Online vs offline retail: Industry divided over Piyush Goyal’s comments

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal’s recent comments on large e-commerce players have reignited the debate about their impact on smaller offline retailers.

On Wednesday, Goyal said that the rapid growth of e-commerce in India is a “cause for concern” and is diminishing the market share of small, mom-and-pop stores by offering high-margin products such as consumer electronics and apparel at discounted rates.

His remarks have polarised opinions among retailers. Small retailers have largely supported Goyal’s statements, while industry bodies argue that e-commerce has actually benefited smaller retailers.