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A venture with a difference

New experience: Customers shopping at the newly opened shop in Ellapillaichavady.

PUDUCHERRY: It is a small but unique venture. As many 138 women residing in various parts of Ellapillaichavdy, a semi-urban pocket near the town, have rallied under the ‘Thozhiar Magalir Manram’, a common platform, to start a cost price shop by pooling in their resources.

These women, associated with 13 self-help groups (SHGs), have contributed Rs. 1,000 each to set up the shop, which has several household items for sale.

According to Rajalakshmi, a member of the manram, the plan is to sell both branded items and products of SHGs through the shop.

“The products will be sold at a reduced price. We will also deliver the items at home on demand.” she said. In a true spirit of collectivism and sharing of responsibilities, the members have decided to work on a shift basis.

“Ours is a realistic approach. We are not hoping for any immediate returns. In another five years, we are planning to invest the returns to start a wholesale stationary shop,” she said.

To ensure that regular customers visit the shop, the members have launched a door-to-door publicity campaign in Ellapillaichavady. They also believe that the development of new residential areas, including Thanthai Periyar Nagar, Sarathambal Nagar and Shringeri Nagar, in the locality could fetch them regular customers.

“Since we have committed members, the thrust will be on door delivery of goods. This would help us to get regular customers,” she said.

The local MLA R. Viswanathan, who inaugurated the shop on Friday, commended the efforts made by the women.

“Normally, all the ventures of SHGs are funded by financial agencies, but these women have invested their own money,” he said.

Officials of Indian Bank and Corporation Bank were present on the occasion. The two banks have financed some of the other ventures of the SHGs in Ellapillaichavady.

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