India's Kirana Stores Fade as LA's Erewhon Redefines Grocery as Cultural Phenomenon

• Over 2 lakh kirana stores in India shut down between 2024-2025, raising questions about their future amidst the rise of quick commerce.
• Erewhon, an organic grocery store in LA, has evolved from a natural foods market into a luxury lifestyle and pop culture hub.
• Founded in the 1960s by Aveline and Michio Kushi, Erewhon is known for its strict 'Erewhon Standard' for healthy, organic, and non-GMO products.
• The store has gained social media fame through celebrity endorsements like the Hailey Bieber Strawberry Glaze Smoothie and exclusive member privileges.
• Indian kirana stores could learn from Erewhon by focusing on familiarity, trust, and an aspirational lifestyle experience rather than competing on speed.

Why It Matters: Indian kirana stores are declining, while LA's Erewhon thrives by transforming grocery shopping into a luxury cultural experience.