Retail revolution in the country will generate immense job opportunities, according to Bijou Kurien, president and chief executive, Reliance Retail. He was addressing a discussion on ‘Retail market – Opportunity for economic revival’, organised by the Malabar Chamber of Commerce in Kozhikode.
He said as far as job openings are concerned, the sector would benefit mostly those who have only school education. Besides, farmers would also reap rich dividends from the procurement strategy of chain stores.
IIM-K assistant professor (marketing) Anandakuttan B Unnithan said the solution for the threat being faced by small-scale traders does not lie in preventing the entry of retail stores. Instead, small traders should adopt business strategies to take on the giants. He said the consumer would stand to benefit from the entry of major houses into retailing.
Meanwhile, traders affiliated to Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi staged a march in front of the Chamber House, in protest against the talk on retail sector given by the Reliance chief executive. “The Samithi members failed to recognise the aforementioned executive from Reliance. Kurien came in a car and strode to the venue in front of them. Later, when the members realised that Kurien had crossed their lakshmana rekha, a few members of the Samithi sneaked into the chamber hall and raised slogans against Reliance,” a reliable source told Indiaretailing.
A strong police force was deployed in front of the Chamber office to avert tension. Samithi Secretary K Hassan Koya’s name was in the list of speakers. However, he did not turn up for the programme. Chamber President P Zakeer said Hassan Koya had agreed to attend the programme as the representatives of traders.
“But, later Hassan Koya informed us that Samithi President Nazirudheen had asked him not to attend the event. The Chamber’s intention was to create an avenue for airing different views on the topic,” Zakeer said.
– Vishnu Rageev R
