Assuring small-scale businessmen that the era of e-commerce would not affect their trade, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said the importance of corner stores and small shops would only increase in the coming days as compared to big shopping malls.

Citing examples of America and Europe, the Union Minister of State for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy said the relevance of corner stores was increasing and big malls were becoming “unviable”. Therefore, he said small-scale businessmen should not have any concern.

“The relevance of small shops would not lessen. In America and Europe, the number of corner stores is increasing whereas the big malls are being shut down. In the era of e-commerce, the relevance and importance of small shops would only increase,” Goyal said at the 3rd Yuvak-Yuvti Parichay Sammelan of Agrawal Parmarth Seva Samiti here.

“Delegations come to us to express concern over the impact of supermarkets and e-commerce on small businesses but I do not see any concern because I understand that supermarkets are now becoming unviable and e-commerce will only benefit small businesses. Corner stores and shops will continue to be relevant,” he said.

As compared to supermarkets, goods purchased from small shops are cheaper. The customer not only has to pay more for the goods but also has to spend on parking, food etc. at the malls, the Union Minister pointed out.

Source: Money Control