These shops in Nagaland have no shopkeepers

DIMAPUR — A growing number of residents in Bade village, Chümoukedima, are embracing the concept of unattended shops, relying on a shared sense of trust within the community.

While vegetable vendors are common, self-service shops where customers select produce and leave payment in a designated box are becoming increasingly popular.

The system is simple: Fruits and vegetables sourced from home gardens and backyards are displayed with prices clearly marked on bits of paper, small rocks and wooden slats. Customers choose their desired items and leave the corresponding payment in a locked box provided.

This approach, also practiced in other parts of the state, offers convenience for both shoppers and sellers, eliminating the need for constant staffing and allowing shop owners to tend to other tasks.

For 81-year-old Shevotso H Keyho, the self-service shop is a perfect fit.

“It is comforting because we don't wait for customers all day; we can do household chores, go for a stroll, or attend church services without restrictions,” he said.

Inspired by a similar system in Phek district, Keyho only sells organic produce and places his trust in the community to respect the honour-based system.

Every day, assisted by his wife, he stocks banana chips and a variety of bananas from their backyard, totalling 9-10 different types. He emphasises the simplicity of this system -- fixed rates are clearly displayed, and a box is provided for customers to leave payment. There is no room for bargaining.

He has a clear message for potential thieves- if they wish to steal, they may, but it is they who will suffer loss.

“As I am old now, I have chosen to focus on this modest self-service vending approach,” Keyho shared, adding that they aim to expand this venture. It allows them to avoid waiting and utilise their time in the fields, returning in the evening to collect payments. “It is quite reassuring,” he added.

Wekulo Kapfo started the self-service shop last year. Together with his wife, he begins stocking vegetables and fruits each morning between 4 and 5 am. They monitor the inventory throughout the day, replenishing any items that have been sold to make sure that the freshness remains for their customers.

The 40-year-old also sells for his neighbours upon request, resulting in a diverse assortment, as the neighbours also contribute produce from their backyards. He describes it as a form of mutual aid.

Daily earnings fluctuate for Kapfo, ranging from INR 500 to INR 2000 on good days. “When we first started, we felt as if the money in the box was less than what we had priced everything at,” he recalled. “However, there were also times when we had items priced lower, but received more money.”

He attributed this to the fact that customers may sometimes be short on cash or exact change and plan to pay later.

Nevertheless, this system maintains a balance of trust and he intends to continue operating his unattended shop, relying on this approach.

Vehukholu Tetseo, who has been running a traditional vegetable stand for six years, adopted the self-service model about a week ago. Instead of waiting all day for customers, she now keeps a money box alongside bananas, papayas and vegetables from her backyard.

“In the past, we often had surplus vegetables at home, resulting in many leftovers. It seemed wasteful to discard them, so we began selling them using a small table as our initial setup,” she said.

The unsold vegetables and fruits are covered with a cloth and kept overnight to be sold the next day, she added.

A customer, who was spotted buying a bunch of bananas, noted the convenience of having vegetables and fruits available while the shopkeepers go about their day.

‘It is convenient, especially for those with young children to care for,’ he said.

“On the downside, we can't haggle for the items here. But theft is not a concern in this area; honesty seems to be the norm, evident from the numerous shops along this stretch,” he opined while expressing gratefulness for the freshness of the locally grown produce.