Makro Cash & Carry Distribution (M) Sdn. Bhd., would like to respond to the report Penang's sundry shops on the brink of extinction .

Firstly, we would like to highlight that our company name is Makro and not Macro as published.

Secondly, Makro is a 'cash 'n carry' concept wholesaler in Malaysia, which targets local small and medium- sized businesses especially those in the hotel, restaurant and catering (Horeca) segment.

Unlike the hypermarkets which cater to end-users or consumers, as a wholesaler, Makro's target customers are businessmen who buy from us to run their own businesses. Many of our customers shop with us more than once a day to ensure that they can provide their customers with fresh and good quality products.

In short we are supporting the very same small retailers, which was mentioned in your report as on 'the brink of extinction'.

As for the hypermarkets, we are aware that consumers usually do their weekly or monthly shopping there. As for their daily groceries, consumers would run to the nearest sundry shop, as it is more convenient and cost efficient to shop there for the necessary two or three items only. Therefore, there is still a need for the small sundry shops.

On that note, we would like to reiterate that we are a wholesaler whose customers shop with us to enable them to run their own businesses namely, sundry shops, small and medium-sized businesses, those in the Horeca segment and professionals who own small offices.

The writer is the managing director for Makro Cash & Carry Distribution (M) Sdn Bhd .