Improving Agility, Adaptability, Alignment, Accessibility, and Affordability in Nanostore Supply Chains

In developing economies, nanostores (i.e., small independent neighborhood stores) in urban and rural areas face different infrastructural, operational, and financial challenges. How can urban nanostores compete with supermarket chains as they enter the market? How can rural nanostores provide more services at affordable prices to sustain their operations? By developing innovative business models enabled by new technologies such as smartphones, mobile payments, and solar panels, we show how urban nanostores can increase the capabilities of agility, adaptability, and alignment in their supply chain to compete, and how rural nanostores can change their operations to improve accessibility (in terms of products/services) and affordability (in terms of price). In addition, we describe some emerging research opportunities for further consideration.

Automated summary

Small independent neighborhood stores in urban and rural areas of developing economies face different challenges, and can enhance competitiveness and sustainability through the use of new technologies and innovative business models. Urban nanostores can focus on improving agility, adaptability, and alignment in their supply chain, while rural nanostores need to improve accessibility and affordability of products/services. Emerging research opportunities in this field are also highlighted for further consideration.