JioMart bets on kirana stores to challenge Amazon and Flipkart in Indian retail

Reliance's JioMart aims to onboard small traders and kirana stores, using WhatsApp's 400 million-user base for reach and a planned UPI payments platform. The move positions kiranas to compete with modern trade and e-commerce rivals Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal.

— Filed Thu, 16 Jul, 2026, 23:22 IST · Source Financial Express · BrandWagon · Updated

Reliance's JioMart aims to onboard kirana stores and small traders, helping them compete with modern trade and e-commerce. Leveraging WhatsApp for access and a planned UPI payment platform, it challenges Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal in Indian e-commerce.

Why this matters

Builds on RIL's detailed WhatsApp-led aggregator model linking kiranas and customers for a pan-India push, and follows JioMart's plans to enter quick commerce against Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart and Zepto.

Omni-channel activity is steady with 1,118 signals over the past 90 days.