ECOGROCERY

Abstract

EcoGrocery is a dual-platform digital ecosystem that transforms how small-scale grocery stores operate and engage with nearby consumers. Built for simplicity and impact, the platform combines intelligent inventory management, real-time analytics, and proximity-based product visibility to streamline operations and drive local sales. Stores can list both regular and discounted near-expiry items, ensuring customers within a 7 km radius have access to timely, cost-effective purchases. With features like order tracking, sales monitoring, and integrated payment systems, EcoGrocery empowers local vendors to optimize stock movement, prevent financial losses, and enhance customer convenience through a modern, hyperlocal e-commerce experience.

Introduction

EcoGrocery is a localized e-commerce platform designed to connect small neighborhood grocery and stationery stores with nearby customers through an easy-to-use web and mobile interface. The platform promotes hyperlocal commerce by allowing customers to browse and order products only from stores within a 7-kilometer radius, enabling faster deliveries and supporting local businesses.

The system features two main dashboards: one for store owners to manage inventory, orders, and discounts, and another for customers to browse products, place orders, and track deliveries in real time. It integrates secure payment processing and uses geolocation services (via Nominatim API) to filter products based on proximity.

The platform is built with React Native (frontend), Node.js/Express.js (backend), and MongoDB Atlas (database). It employs JWT-based authentication to manage user roles—customers, store owners, and admins. Key backend modules handle product management, order tracking, discount alerts, analytics, and push notifications.

Literature underpinning the platform highlights trends in hyperlocal e-commerce, smart inventory management, and proximity-based product discovery, emphasizing convenience, trust, and enhanced user experience. The system architecture and user flow are designed to offer seamless registration, login, and navigation, ensuring users can easily interact based on their role and location.

Screenshots and diagrams demonstrate the practical implementation of login, registration with precise address mapping, and functional dashboards, showcasing the platform’s effectiveness in fostering local digital commerce.

Conclusion

The EcoGrocery platform marks a transformative step in the e-commerce domain by integrating a suite of intelligent, user-centric modules that empower both customers and local store owners. This platform is meticulously designed to bridge the gap between neighborhood retail stores and modern online shoppers, ensuring a seamless, hyperlocal shopping experience. By combining intuitive interfaces, real-time geolocation features, and efficient backend operations, this platform balances convenience, scalability, and innovation. The Inventory and Product Visibility Module allows store owners to manage their stock effortlessly while showcasing both regular and discounted near-expiry items to customers within a 7 km radius. This not only promotes smart purchasing decisions but also reduces product waste. Meanwhile, the Order Management and Tracking Module ensures transparent, real-time updates for customers, enhancing trust and engagement throughout the shopping journey. Secure payment integration and streamlined checkout processes further ensure smooth transactions, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to a reliable and user-friendly e-commerce experience.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Parameswaran T, Aastha Das, Anusha R Shabadi. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.