Rural commerce platform extends its model beyond B2B as it eyes deeper digital penetration in villages
Rural commerce application VilCart has forayed into the business-to-consumer (B2C) segment with the introduction of a new digital marketplace app aimed at connecting village households directly with their neighbourhood Kirana stores.
The move is a strategic expansion for the Bengaluru-based company, which has so far focused on supplying rural retailers through its business-to-business (B2B) network as per the company statement. Founded in 2018, VilCart currently services over one lakh Kirana stores across 30,000 villages in South India.
“Our B2B network has strengthened the backbone of rural retail. With this marketplace app, we are extending digital access to the end consumer, while keeping the Kirana store at the centre of the experience”, said Prasanna Kumar C., Founder and CEO, VilCart.
The app allows users to browse and order products from multiple sellers and brands, with fulfilment handled by the nearest VilCart-connected Kirana outlet. It supports several Indian languages and offers a mix of categories, including daily essentials, appliances, and local brands.
By integrating Kirana stores into its consumer-facing platform, VilCart aims to maintain the trust and accessibility these outlets enjoy while expanding product availability in remote areas. The company said its logistics and supply-chain backbone will support deliveries under the new model, ensuring last-mile connectivity across its existing network.
