Bengaluru's Hopcoms stores face closure amid growing competition

Bengaluru’s government-owned Hopcoms stores, once a popular destination for fresh produce, are facing closure as online grocery platforms and private retailers gain traction.

Established in 1965 to support farmers and provide affordable produce to consumers, Hopcoms has seen 140 stores shut down in recent years, leaving only 26 branches in Karnataka, including about 600 outlets across districts like Bengaluru, Belagavi, and Shivamogga.

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The closures are largely attributed to intense competition from malls, private vendors, and online platforms offering lower prices and convenience. Hopcoms outlets in areas with low footfall have reported daily transactions as low as 500 to 600, resulting in significant losses.

In response, Hopcoms is implementing strategies to revive its business, including offering competitive prices and additional discounts on fruits and vegetables to attract customers. However, the closures highlight the difficulties faced by traditional retail models in adapting to the rapidly evolving grocery market.

The situation underscores a shift in consumer preferences, posing a challenge to state-backed enterprises like Hopcoms in sustaining their relevance amid a surge in private-sector competition.