Fri Jan 17 15:01:26 UTC 2025: ## Kirana Store Owners Praised for Superior Marketing Skills at AI Conference

**Mysuru, January 17, 2025** – An international conference on “Marketing in the AI Era” in Mysuru highlighted the surprisingly effective marketing strategies employed by India’s ubiquitous kirana stores (small, independent shops). The conference, organized by SDMIMD, featured keynote speaker Rajeev Krishnan, a business advisor with extensive experience in multinational companies, who lauded the intuitive marketing prowess of these local businesses.

Krishnan, a former vice president of Target Corporation and ex-Managing Director and CEO of SPAR/Max Hypermarket, argued that while AI is garnering significant attention, it’s not a panacea. He emphasized the importance of understanding local communities and integrating cultural aspects into marketing strategies. He suggested that kirana store owners, who successfully market their goods without sophisticated technology, possess unparalleled marketing skills. He urged students to observe these businesses firsthand to learn about community-driven innovation and practical problem-solving.

The conference, which included presentations on AI in marketing and a panel discussion with experts from various corporations and academic institutions, underscored the need to balance technological advancements with a deep understanding of local contexts. The event concluded with a valedictory program featuring speakers from SAP and Robert Bosch India.

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