An online platform in Kerala for local business

‘Kerala Buys Local’ makes small shops accessible to other parts of Kochi

Geevarghese Boben Paul’s business idea was rejected several times by Bharath Cafe, one of Tripunithura, and Kochi’s, oldest cafes before they came on board with his idea. “They did not want to take on the commitment of keeping a product available as they kept their production to the usual consumption pattern. What if they couldn’t deliver an order after they accepted?” says Geevarghese.

Small shops, hit by the pandemic, were hesitant to transition to the online space. Bharath Cafe was one such. Geevarghese’s plan is simple – to connect local businesses such as this with customers. With his wife Elba, Geevarghese set up Kerala Buys Local (KBL), which provides an online platform for these businesses. He wants to bridge the gap, in a way that is beneficial for all parties involved – the business and the customer – while working out a ‘mutually beneficial solution’. “There are many local vendors, who are well-known within a particular area. I want to make their products accessible to a wider area, which would be great for their business and for customers.”

These shops have been in the town for decades, functioning out of that original outlet. Usually run by the second or third generation, they were hesitant to disturb the status quo, hence e-commerce was never part of their plans. Geevarghese wanted to reach these products, popular in Tripunithura, to other places in Ernakulam and even as far as Aluva. The hesitation was inevitable and something that Geevarghese understood. “They have been in the business for years and they have their customer base. They were content. The mindset, of not wanting to take unnecessary risks, was a roadblock initially. However, younger people were open to exploring this option.”