D-Mart, launched in 2002, has rapidly grown into one of India’s most trusted retail chains, offering everything from daily essentials to household goods at low prices and becoming an integral part of the common man’s budget.
D-Mart consistently offers discounted prices to its customers. The bulk purchasing and sales of frequently bought essential items have reduced costs and facilitated D-Mart’s business expansion.
However, this growth has adversely affected the livelihood of small traders. Street-side shops and supermarkets are struggling to compete with companies like D-Mart. With affordable products readily available in one place, customers have begun to overlook small shops, directly impacting the income of small traders.
In response to this situation, the Tamil Nadu Trade Unions have organised a “D-Mart blockade protest” on August 30 in Vayalur, Tiruchirappalli. Thousands of traders are expected to participate in this protest, which will commence at 10.30 am. This protest is crucial for protecting the livelihood of small traders and raising their voices against the dominance of companies like D-Mart.
With the slogan “Come! Let’s unite!! Let’s win!!!”, this protest aims to bring the concerns of small traders to the attention of the government and the public. While D-Mart’s development has benefited the public, traders argue that it has destroyed the livelihood of thousands of small traders.
