RED celebrated with fanfare

A decade ago, former MD of Shoppers Stop, Mr. BS Nagesh set up TRRAIN – Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates in India with an aim to be a catalyst for change in the retail industry, with a vision to empower people in retail. TRRAIN strives to bring about immediate and lasting changes in the lives of retail associates in India, both at work and at home. Conceptualised in 2011, every year, December 12th is recognised, globally as Retail Employees’ Day (RED). It’s a day to bring the retail employees (including but not limited to Delivery Boys of E-commerce/food delivery, backend workers, E-commerce and grocery delivery) into focus and thank them for their untiring efforts.

With Retail Employees’ Day the aim is to build pride in the retail community by creating awareness and empathy for their jobs, lives and the significant role they play in the lives of customers. In 2019, this initiative touched over 15 million employees’ lives across countries, engaged maximum customers and crossed 100 million digital footprints on the day itself! This day has truly become a global phenomenon with Turkey, UAE, Philippines, Bangladesh and India celebrating their retailers. Retail Employees’ Day has also garnered the acceptance and recognition of the Indian government, celebrities and influencers in India. TRRAIN believes that Retail Employees’ Day is just a few steps away from becoming an iconic celebration worldwide. This initiative was conceptualised by the Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates of India (TRRAIN) and supported by Retailers Association of India (RAI).

In 2020, RED was a muted affair due to incessant lockdown across India due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Many hundreds of retail employees lost jobs or went on forlough (temporary break without a suspension from work or termination and without pay). However, in 2021, the celebrations across India have reached the pre-pandemic levels, in tune with the sales renaissance across the country, right from the fortnight ahead of Deepavali this year. Many retail chains have been celebrating the day with their employees cutting cakes, wearing ethnic clothes and other forms of contests and celebrations.

12th December is Retail Employees Day. Do take the time to say 'Thank you' to retailers and their employees. Thank that kiraana wala, that barista, that milkman and every retailer who created value for you. Spread stories of good #CustomerService #RetailEmployeesDay #RED2021 pic.twitter.com/hWRCH2R8Z4

— kumar rajagopalan (@kumarraja1) December 11, 2021