Guwahati: Traders raise alarm over e-commerce impact, call for regulations

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: For the past two months, traders and shopkeepers across Guwahati’s prominent commercial hubs—Fancy Bazar, Paltan Bazar, and others—have been voicing growing concerns over the rapid rise of e-commerce platforms, which they say is severely impacting their livelihoods.

Citing a noticeable decline in foot traffic and revenue, local merchants are now actively considering a boycott of major online shopping platforms. The reason, they say, is straightforward: aggressive pricing strategies and direct factory sourcing by online giants have made it nearly impossible for small brick-and-mortar businesses to remain competitive.

“We simply cannot compete with these discounts and still remain viable,” said a shopkeeper in Fancy Bazar.

According to traders, business losses have ranged between 30% and 40% over the past year, with the trend accelerating in recent months.

The growing preference for online shopping, bolstered by the rise of quick-commerce services, has fundamentally reshaped consumer behavior in Assam. “E-commerce platforms have become incredibly diverse, selling everything from electronics and clothing to groceries and meat. It’s pervasive,” said another merchant, adding that despite paying taxes and contributing to the local economy, traders feel disadvantaged by a lack of regulatory parity.

To push back, local trade associations have launched a campaign to raise public awareness, conducting seminars and meetings across Assam to highlight the challenges faced by traditional retailers.

Meanwhile, those operating in the online space acknowledge the transformation. Biswajit Biswas, an online entrepreneur based in Guwahati, noted that rapid technological change and shifting consumer expectations are driving the trend. “People, especially in metro cities, are used to doorstep delivery, and now Assam is seeing the same shift,” he explained.

However, Biswas also pointed out that online retailers are facing their own pressures, with increasing competition and the need to constantly innovate. “Subscription models, personalized services, and hyper local delivery are some of the strategies we are adopting to stay relevant,” he said.

As the debate between offline and online retail intensifies, traders are urging the government to introduce balanced policies that ensure fair competition, while preserving the vibrancy and economic importance of Guwahati’s traditional marketplaces.

Also Read: Will Assam’s markets survive e-commerce wave?

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