Giant Margo City Closed, Hero Management: Want To Open Again In Another Place

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Hero Supermarket)

JAKARTA - Giant supermarket outlets in Margo City shopping center, Depok, West Java, have not been able to withstand the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic. The retail business owned by PT Hero Supermarket Tbk is rumored to be permanently closed as of March 2021.

Head of Corporate and Consumer Affairs of PT Hero Supermarket Tbk, Dicky Risbianto, said that the closure of the Giant supermarket in Margo City was because buyers were quiet, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially since the strict restrictions were re-imposed in early 2021.

According to Dicky, the food retail industry in Indonesia has recently been greatly influenced by market conditions and the pandemic that has continued to this day. These factors have also contributed to changes in the shopping behavior of customers in retail stores. Because of this, management decided to close the shop permanently.

"Currently, we have decided to close shop in a hypermarket format in the mall, in this case Giant Margo City," he said, when confirmed by VOI, Tuesday, February 2.

When asked about the total Giant outlets that had been closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dicky was reluctant to reveal it. However, he stressed that his party was carrying out a business transformation.

"As announced, we are carrying out a business transformation. This means there is shop closure. But it also means that other stores are being redesigned and renovated, all of which will lead to more sustainable and stronger businesses in the future," he explained.

With regard to employees who will be dismissed, Dicky ensures that they receive their rights in accordance with Law Number 13 of 2003 concerning Manpower, which acts according to applicable laws and regulations.

"We have communicated clearly with all employees and so far we have worked hard to smooth the transition as best as possible and treat all fairly and respectfully," he said.

As an illustration, this is not the first time Hero has decided to close its business line. In fact, the closure had happened long before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the country.

In July 2019, Hero was found to have closed 6 of their Giant outlets. The low purchasing power of the people at that time, so this was because these outlets had to go out of business.