort of contemporary ecommerce, provides them a chance to enhance their decision-making skills.

Helps build competitive advantage- Hyperlocal ecommerce space is becoming a lucrative destination for futuristic businesses regardless of the industry they are in. This has resulted in increased rivalry among them. Businesses that partner with immaculate delivery software and app development companies are surely going to develop for themselves a competitive advantage that acts as a fortress for them when adverse competitive situations arrive. Just that in an attempt to gain an advantage over rival firms, businesses must prudently choose the hyperlocal ecommerce delivery software and app for themselves. A judicious choice at this point takes them a long way in the run to achieving their goals.

Real time visibility- Traditional logistics practices are not encouraged by modern day customers. Nowadays, everyone wants transparency and real-time visibility in logistics. Digital transformation in delivery through a hyperlocal model has changed the entire business scenario and has resulted in improved customer experience.

Helps build a business its own digital marketplace- Onboard businesses that have joined hands with hyperlocal ecommerce delivery software companies enjoy the freedom and luxury of building their own wide portfolio of products. In fact, they can build a complete digital marketplace wherein customers can come and see things their business has to offer to them, quickly and conveniently.

What does the future hold for hyperlocal ecommerce?

Living in an era of technological transformation and subsequent digitalization and automation, we as businesses, consumers, investors and stakeholders are bound to be affected by the impact and contribution hyperlocal ecommerce is increasingly making in its capacity.

In fact, taking a brief look into the world of hyperlocal deliveries, one would realize that one of the challenging segments in ecommerce is hyperlocal. There has always been a market for delivering products at home for many years even before current technology existed. From milk and paper in the morning to any groceries moving on vehicles found its destination at people’s doorsteps. The same process has become digitalized- quicker, safer and convenient to say the least. This shows the future that lies ahead of businesses in pursuit of their hyperlocal goals and dreams.

One thing that needs to be borne in mind is the fact that for hyperlocal ecommerce to happen, businesses require a strong delivery network locally. The local delivery network and outreach to people in close proximity is what is going to define the hyperlocal market, and the keyword ‘near me’ is going to be the future when searching for products and services.

Wrapping up

Hyperlocal ecommerce has changed the way business was perceived and done. It has induced extreme pace and utmost convenience in ecommerce that has made it hyperlocal and the people around the world are in awe of the phenomenon it is turning out to be.

Seeing its movement and increasing craze for hyperlocal ecommerce, it appears that the hyperlocal businesses will make steady progress in adopting new logistics technologies sooner than anticipated. As increasing number of businesses turn hyperlocal, business processes and promotional activities may yet again have to be redefined and ameliorated.

Because an efficient use of new logistics technologies can bring down operational costs, businesses and entrepreneurs can start building on it. Beyond reducing costs, who knows a year or two from now, socially responsible companies start looking to implement more eco-friendly delivery methods in their hyperlocal delivery models.

Whatever be the scenario, one thing which is certain is the fact that hyperlocal ecommerce has brought about a transformation in the way business was conducted. It has become convenient, automated, highly tech-enabled and overwhelmingly digital. Hyperlocal ecommerce has just somehow struck the right chords with the masses and has become a norm.

Now, how long does this norm continue to influence, impact and redefine businesses and lifestyles will be thing to watch out for.

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About the Creator

Dr. Shamael Zaheer Khan

Dr. S.Z. Khan is a revered academic. He brings a unique blend of theory and practice to his position as Vice President (Marketing & Strategy) at a leading SaaS firm. He is also an expert contributor to several platforms of repute.

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