It has taken 55 years for Manoj Vasudev Khatanhar and his family to expand beyond their single-outlet business Prabhat General Stores, located in Mumbai’s Dadar West. Recently, the family opened its second store in suburban Malad.

Khatanhar now plans to open two more stores this year at Sion and Sewri in central Mumbai. So what has changed for Khatanhar? The third-generation businessman is banking on his online delivery partner, Grofers. 

"The team at Grofers has assured me that the business will grow multiple times and I am banking on them. I have mustered all courage to start two more outlets this year because of the technology they are using," says the Sindhi businessman.

Khatanhar's 10,000 square feet store in Malad has witnessed over 38 per cent growth in just three months of the tie-up with Grofers. "Initially when they came to our store I was not very sure. I took a week to think over. But now I feel, I shouldn't have wasted even that one week. These guys were talking about innovation, convenience and increasing sales and reach.

"I was impressed with their dedication," says Khatanhar and adds that the team at Grofers has also taught him how to use technology to improve business. With the help of Grofers, Prabhat Store has been able to expand the clientele beyond its vicinity to other neighbourhoods.

Understanding management

Khatankar has also learnt about inventory and time management. "I have now started stocking products I was not even aware of. These products include fortified biscuits, imported chocolates and sauces, organic food and staples," he says. The businessman no longer depends on his workforce alone. Grofers helps him. 

The New Delhi -based Grofers is an app-only hyper local delivery start-up that aggregates small physical stores on its platform thereby improving their efficiency, expanding their reach and increasing their scale.

Grofers doesn't hold any inventory. Its work force compromises of the delivery boys, which is provided by a third party vendor.

Funded by Tiger Global and Sequoia, Grofers provides discounts and does promotional activities with the kirana stores to acquire more customers. A customer can order goods worth as low as ₹200.

"Grofers compliments the business of small and medium size retailers and works hand in hand with them. We not only help in growing their business but also offer them technology and tactical support around various issues like inventory and order management," says Rishav Dev, Head, Operations, Grofers.

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