RiG (acronym for Rad i Gradnja; English: Work and Construction) is a major private hardware and home improvement retailer in the Divine Republic of Kresimiria. Headquartered in Varazdinske, it is the nation’s second-largest retailer of hard goods, trailing only the state-owned NaroMart.
RiG occupies a specific market position as the “Professional’s Choice.” While NaroMart supplies cheap, state-subsidized tools and materials to the general public, RiG specializes in high-quality, durable equipment, much of it imported from the Kingdom of Kruhlstutt or Kaskiv. Consequently, it is the preferred supplier for private contractors, tradesmen, and the wealthier demographic of the western districts.
History
Foundation (1994)
The company was founded in 1994 by Tibor Vanc, a former site manager for GradnjaMC. Frustrated by the poor quality of the “Standard Issue” tools produced by state foundries during the Sanjakorin era, Vanc saw an opening in the market for premium equipment.
Utilizing the relaxed import regulations that followed the economic stagnation of the early 90s, Vanc opened the first “Rad i Gradnja” warehouse in the light-industrial zone of Varazdinske. The store initially catered solely to professional builders who required tools that would not break under heavy use.
The Import Boom (2000s)
The election of Stoyan Vasilis and the subsequent economic liberalization of the 2000s allowed RiG to expand rapidly. Tariffs on foreign steel and electronics were lowered, allowing RiG to stock top-tier foreign brands that were unavailable in NaroMart.
The company’s expansion into a national giant was catalyzed by the 2006 Import Tariff Revision Act. The slashing of duties on foreign hardware allowed RiG to import premium tools at competitive prices, giving it a decisive quality advantage over the state-subsidized goods found in NaroMart.
By 2010, RiG had established “Superstores” in the suburbs of every major city, capitalizing on the construction boom in Kromine and the renovation of the “New Zone” in Sprodvice.
Operations
RiG stores are distinct from the drab, utilitarian aesthetic of NaroMart. They are typically large, warehouse-style buildings painted in the company’s signature orange and grey.
Product Lines
- Tools: RiG is the exclusive licensed distributor for several prestigious foreign tool brands. This makes them indispensable for mechanics and engineers who work outside the Otonik Ordnance supply chain.
- Materials: While GradnjaMC dominates the supply of concrete and steel for government projects, RiG supplies the timber, glass, and fixtures for private home construction.
- The “Black Card”: A membership program for verified tradesmen that offers bulk discounts. Possession of a RiG Black Card is considered a status symbol among the working class, distinguishing a “master craftsman” from a “state laborer.”
Political Influence
As a major importer, RiG acts as a powerful lobbyist against protectionism.
- Trade Tariffs: The company frequently clashes with the Council for Growth over import duties. RiG is a significant donor to the Civic Renewal Front (CRF), supporting their platform of free trade.
- Rivalry with NaroMart: RiG executives argue that NaroMart’s state subsidies constitute unfair competition. In 2018, RiG launched an advertising campaign with the slogan “Build It Once,” subtly implying that state-bought tools break immediately.
Controversies
The “Grey Market” Allegations
In 2016, the CIA and the Council for Growth investigated RiG for allegedly bypassing customs checks to import restricted electronic components used in smart-home systems. The investigation was dropped after the company agreed to pay a substantial “administrative fee,” leading to rumors of corruption.
Labor Practices
While RiG pays higher wages than NaroMart, it is staunchly anti-union. The company has successfully resisted attempts by SZNO to organize its warehouse staff, often by hiring private security firms to “monitor” workforce productivity.