The invisible hands in the superstores

The city is awake. Two pairs of hands are stacking a pile of shampoo bottles on the shelves like automated machines. They still have the conditioners and hair treatment products to shelf.  Both Jasmine and Mita have been restocking the shelves since morning. Customers will start to come in any moment and they still have two more product lines to finish stacking. This is one of the most common scenarios in the city's busiest super shops, where active university students like Jasmine and Mita work as dedicated part-time employees. Starting from inventory management to accounts, almost everything is managed by these young female employees.

Today the superstore industry is booming. Customers are attracted to the idea of purchasing everything they need from one single stop, as opposed to buying from markets all over town. As it saves them the time and the hassle spent stuck in traffic, superstores are one of the favourite destinations for a month's grocery shopping. To grab the attention of customers, these stores are also trying to provide top-notch services. Young female employees like Jasmine and Mita play an essential role here.

Jasmine works part-time in one of the biggest retail superstores in the country. She is also a BBA student majoring in marketing. Jasmine recalls, “I always wanted to work beside my studies to enrich my experience. The supermarket industry gave me this job opportunity. This is something that I can mention in my CV as well as something that covers most of my personal expenses. I get hands-on experience in marketing, logistics, supply chain management and accounting, which helps a lot in my studies.” Jasmine also enjoys providing services to the customers. A customer's happy face delights her the most.

Afroza, an accounting major from a reputed university, works in one of the busiest superstore outlets in Dhanmondi area. She started working in the industry back in 2011, and after graduating was appointed as a full-timer. Currently Afroza is handling the accounts.  “I started work here from my second year of university,” says Afroza, “Previously private tuition was the only part-time option for girls like us. But this industry opened up new opportunities. The management was also impressed with my performance and offered me a full-time position in a safer working environment with benefits.”

Maliha, a shop assistant in the same outlet, also says with a smile on her face, “I enjoy helping out the customers. This is my first job as a part-timer and I am enjoying it. Not a single moment is boring. This is like facing a challenge every minute. From placing the products to directing customers to their desired products, you have to respond swiftly.” These young female employees are motivated to provide the best service to their valued customers as that is key to expressing their sincerity.

Most of the superstores are now situated in the capital. Most outlets belong to Shwapno followed by Meena Bazar, Agora and Nandan. There are more than 700 female employees working in these chain stores relentlessly. Most of them are college or university students and recent graduates. As this industry has proved to provide a gender-friendly working environment, girls are now willing to pursue a career in this industry.

In this regard, Sabbir Hasan Nasir, CEO of Shwapno, the biggest superstore chain in the country says, “We should not discriminate between men and women in the workplace. We should value them equally. And this practice is not only applicable for the world, but also for our organisation as we thrive to improve every day.”