NaroMart (short for Narodni Market; English: National Market) is the state-owned retail chain of the Divine Republic of Kresimiria. It operates a vast network of supermarkets and general stores in every federal district, serving as the primary distribution point for price-controlled goods produced by the state.
Established in 1974 by Ante Brov’s Blue Dawn government under the Food Security Act to combat inflation, NaroMart is a cornerstone of the “Statist-Labor” economic model championed by Blue Dawn. It guarantees affordable access to essential items, most notably the subsidized bread produced by the National Grain Trust (NGT).
While criticized by the Civic Renewal Front (CRF) for its limited selection, utilitarian atmosphere, and bureaucratic inefficiency, NaroMart remains a vital lifeline for the working class and pensioners, particularly in the rural north and the impoverished south. It competes fiercely with a growing sector of private retailers, representing the ideological clash between the state-run economy and the free market.
History
Foundation (1974)
The chain was founded in 1974 under the administration of Ante Brov. Facing rising global food prices, Brov passed the Food Security Act, establishing a network of “National Distribution Centers” to sell flour, oil, and salt at fixed rates. Originally simple warehouses, these centers evolved into retail stores.
The Sanjakorin Expansion (1980s–1990s)
The modern NaroMart took shape under Ljubo Sanjakorin. Following the 1988 State Enterprise Act, Sanjakorin aggressively expanded the chain’s inventory to include clothing from nationalized textile mills and tools from state foundries.
Sanjakorin viewed NaroMart as a political weapon against private capital. By flooding the market with cheap, state-subsidized goods, he aimed to undercut the profit margins of private merchants. During the 1990s, the “Blue Stripe” packaging (the generic branding of NaroMart goods) became a ubiquitous symbol of Kresimirian life.
Modernization (2010s–Present)
Under Ari Stov, NaroMart has attempted to shed its grim, Soviet-style reputation. Stores in Sinj have been renovated, and the chain was the first to fully integrate KresiX payments. However, in peripheral districts like Viskogorje, the stores remain largely unchanged from the 1980s.
Operations and Products
NaroMart operates on a “no-profit” mandate, subsidized by the Council for Growth.
- The State Loaf: NaroMart is the exclusive retailer of the standard NGT loaf (Drzavni Kruh). Sold for a nominal fee, it is the staple food of the Kresimirian poor.
- Textiles: The “Narodna” clothing line offers durable, simple garments (grey wool coats, blue work shirts). While unfashionable, they are virtually indestructible.
- District X: In Moraviskameja, NaroMart stores are heavily fortified. They often serve as distribution points for government aid, leading to accusations from the BLF that the state uses food access as a tool of political coercion.
Competition: The Private Sector
Since the economic liberalization of the 2000s, NaroMart has faced stiff competition from private chains that offer better variety, customer service, and branding, appealing to the middle class.
Food & Grocery
- Kasa24: A ubiquitous chain of 24-hour convenience stores popular with students and night-shift workers. Known for selling foreign snacks and alcohol.
- Kod Marka: A mid-range supermarket chain that emphasizes customer service.
- Jabuka: A high-end organic grocer popular in the “New East” of Kromine and the wealthy boroughs of Sinj.
Clothing & Fashion
- Vez & Netche: A fast-fashion retailer that copies international trends. It is the preferred brand for the youth, who view NaroMart clothes as “peasant wear.”
- Oblikav: A trendy streetwear brand based in Novi Otonik.
- Kamen Bela: A luxury outdoor brand popular in the ski resorts of Lipovljana.
Home & Hardware
- Seltovo: A massive big-box retailer selling furniture and electronics.
- RiG: A hardware chain that competes with NaroMart’s tool section. RiG is noted for stocking higher-quality, imported equipment preferred by professional contractors.
Cultural Impact
NaroMart is a frequent subject of Kresimirian humor. The Early Bird Chronicle often features cartoons depicting NaroMart shelves stocked only with “pickled turnips and despair.”
Conversely, the chain commands a deep loyalty among Blue Dawn’s base. For many older citizens, the “Blue Stripe” brand represents the state fulfilling its duty to care for the people. During economic downturns, foot traffic at NaroMart spikes as citizens abandon private retailers for the safety of price controls.