Itinerant traders have been an integral part of internal trade in India. Analyse the reasons for their survival in spite of competition from large scale retailers.
Itinerant traders have survived despite competition from large scale retailers due to several reasons.
Firstly, itinerant retailers do not have a fixed place of business and keep moving from street to street or place to place in search of customers. This mobility allows them to reach customers easily and operate without the burden of fixed establishment costs.
Secondly, they provide convenient service to consumers by making products available at the very doorstep of customers. This emphasis on customer service gives them an edge as customers do not need to travel to distant markets.
Thirdly, they deal in consumer products of daily use such as toiletry products, fruits, vegetables, toys, fabrics, and snacks. These low-priced and non-standardised products cater to the needs of lower-income group customers who may not always access large scale retailers.
Fourthly, they operate with limited resources as small traders. Since they do not maintain any fixed business establishment, their overhead costs are minimal, allowing them to sell at affordable prices.
Lastly, they are found in residential areas, outside schools, and at places of exhibitions, making them easily accessible. Peddlers and hawkers, being one of the oldest forms of retailers, have maintained their utility even in modern times due to these advantages.
Explanation
The answer draws directly from the textbook context which describes characteristics of itinerant retailers - their mobility, focus on doorstep service, dealing in daily-use products, limited resources, and presence in residential areas. The context also mentions that peddlers and hawkers 'have not lost their utility even during the modern times' and market traders 'cater to lower-income group of customers'. These points explain their survival against large scale retailers.