Concern and optimism in the air

The decision by the government to open Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail and other sectors has evoked mixed responses from people.

Though there is a sense of concern among small retailers, they feel that their regular customers will always be there and there is nothing to fear.The news still has to sink in for small grocery and vegetable vendors who are thinking of an alternative plan to avoid running into losses.

Santosh, a fruit-shop owner on Nandidurga Road, says that he is not worried
about foreign retail chains coming in.

“I don’t think they can dominate the market. There are supermarkets in the City even now. Customers, who are used to going to the supermarkets will continue
shopping there, but our regular customers will continue to come to our shops,” he says.

Some people, however, say that the government has made a good decision as it is the need of the hour. “This has definitely boosted the markets and is much needed to balance the economy.

Those who oppose it must realise that co-existence is possible and supermarkets and small vendors can exist side-by-side. People, who are used to these small shops, might visit supermarkets once or twice but they will continue to buy from those shops where they have been shopping for years,” says Karthick, a senior citizen.

Many small grocery shopkeepers fear that they might incur losses as bigger stores like Walmart attract customers by offering them discounts and free offers. “We can’t match up to them. If they offer customers free gifts and lower their prices, the customer will definitely visit them more often. We can’t afford to do all these fancy things.

The government should have thought about the small traders. Will they provide usemployment if our shops shut down?” asks Anjum, who owns a grocery store in Ejipura.There are Bangaloreans who feel that opening the retail markets for foreign investors is a good idea as they will be able to enjoy products from across the world at a cheaper price.

“If Walmart or German supermarkets come to our City, it will mean better
options for us as consumers. It also means more employment for the youth and better choices for the farmers.

We will get fresh produce at better prices as there will be no middlemen involved in it.
I think it is a win-win situation for consumers as well as
producers,” says Kavitha S, a homemaker.

While some retail shop owners are panicking, others say it will not affect them much.
They say that as soon as the curiosity of the customers dies down, they will return to their shops and business will not be hampered.