Next time you visit CA Market, you can load your heavy shopping bags in a trolley like you do in supermarkets.
CA has become the first block market in Salt Lake to get free shopping carts and though they’ve just started with five, the authoritiesare keen to increase the numberand spread the service to othermarkets.
“The retail business faces stiff competition from online stores, especially after the pandemic forced people to try out the latter,” said Rajesh Chirimar, local councilor and mayor-in-council member in charge of markets. “To draw customers to markets, not only does the infrastructure need to be spruced up but attractions must also be added. The launch of five trolleys today is symbolic of this.”
Chirimar said a market of this size would need 10 to 12 carts and that based on demand and response, more carts would be introduced. “The carts are ready but I need commitment from the market associations to maintain them,” he said.
Convenience first
The carts have been sourced by Joy Pansarri, co-founder of AdMyBinn, the company that has installed more than 300 litter bins in Salt Lake. “The trolleys are of 70l capacity. We had the option of providing larger ones, of 120l, but they would have been tough to push for senior citizens,” he explained.
The trolleys are the standard model one sees at supermarkets, with a large compartment for storage as well as a smaller one that can double as a child seat. There’s also space at the bottom to comfortably hold big packets of wheat or the like. Should the wheels or any part get damaged, Pansarri says they can be replaced.
“Our main concern is about the carts going missing. They should neither get stolen nor captured by vendors and kept inside shops for personal use,” he said.
Arun Roy, secretary of CA Local Market Byabsayee Kalyan Samity, said they were happy being chosen for the launch of the service in the township and that they were keen to maintain it.
“The trolleys will be scattered around the market for customers to pick up and we are instructing our caretaker to ensure they don’t get stolen. He will also keep the carts clean,” said Roy.
While the carts cannot be taken to the first floor, the ground floor has a ramp to move from the grocery to fish, meat and vegetable sections. “We care about customers on wheelchairs and the ramp was originally for them but will now help manoeuvre trolleys.”
Help at hand
Customers were pleasantly surprised with the carts. Sagarika Mitra had come to the market holding a purse, her phone and a watch that needed repair. “Plus, I have more items to buy. With too many things to hold I start dropping some. I’ve come by car but still, how many trips can I make to and fro? A cart would make my shopping experience smoother,” said the senior citizen from AB Block.
Vegetable vendor Biswambar Nath said they have a person to carry heavy bags to customers’ cars, “but during rush hour there are many who seek this service and there can be delays. I’d never thought of trolleys in our market but this could be a good innovation,” said the man whose father has been doing business here since the 70s.
Chirimar, who has been in charge of markets under the corporation for two years, said he was committed to improving their conditions. “Our markets are in need of repairs and work has started at CA and GD Markets and will start soon at Baisakhi, Karunamoyee, AB-AC and EC markets too. As for trolleys, I am keen to launch them in AB-AC and IA markets next but will need to discuss with the local councilors and market committees first.”
IA Market seems eager for the opportunity. “Most customers are elderly and unable to carry heavy purchases. Unless we provide something like trolleys, they could order online and get the items delivered home. Carts would be useful for customers and boost sales,” said Rishiraj Ghosh, president of IA Market traders’ association. “As for maintenance, we have 24 CCTV cameras, security and cleaning staff and so we should have no problem.”