Spencer’s Hypermarket at Gariahat, Kolkata spread on a 36,000 sft carpet area opened after Goenkas reached an agreement with Hawkers who protested and delayed the opening by couple of days. What is surprising is Food Bazaar is already operating in the same vicinity without facing any protests.
According to our sources in Kolkata, the younger scion of Goenka, Sanjeev reached an agreement with the Hawkers to safeguard their interests. Some terms of this agreement are,
- Spencer’s won’t indulge in cut throat pricing to compete with hawkers.
- Rice and Vegetables to be sold in quantities of 3 Kgs and above only. Only branded Rice to be stocked on shelves
- Potatoes and Onions to be sold in bulk: 6Kg packets and above
- Only branded apparels to be sold and should be priced upwards of Rs 300
The hawkers have nominated two members from their union who can review the demands if required. Speed breakers ahead for hypermarkets and in the pre-election year, verdict will be against big retailers.