E-Commerce and the Changing Structure of Retail Trade in India

Abstract

E-commerce is reshaping the structure of retail trade in India by changing how products are
discovered, priced, distributed and purchased. Online marketplaces have expanded consumer
choice and allowed sellers to reach customers beyond traditional geographic boundaries. At
the same time, conventional retailers remain important because of physical experience,
immediate access, local trust and personalized service. This paper analyses the changing
structure of Indian retail through the growth of online shopping, omnichannel retail, digital
payments, logistics, small-business participation and consumer protection. It concludes that
the future retail market is likely to combine digital platforms with physical retail rather than
eliminate one channel entirely.