Amazon has launched an express delivery platform called KiranaNow to make everyday consumer products available to its users in Bangalore, reports TOI. Amazon will partner with local kirana (grocery) stores to offer this service. The service is in a pilot stage in Bangalore and Amazon is likely to launch it in other cities in the future. Amazon claims that through this service, delivery will take only 2-4 hours. The service is available only at some pincodes in Bangalore between 9am to 6pm. The kirana stores will upload their catalogues on Amazon’s platform and the e-commerce giant will take care of the backend and technology. Technology inclusion for local kirana stores? Available only on the mobile platform as of now, Amazon will deliver orders via its own logistics unit Amazon Transportation Service Private Limited, delivery boys from kirana stores and third party vendors. The company added that other than instant and convenient delivery through stores for its users, this was also an opportunity for kirana stores to “transform their growth in the digital economy” through technology. Pilot results in 500 outlets across 20 cities In April last year, Amazon India had started working with kirana stores in Bangalore to offer in-store pickup for products ordered from its website. That was an expansion from Mumbai and Delhi where Amazon had tied with BPCL to test in-store pick up service. The company had identified and trained staff at kiosks, owned by individual entrepreneurs, which would work as pick up points. They had not,…
