250% Surge in Consumer Demand During 12-Day War

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Specialized Basij Unit for the National Chain Stores Union on Sunday, November 23, 2025, Qasem Nodeh Farahani emphasized that the launch of the specialized Basij coinciding with the anniversary of the martyrdom of Hazrat Fatemeh was seen as a positive sign.

Nodeh Farahani explained that most guild unions across Iran host Basij branches whose members are drawn from the business community. He added that establishing a Basij unit for chain stores will strengthen coordination between retailers and guilds.

Referring to the resilience of retailers during the 12-day conflict, he revealed that “consumer purchases increased by 200% to 250% during the war.” He stressed that one of the enemies’ goals was to empty store shelves, since warehouses and supply centers can be monitored, but household stockpiling cannot be controlled.

He stated that ensuring fully stocked store shelves is the only way to prevent panic buying. “Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of guilds, chain stores, and retailers across the country, this did not happen,” he said.

Nodeh Farahani also addressed concerns regarding access to flour and bread in northern provinces during the conflict. He reported that, as travel to northern regions increased a few days after the outbreak of war, flour distribution to bakeries in Gilan, Mazandaran, and other cities was expanded through coordination between the Shahid Salami Command Center and the Ministry of Interior, preventing shortages. He described this as a sign of “unity, cooperation, and coordination.”

He concluded by acknowledging inflation but emphasized that commodity supply has remained stable: “Yes, there is inflation in the country, and we cannot deny that. But we are grateful that we have no shortages—that in itself is a blessing.”

At the same event, Mohammad Ali Khorasani, the newly appointed head of the National Chain Stores Union, emphasized that the main goal of chain store retailers during the 12-day war was to ensure public calm through solidarity and service continuity.

He stressed that Basij is not merely an organization but “a mindset and a management approach rooted in responsibility, expertise, commitment, and service.” In the retail sector, he added, Basij can act as a driving force for progress.

Khorasani noted that chain stores account for 15% of the national retail market and therefore have major influence both in supplying goods and stabilizing distribution. He stated that full shelves in these stores have provided reassurance for the public.

He also highlighted the sector’s resilience, explaining that chain stores can maintain stock for one to three months for certain goods. For this reason, he said, stores were ordered to remain open throughout the conflict.

“On the very first day of the war, June 13, we issued a directive to all members prohibiting any closures,” Khorasani said, adding that stores were also instructed not to cancel sales discounts offered before the conflict. Essential items were prioritized, and this policy was successfully carried out.