Shwapno recruits 300 staff amid Covid-19 pandemic

Shwapno, a retail super shop, has employed around 300 people during the time of the novel coronavirus outbreak to serve its increased number of customers in various outlets, distribution centre, and support offices in different positions as its sale increased by 50 percent when Covid-19 is eating into sales of almost all industries, not only in Bangladesh but globally as well.

Of the new recruits, who have been appointed since March this year, 166 persons are dream attendants (Customer Service Assistant), 37 are checkout assistants, 16 are prep chefs, 24 are back store crew or organisers, 18 are front store crew, 35 are pickers and 12 are for others positions, reads a statement by ACI Logistics Limited (Shwapno).

Sabbir Hasan Nasir, executive director of Shwapno, told The Business Standard, "It is our big gratification that we can generate employment when big industries are thinking of cutting staff not only in our country but also around the world."

"We have also recruited 11 third-gender members as the community has suffered tremendously in this crisis. We have also provided jobs to a rickshaw-puller who was struggling to maintain his family without any income," he added.

Shwapno is also working hand in hand with farmers remote areas, including from ethnic groups, to source produces directly from them so that they get a fair price.

Sabbir Hasan Nasir said, "When this pandemic started, many people approached us for donation and financial help. Shwapno has a strong value system and we strive to help others materialise their dreams. This pandemic has now become a struggle for survival and we want to stand by the country's people in these trying times."

He also said, "We do not encourage donation or temporary help. Rather, we want to create employment and make people self-reliant. At Shwapno, we believe this approach is more sustainable as we do not know how long this pandemic will continue."

Since 2008, Shwapno has been providing customers with fresh produce, local and imported household needs, as well as an exquisite range of fashions, home accessories, appliances, and more.

Its monthly transaction in more than 131 outlets has now increased to 10 lakh. Before Covid-19 hit the country, Shwapno had around 3,000 staff.