In spite of the initiatives taken by Kashmiri entrepreneurs, there is a long way to go. There are still some areas to be explored and many more services to be provided
The world is constantly adapting to new ways of living a good life, and so does our Kashmir. The advent of the internet and the arrival of e-commerce technology in our lives has changed our shopping experience. We no longer have to battle vehicular traffic on the roads and wait in queues for long hours. Thanks to ecommerce technology, we have been empowered to shop anywhere just at the click of a button. But in past times, there was no concept of e-commerce in Kashmir. Smartphone availability to the general public was rare. The masses were not aware of the internet facility. There was no idea of online shopping, online transactions, etc. With time and the availability of the internet, e-commerce made its presence felt in the valley, but due to the slower internet connection issues like 2G and lack of awareness, people were afraid to buy things online.
It was back in the year 2008 when Flipkart became a buzz. Although the company had to go through a lot of hardships in the initial years of their business endeavour. It took some time for Flipkart to cut through lots of hurdles alone and get to success. As people gain access to quality internet services and advanced smartphone technology, new companies like Amazon, Snapdeal, eBay, and other local online stores, etc., jump in to tap into the growing ecommerce market in Kashmir. New start-ups in the line of e-commerce business are constantly coming up to tap the vast forming niche.
Over the years, there is a growing demand for e-commerce products and services in the valley. A majority of the local population, especially youth, have become capable of shopping online as they have gained access to the knowledge and use of advanced IT technology—such as personal computers, smartphones, and other means. That is why there is no better time than today for our youth to embrace e-commerce entrepreneurship in Kashmir. They can find plenty of business ideas for their new e-commerce start-ups. Almost all sectors of our economy await the attention of ecommerce entrepreneurs. As e-commerce is spreading all over Kashmir, people are now becoming used to it. Social media has added a taste to the wide advertising of e-commerce businesses in Kashmir. Today, even girls have launched so many start-ups in Kashmir like Tul Palav, Hangers, The Closet, and many more. From zero to a successful business, e-commerce has led to a huge jump in business opportunities over the past few years.
The present scenario of e-commerce in Kashmir
Kashmir has been doing well for itself for the past 3-4 years. In the past 3-4 years, we’ve seen Kashmiri youth making attempts at establishing E- Commerce businesses; some have foiled, some are soaring high. We’ve seen a hike in E-Commerce start-ups since Kashmir and the rest of the nation got rid of expensive and slow internet networks. The most important thing that really matters is the attempts that Kashmir has been making at setting its foot in the E- Commerce industry. Things seemed to be grim initially, but the present of E- Commerce in Kashmir is like the first ray of sunshine. We’ve got huge platforms that the rest of the world is using to conduct their business, e.g. Indiamart, Olx, Instagram, Facebook (Facebook Marketplace), Amazon, etc., and Kashmir has its presence on each of these platforms. Today we have Kashmiri start-ups serving the Kashmiri community very well. Kashmir is witnessing a huge number of start- ups thriving. Now, if we look at the brighter side, post abrogation of article 370, we saw a huge hike in start-ups mostly from the food delivery & logistics industry. These start-ups are basically desperate attempts to fulfil needs, eradicate unemployment and have the courtesy to be helpful to society in Kashmir. Currently, there are many e-commerce businesses operating in Kashmir.