JAKARTA (April 30, 2023) - Empowerment to Beneficiary Families (KPM) through the Archipelago Economic Hero Program (PENA) continued to be intensified by the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini. Through PENA TV which was scheduled every weekend, the Minister of Social Affairs and her staff were tireless in arousing the entrepreneurial spirit of KPM.

In PENA TV broadcasted via PENA YouTube channel, Facebook and Zoom Meeting, Saturday afternoon (29/4), the Minister of Social Affairs, in particular, highlighted the basic food trade sector which was dominated by modern retail shops, making it difficult for KPM's self-managed grocery/groceries shops to compete.

“Today, I requested specifically to talk about the grocery store trade. In theory, we (KPM's grocery store business) should be more able to compete with modern retail shops," said the Minister of Social Affairs to the KPMs who were connected virtually, Saturday (29/4).

Risma thought that KPM's simple grocery store could be superior in terms of efficiency and affordability by the local community compared to modern retail shops.

"In terms of service, self-managed shops (owned by KPM) do not require shopkeepers, so that buyers can interact and be served directly by sellers. Then, the KPM shop is also definitely located in the village area, so it's easier to reach the neighbors, especially at certain hours," she said.

However, she regretted that this kind of self-managed shop had not properly well-explored its potential, so that it was unable to compete. For this reason, she asked KPM recipients of PENA program assistance with a grocery store business to pay attention on four things to be competitive.

“First, serve customers in a friendly manner. Don't serve customers with a grumpy face, even if they shop early in the morning or even late at night. Even though it could be, he/she opened the door of fortune for us," she said.

When the seller was friendly, she continued, the seller left a good impression on the buyer who will bring him/her back to the same place to shop. In modern retail stores, customers were provided with the best service. Buyers were greeted, given a smile, and served well because of their principle, the buyer is king.

“Second, try to look attractive, even if only to serve customers. Because in general, the shop is attached to the house, we often dress casually. This often makes buyers reluctant to come again, so start dressing neatly," said Risma.

According to the former number one person in Surabaya, the seller's neat and attractive appearance indirectly became the main attraction and influences the number of buyers who come to shop.

"Third, spatial and goods management. We often arrange items randomly, just as long as we want, so when a buyer came looking for something, we were also confused, looking for where to put it," she said.

Then, Risma emphasized to KPM to diligently maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of the store, including the arrangement of goods, so that it looked neat, clean and bright.

"If the place is good, neatly arranged, buyers will also be comfortable shopping at our place. So, take the time to organize your items and be diligent in cleaning when there are dirty rooms or items in our store," said Risma firmly.

The last thing was bookkeeping or financial records. “It is important to know the details of income and expenses every day. This is also important to protect you from behaving consumptively," said Risma.

Risma revealed, usually, when the income was greater, the profits were immediately spent on things that were not necessary. Because of that, she always warned KPM to preserve the culture of saving.

“Save the profit savings for future children's needs or other urgent/unforeseen needs. So, at least, we have savings from trade results," said Risma.

On PENA TV's agenda, on Saturday (29/4), the Retailer Coach from Sampoerna Retail Community (SRC), Muhammad Yusron, joined in guiding grocery store operators. In this case, Yusron conveyed a strategy to deal with competition with modern retail stores which were packaged under the theme "Competitive and Growing Grocery Stores".

These strategies ranged from tips and tricks to make customers feel at home shopping at stores, to utilizing digital technology (ordering and paying for goods through applications). This strategy reinforced the tips previously shared by Minister of Social Affairs Risma.

SRC, which was committed to assisting MoSA in developing KPM PENA business, encouraged them to be open to change, so that the business could compete, developed and had an impact on income, even the business would be passed on to their children/descendants.

Public Relations Bureau
Ministry of Social Affairs RI