Can live with MNC retailers: Shopkeepers

NEW DELHI: Opposition parties on Thursday managed to create a semblance of a b a n d h on the issue of FDI in retail , but the constituency they claimed to be defending — small shopkeepers — from the onslaught of international retail giants seems unperturbed by the supposed threat . Kiranawallas TOI spoke to said they didn’t foresee themselves going out of business .

Shopkeepers agree that large retail stores will initially create a buzz. “Customers like good deals and fancy displays , which many local vendors lack ,” said Swadhin Nayak of Honey Money Top , which has six outlets in the NCR, adding : “People want variety also as they are more aware” .

But shopkeepers also feel the foreign players will have a tough time adapting to Indian ways . Surender Singh , who runs Gurunanak Stores in Kalkaji , said , “There will be competition , but it depends on the number and types of stores they come up with. It will hardly make a difference of 10%, and that doesn’t matter” .

Retailers are also drawing comfort from the knowledge that MNCs’ ‘large’ format could be their Achilles’ heel in India . “These are huge stores of about 20,000 sq ft, not conducive to the real estate scenario here . They will have huge overheads in the form of rentals , warehouses , storage , electricity bills, among other things , so they may not be able to sustain by offering very low rates ,” said Kunaal Kumar , owner of Modern Bazaar . They will also have to learn to deal with Indians , and the law here , he added .

Jimmy Wadhewan , owner of Taste in Defency Colony , pointed out that MNC retailers usually take up space in malls or city outskirts . “Who would spend time , petrol , or even parking fee to regularly travel so far for groceries ?”

Understanding Indian customers and the eating culture here is also important , feel shopkeepers . “We don’t shop for the month as our diet is based on fresh vegetables . Unlike people in the West , we don’t stock up on processed foods,” said Kumar .

Nearly every household here has its own grocer , and there’s a comfort level that big setups can’t match , say shopkeepers . “We do home delivery , and give discounts to regular customers . Many run monthly accounts with us, or pay us in advance ,” said Nayak .

“It’s about developing a relationship with customers . I know their likes and dislikes, so I can make recommendations as per their taste ,” said Wadhewan . “How many salaried salespeople know the difference between Emmental and Gorgonzola ? Customers here are still discovering food and only proprietors who know their stock can help” .

Neha Kapoor , a homemaker , said she calls a grocery store near her house for everything from ingredients for fajitas she needs to makethat night ,or for fresh meatto store for the week. “It’s so convenient and personal . I trust the shop , and know that they’ll send over the groceries even if I’m not at home to pay for them that evening” .