Paytm Mall, owned by Paytm Ecommerce is working with retailers and brands to become their technology partner and enable to set up online stores.
Paytm Mall says that it has been interacting with offline retailers to understand competition from online retailers and challenges that come with it. Based on the feedback, it has introduced a ‘Retailer Inclusion Programme’ with the vision to support and empower these shopkeepers to challenge large monolithic online retailers.
Under this programme, the company will invest $5 million and has set up a dedicated team of 500 personnel to address the unique needs of these retailers.
This team acts as a direct link between the company and its partner retailers, who meet them on a regular basis to receive their feedback, understand their challenges and offer necessary support for their growth. They are also conducting ‘choupal’ and acting as an active partner in their development.
According to a statement by the company, this technology allows shopkeepers generate additional sales through the Paytm Mall platform to increase their business. Paytm claims that it is also playing a critical role in the lives of these retail partners, helping them to enhance their retail potential.
“India does not need one large e-retailer, it needs millions of e-retailers. We invite shopkeepers and brands looking to build technology-integrated businesses to partner with us. We will continue engaging with our partnered retailers to build our inclusion programme and enhance their businesses. This will create new jobs and further support our nation,” says Amit Sinha, COO, Paytm Mall said.
Paytm Mall has been working with shopkeepers to digitize their catalogues and opening their stores on its malls. This also makes their shops QR Code-enabled.
It has also extended logistics support and GST training to equip these retailers for the current business landscape.
The company says that it will also facilitate access to working capital loans, a major pain-point for every small retailer and play a critical role in their growth plans.