Dr. Fiaz Fazili
From the convenience of shopping from home to the vast selection of products available with just a click, online shopping has become an integral part of modern consumer life. Digital marketplaces and eCommerce platforms have given consumers unparalleled access to a wide range of products and services, while retailers now have the ability to sell their products to customers around the world, opening up new markets and opportunities for growth. The transformation of retail through eCommerce has reshaped the retail landscape in profound ways—expanding sales channels, altering consumer behaviors, intensifying competition, and redefining customer service expectations. As technology advances, businesses must continuously adapt to meet the evolving needs of shoppers in this fast-paced digital era.
The rise of E-Commerce is the shift to online shopping has disrupted traditional retail models, offering consumers unprecedented convenience, speed, and accessibility. Modern shoppers demand seamless, frictionless experiences across multiple platforms. With a few taps on their smartphones, they can browse millions of products, compare prices, read reviews, and make purchases—anytime, anywhere. This ease of access has fuelled the rapid expansion of online retail.
Innovations in logistics, return policy and fulfilment along with the growing demand for faster delivery has driven major advancements in logistics and supply chain management. Retailers are investing in automation, robotics, and AI-driven inventory systems to enhance order fulfilment and optimize stock levels in real-time. What was once considered a luxury—such as same-day delivery—has now become a consumer expectation, pushing businesses to adopt cutting-edge solutions to stay competitive. Warehousing and last-mile delivery operations are evolving with new technologies that streamline picking, packing, and shipping. Innovations in route optimization, autonomous delivery systems, and smart warehouses are helping retailers meet the growing need for speed while keeping costs manageable.
The future of retail in a digital age looks gloomy as the rise of ECommerce has revolutionized shopping habits and reshaped the way businesses operate. As online shopping continues to evolve, retailers must embrace digital transformation, leverage data-driven insights, and innovate to remain competitive. The future of retail will be defined by those who can seamlessly blend technology with customer-centric strategies to meet the ever-changing demands of modern consumers.
Kashmir’s Pre-Eid 2025 shopping season unveiled a transformative consumer shift behaviour. The pre-Eid shopping season, once a boom time for retailers, has seen reduced in-store purchases as consumers shift to online alternatives. While traditional retail in Kashmir—especially for perishable goods like meat, confectionery, bakery items, and fruits—still holds significance, the broader retail sector has witnessed a dramatic shift during recent Pre-Eid shopping due to digital marketplaces. Online shopping has expanded sales channels, altered consumer preferences, redefined competition, and set new standards for customer service. This essay explores how e-commerce is transforming Kashmir’s retail landscape, affecting consumer behaviour, supply chains, and traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The emergence of eCommerce has taken a big leap in Kashmir, with its unique socio-economic dynamics, has seen a gradual but steady rise in online shopping. The region’s internet penetration, despite occasional disruptions, has improved significantly, enabling more consumers to explore digital marketplaces. Platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and local e-commerce ventures such as Kashmir Box have gained popularity, offering everything from handicrafts to electronic.
The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst of, changing consumer behaviour accelerating the adoption of online shopping as lockdowns and restrictions limited physical store access. Even post-pandemic, consumers continue to prefer online shopping for its convenience, competitive pricing, and wider product selection. From international fashion labels to niche electronics, Kashmiri consumers now have a global marketplace providing access to brands and products that were previously unavailable in local markets at their fingertips, the excellent return policy of Amazon etc are game changers”. Consumers no longer need to navigate crowded markets or harsh weather conditions or time-consuming traffic chaos, parking hassles to make purchases. With smartphones and internet access, they can shop anytime, anywhere. This shift initially benefited urban populations in Srinagar and other major towns but now small towns are also showing upward trend.
E-commerce has empowered consumers with the ability to compare prices across multiple platforms instantly. This transparency has forced retailers—both online and offline—to offer competitive pricing, discounts, and seasonal sales. In Kashmir, where price sensitivity is high due to economic constraints, online deals have become a major attraction. Digital platforms collect vast amounts of consumer data, enabling personalized shopping experiences. Recommendations based on browsing history, tailored discounts, reviews and targeted ads have influenced purchasing decisions. However, this also raises concerns about privacy and excessive consumerism.
