Pathfinder Global has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the retail tech landscape, seamlessly blending physical and digital experiences to empower businesses. Under the leadership of Ramadass Selvaraj, the company has successfully transformed retail ecosystems in Dubai and is now setting its sights on India’s dynamic market. In this exclusive interview with Machine Edge Global, Ramadass Selvaraj, COO of Pathfinder Global, discusses the company’s phygital strategy, the impact of AI-driven solutions like RetailGPT, and how small retailers, especially Kirana stores, can thrive in the evolving digital era.
Pathfinder Global has successfully transformed the retail tech landscape in Dubai. What inspired the decision to bring your phygital solutions to the Indian market?
India’s retail ecosystem, especially its vast network of retail stores, is at a crucial transformation point. While Dubai’s retail market embraced digital-first solutions, India presents a unique opportunity to bridge offline and online commerce through phygital innovation. The growing demand for convenience, personalization, and operational efficiency makes India an ideal market for our solutions. Pathfinder Global aims to empower small retailers with AI-driven tools like RetailGPT, helping them compete with modern commerce while preserving their hyperlocal advantages.
How do you envision RetailGPT revolutionizing the Indian retail sector, particularly for Kirana stores and small businesses?
RetailGPT is designed to democratize AI for small retailers, offering intelligent insights on customer buying behaviour, customer engagement, and personalized marketing. For Kirana stores, RetailGPT ensures that small businesses remain agile, competitive, customer-centric in an increasingly digital market, helping them transition seamlessly into phygital retail without complex technological barriers.
With consumers increasingly opting for digital-first shopping experiences, how can traditional retailers stay relevant and competitive?
Traditional retailers must blend digital convenience with their core strengths, personalized service, and community trust. Adopting phygital strategies like digital storefronts, AI-driven customer insights, and seamless payment integrations can enhance customer experience. Additionally, leveraging hyperlocal delivery models and loyalty programs can drive engagement. The key lies in embracing technology not as a disruption but as an enabler, allowing retailers to offer omnichannel experiences while maintaining their unique, personalized touch.
How do you think technology can help Kirana stores overcome financial strain and retain customer loyalty?
Technology provides Kirana stores with smarter inventory management, predictive analytics, and digital payment solutions, reducing wastage and optimizing cash flow. AI-powered tools like RetailGPT help retailers identify top-selling products, manage pricing dynamically, and offer hyper personalized offers to customers. Additionally, integrating digital loyalty programs and hyperlocal e-commerce capabilities enables Kirana stores to enhance customer retention, build stronger relationships, and compete effectively with modern retail chains and quick commerce platforms.
The rise of quick commerce platforms has shifted consumer preferences. How has this impacted traditional retail businesses?
Quick commerce has changed consumer expectations around speed and convenience, putting pressure on traditional retailers. However, Kirana stores have distinct advantages such as deep-rooted community trust, flexible operations, and immediate accessibility. By adopting AI-driven platform, digitizing orders and integrating hyperlocal delivery services, traditional retailers can offer the same speed and convenience as quick commerce platforms while maintaining their personalized customer relationships and cost advantages.
Are there any upcoming initiatives or innovations at Pathfinder Global that you would like to share?
Pathfinder Global is continuously innovating to strengthen the phygital retail ecosystem. Our upcoming AI-driven analytics suite will empower small retailers with real-time business insights, helping them make smarter decisions. We are also expanding hyperlocal commerce solutions to streamline logistics for Kirana stores. Additionally, new integrations with fintech solutions will enable seamless credit access and digital payments, further bridging the gap between traditional and modern retail. Our goal is to make technology accessible, scalable, and impactful for every retailer.