The focus on supermarket chains has increased during the lockdown. This is because the sales of these chains have increased. People are shopping for important things in lockdown. Many people have made purchases for the next few months.
There is also pressure on companies to maintain stock of essential commodities. They also have to take care of the rules of social distancing. Neville Noronha, CEO of D-Mart operator company, Avenue Supermarts, says major retailers have sufficient stock of essentials. Noronha said, “There is no shortage of food grains like rice, pulses. But processed and packaged food is getting scarce. We are confident that the supply will be resume by the major FMCG companies, so that the situation can become normal.” DMART is the most valuable supermarket chain in the country.
The company said that state governments should also come to help in the event of crisis. He said, “The movement of essential items has been much better than in the last few days. Some states have given extra time for shopping. This has made social distancing easier to follow.”
Noronha said, “We have introduced a token system to limit the number of customers in the company’s stores. We monitor the temperature of all employees and customers prior to entry. All are giving hand sanitizers to clean hands. “He told that without the mask, no one has any entry to the customer or the staff. The entire cleanliness precaution is being taken. Employees are periodically washing their hands with soap. Home delivery is also being done to reach more people.
E-commerce and home delivery is a segment where the company is being very vigilant. The company’s rivals Big Basket, Growers and Amazon (Pantry) are far ahead. The company has started bulk delivery to increase access to housing complexes.