While online shopping thrives, traditional retailers in Kashmir face significant challenges. Decline in foot traffic plagued with frequent traffic jams, scarce parking places at Lalchowk or Karan Nagar like areas had added miseries to many local shopkeepers and report dwindling sales, now on line shopping especially in non-essential categories like clothing, electronics, and home goods.
To survive, some Kashmiri retailers are adopting hybrid models—combining physical stores with online presence. Social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp have become vital sales channels, with businesses showcasing products and accepting orders digitally. “Click-and-collect” services, where customers order online and pick up in-store, are also gaining traction.
Challenges for Small Businesses by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who struggle to compete with e-commerce giants due to logistical constraints and limited digital literacy. However, initiatives which promotes local artisans and handicrafts—demonstrate how regional businesses can leverage e-commerce for growth.
The rise of online shopping has necessitated advancements in logistics and last-mile delivery, even in geographically challenging regions like Kashmir.Demand for efficient warehousing has increased, with businesses investing in inventory management systems. Automation and AI-driven logistics solutions are being explored to streamline order processing, though adoption remains slow compared to metropolitan areas. Kashmir’s rugged terrain and frequent disruptions pose logistical hurdles of last – mile delivery challenges.
While major e-commerce players offer delivery services, remote areas still face delays. Local courier services and hyperlocal delivery startups like “fast beetle ,”are emerging to bridge this gap.Kashmir’s retail market is increasingly interconnected with global supply chains. Strengthening local supply networks while integrating with global e-commerce remains a key challenge.
E-commerce adoption during Covid times , the trend was already underway due to changing lifestyles, urbanisation, and digital penetration. Post-pandemic, online shopping continues to grow, driven by Mobile Commerce(m-commerce).With affordable smartphones, more Kashmiris are shopping via apps. Facebook ,Whatsap and Instagram shops are becoming popular among local vendors.Cashless Payments like UPI ,MPay,Google Pay -and digital wallets are gaining acceptance, reducing reliance on cash transactions.
“Online Shopping Addiction: Is Your Compulsive Urge to Buy Sabotaging Financial Austerity.
Addiction or a compulsive behaviour of online shopping (sometimes referred to as “oniomania”—compulsive buying disorder) when it turns into an uncontrollable urge to purchase items, even when they are unnecessary. This behaviour can threaten financial stability, mental well-being, and personal austerity (the principle of spending only on necessities). The early warning signs are, Frequent unplanned purchases buying things you didn’t originally intend to seek .Emotional relief through online shopping using scroll therapy to cope with stress, sadness, or boredom.Overspending leads to debt, savings depletion, or guilt. Hiding purchases,feeling ashamed and concealing shopping habits from family. Compulsive Checking and FOMO- fear of missing offers and flash sales – Constantly browsing shopping sites, deals, or tracking packages.
To maintain austerity & shop responsibly some of us follow the 24-hour rule – wait a day before buying to assess if you truly need it, set a strict budget – use cash/debit instead of credit to avoid overspending. Unsubscribe & block temptations – remove shopping apps, mute promotional emails. Practice mindful spending – Ask: “Do I need this, or do I just want it? “Find alternative rewards – Replace shopping with free/healthy habits (exercise, reading). If compulsive shopping feels uncontrollable, seeking help from internet tips on resisting impulse buys?
Online shopping is undeniably reshaping Kashmir’s retail market, offering consumers unparalleled convenience while challenging traditional retailers to adapt. While e-commerce presents opportunities for growth, it also demands infrastructural improvements, digital literacy, and policy support to ensure inclusive development. For Kashmir’s retail sector to thrive in this digital age, a balanced approach is needed—one that integrates e-commerce advancements while preserving the cultural and economic significance of local markets. As technology evolves, businesses that embrace innovation while addressing regional challenges will lead the future of retail in Kashmir.
The writer is A Medico at Mubarak hospital, member of GCC -group Of Concerned Citizens, contributes Columns on social ,moral and civil society issues can be reached at drfiazfazili@gmail.com
