New Delhi,September 2020.

METRO Cash & Carry, India’s largest modern wholesaler and food specialist is introducing slew of digital solutions for small and medium businesses with its fifth edition of Own Business Day (OBD); a special day celebrated on second Tuesday of October every year (13^th October). The registrations have already been opened for all independent ‘own businesses’ to participate.As part of the initiative, the company is helping small businesses& kiranasto list their business on google to augment their business visibility, revenue and footfalls. Apart from rolling out special offers for the kiranas to stay agile in the upcoming festive season, kiranasare also being incentivized for ordering on METRO’s e-commerce app, which also includes free delivery on select days.

This year, the celebration is also to laud the efforts of the resilient kiranas and small, medium businesses whohave been fighting to sustain operations and combat the adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic.To drive festive cheer, METRO is inviting participation from Kirana stores and other small and medium business owners across the country. Businesses can either register onhttps://www.metro.co.in/own-business-day-2020or visit the nearest METRO wholesale stores.

In preparation of the upcoming festive season, METRO has partnered with its supplier partners to provide ‘special’ discounts to kiranas and small, medium businesses who can then choose to pass on the ‘special’ offers to their end customers. The entire initiative is aimed at driving more footfalls, enhance customer base and revenue stream for business owners, especially during the festivities. In addition to this, METRO is also encouraging its workforce to participate in the Own Business Day celebration by asking them support their favorite Kirana store that enriches their life every-day and gifting INR 1500 to each employee to shop at any Kirana stores registered with METRO.

Speaking about Own Business Day, Mr. Arvind Mediratta, MD & CEO, METRO Cash & Carry India said, “We have always been vocal about empowering small businesses and kiranas with digital solutions and have promoted technology-enabled inclusive growth for them. COVID-19 crisis has led to dramatic shifts in consumer behavior, and own businesses today needs to be more forthcoming in embracing technology. Continuing our efforts to acknowledge and empower them, we have outlined a special program that would help in seamless adoption and execution of smart technology by these kiranas& independent businesses.”

He further added, “Over the last 17 years in India, we have been part of several success stories of small and medium businesses, and seen them evolve. Covid-19 pandemic is posing as a major threat to the survival of small businesses& MSMEs who are struggling with low demand, liquidity crunch and a general sense of uncertainty. In these unprecedented times, it is important to praise and recognize the effort of these independent businesses. ‘Own Business Day’ is our endeavor to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of the country.”

The special day reiterates METRO’s mission of being ‘Champion for Independent Business’, and is part of METRO’s global campaign to celebrate & contribute to the growth of independent businesses and foster their business visibility to build a stronger network.

To highlight importance of ‘own businesses to the local economy and to create new opportunities for them; METRO Cash & Carry had launched Own Business Day (OBD) in 2015. OBD will be celebrated on 13^th October (second Tuesday of October) as a tribute to business owners in all the countries where METRO operates.OBD offers business customers various tools and digital solutions to enhance businesses' visibility, particularly online, and garner more customer loyalty and footfalls.