Hyderabad-based startup Chotu has introduced the Chotu QR code, a game-changing feature designed to revolutionize the local shopping experience. The platform allows customers to seamlessly search, browse, add items to their cart, and place orders at their local shops directly through WhatsApp, making the transition to online shopping both accessible and convenient.
The launch event, graced by esteemed guests including Sri M Srinivasa Rao (MSR), CEO of T-Hub, Wing Commander Anthony Anish, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at T-Hub, and Dr. Shanta Thoutam, Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) at Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC), marks a significant milestone in the efforts to bridge the digital divide for traditional retailers.
Chotu’s QR code feature, designed for local shops such as kiranas, bakeries, and fruits and vegetables vendors, aims to empower businesses by providing them with a user-friendly platform to establish an online presence. The initiative aligns with the ethos of “Pakka local, Pakka online,” emphasizing the seamless integration of local businesses into the digital realm.
Sri M Srinivasa Rao, CEO of T-Hub, highlighted the importance of empowering entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. With an estimated 1.3 Crore kirana shops in India and a clear digital divide in the e-commerce sector, Chotu is poised to play a pivotal role in democratizing digital retail.
Y Ravi, co-founder of Chotu, expressed the vision behind the initiative, stating, “At Chotu, our vision is to empower every local shop to go online. Trust and convenience are their inherent strengths. When coupled with our simple tech, they become unbeatable. Ordering, billing, and payment feel like a WhatsApp chat.”
Vamshi Panjala, co-founder of Chotu, highlighted the unique features of the Chotu QR code, emphasizing its ability to convert walk-ins into repeat online customers seamlessly. Inspired by Hyderabad’s status as the birthplace of pan-India movies, Panjala revealed plans to expand Chotu to cater to all Indian languages, starting with a launch in Telugu states.
Over 1000 shops in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including kiranas, bakeries, and fruits and vegetables vendors, have already embraced Chotu’s online platform. Businesses can easily create an online shop on Chotu.com with just a WhatsApp account, eliminating the need for extensive documentation. The platform offers a free trial period, and post that, the monthly rental starts from an affordable ₹99, providing local shopkeepers with a cost-effective solution.
The co-founders, both alumni of IIM Bangalore with over 30 years of leadership experience at Microsoft, Airtel, and Jio, expressed their determination to revolutionize the local shopping experience in India. With Chotu’s technology, local shops gain control over pricing, sourcing, and payment, streamlining the transition to the digital realm.
