Effective supply chain management (SCM) is increasingly critical to the competitiveness and operational efficiency of retail enterprises. This study examines how SCM practices procurement processes, inventory management, supplier collaboration, logistics & distribution, and information systems influence operational efficiency in organized retail in Karnataka. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the study draws on a structured survey of 400 store managers/operations staff across five Karnataka cities (Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubli–Dharwad, Belagavi) and 15 in-depth interviews with supply-chain managers and suppliers. Quantitative analysis uses descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple regression; qualitative data were analysed by thematic coding. Results indicate that improved inventory management (higher inventory turnover, lower stockouts), integrated IT systems (real-time inventory visibility), and closer supplier collaboration (joint planning, vendor-managed inventory pilots) significantly predict higher operational efficiency (measured via order fulfilment rate, reduced lead time, and lower supply-chain cost per sale). Logistics infrastructure and state-level initiatives have supported improvements, but fragmentation in last-mile distribution and supplier heterogeneity remain constraints. The model explains about 52% of variance in operational efficiency (R² ≈ 0.52). Practical implications include prioritising investments in inventory analytics, supplier capacity-building, and regional consolidation centres; policy implications suggest targeted support for cold-chain and last-mile infrastructure in Karnataka. The study contributes state-level empirical evidence linking specific SCM practices to measurable efficiency outcomes in Indian organized retail and provides an instrument for future comparative research.