Officials of Big Bazaar clarified today that reports about it being “on the verge of a total shutdown” were “totally wrong.”
Following the closure of Big Bazaar for a day on January 11, a YouTube video made on a mobile phone camera claimed on Friday night that the retail chain’s mall in Dimapur, Nagaland, is “on the verge of a total shutdown due to illegal taxations…” Similar messages were circulated on social media platform, WhatsApp.
The closure created considerable confusion among Dimapur citizens. “Alongside customers, even the police landed up to enquire why we were closed,” a staff member of Big Bazaar said.
“There seems to be a misunderstanding regarding the closure,” clarified a senior official of Big Bazaar in Dimapur wishing to remain anonymous.
“One of the Naga political groups asked us to explain why we were open for business on Christmas Day (December 25) in 2018. We had to remain shut on January 11 to give an explanation to them about the same,” said the official, choosing not to name the group in question.
According to the group, stated the official, “This is a Christian State so shops should remain closed on Christmas.”
In Big Bazaar’s defense, the official argued, “We had no prior notice from the group to remain closed on Christmas day. We had already stocked up on Christmas cakes and gifts which had to be sold on the day.”
“We also explained to them that Big Bazaar in Dimapur currently has 170 employees of which 110 are Naga youth which is a big boost to the Naga economy.”
The group “understood” the point, acknowledged the official, which led to an amicable settlement. As a result, Big Bazaar is now open for business.
“Big Bazaar will not shut down. In fact, we plan to expand our work in Dimapur with Brand Factory set to open in the city soon,” informed the official.
Big Bazaar and Brand Factory are retail store chains operated by the Future Group, a conglomerate founded by Kishore Biyani and headquartered in Mumbai. Founded in 2001, Big Bazaar is said to be “one of the oldest hypermarkets chains in India, housing about 250+ stores in over 120 cities and towns across the country.” (Morung Express)