In the history of India’s retail sector, very few names have left as strong an impression as 9 TO 9 Supermarket. Established in 2002 in the heart of Patna, Bihar, 9 TO 9 not only brought about a retail revolution in the state but also emerged as one of the first supermarket concepts in all of India. At a time when the idea of self-service retailing and modern-format supermarkets was still new to most parts of the country, 9 TO 9 introduced a bold and refreshing shopping concept that changed the way customers perceived retail. For Bihar, this was nothing short of historic. The launch of 9 TO 9 at Bandar Bagicha, Patna, marked the state’s very first organised supermarket, giving the people of Bihar a glimpse of globalstyle retail for the very first time. What made 9 TO 9 unique was its vision of combining quality products, transparent pricing, and customer-friendly policies under one roof, a concept that was unheard of in the state before.
When 9 TO 9 first opened its doors, supermarkets were a rarity even in India’s metropolitan cities. Department stores and kirana shops dominated the market, and customers were still unfamiliar with the convenience of modern supermarkets. Into this gap stepped 9 TO 9, introducing not just a store but an entirely new concept that was futuristic for its time. The idea of being able to browse through aisles of well-organised products, pick items freely, and enjoy fixed prices without bargaining felt revolutionary to shoppers in Bihar. It was more than just a store; it was an experience – the kind of experience that gave people a sense of pride and belonging to a new era of retail. Customers felt that they were part of something modern and world-class, and that sentiment continues to echo even today.
From its humble beginnings, 9 TO 9 Supermarket quickly won the confidence of the public and expanded its presence. What started as a single outlet in Patna soon grew into a chain, with stores now spread across Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Gaya. Each outlet reflects the same core values of quality, and customer-first service. The steady expansion of 9 TO 9 is not just a business story but also a story of trust earned from customers. People did not just shop at 9 TO 9 – they returned again and again because they knew the supermarket stood by its promises.
A key reason behind the enduring success of 9 TO 9 is its simple yet powerful motto: the customer is always right. Unlike many traditional retailers, 9 TO 9 adopted a transparent and customer-friendly policy that made shoppers feel valued and respected. Any defective product claimed by customers is taken back without hesitation, and the customer is offered either a replacement or a full refund – whatever they prefer. This commitment to fairness and accountability is rare even today, but in 2002 it was nothing short of revolutionary. This policy has created a bond of deep trust between 9 TO 9 and its shoppers. Customers know that their satisfaction is the highest priority, and this has allowed
the brand to carve out a permanent place in their hearts. Over the years, this very approach has transformed onetime shoppers into loyal, lifelong patrons.
From day one, 9 TO 9 positioned itself as a one-stop destination for a wide variety of needs. The supermarket offers products across categories such as groceries, spices, cosmetics, toiletries, perfumes, crockery, kitchenware, stationery, chocolates, and giftware. Customers can find both daily essentials and premium indulgences under one roof. This combination of variety and convenience has been one of the supermarket’s strongest pillars. Customers no longer had to visit multiple shops scattered across the city; they could simply walk into 9 TO 9 and find everything from authentic branded food products to exclusive imported chocolates in a single visit.
Another cornerstone of 9 TO 9’s philosophy has been its uncompromising commitment to quality. Every product that finds space on its shelves goes through a strict selection process. Whether it’s rice, spices, packaged foods, or personal care products, customers know they are buying only the best and most authentic items available. By ensuring this high level of quality, 9 TO 9 built a reputation that quickly spread by word of mouth. In an era when adulteration and counterfeit products were common in local markets, this emphasis on purity, safety, and authenticity became a game-changer.
More than a supermarket, 9 TO 9 has evolved into a community hub. Families shop together, neighbors meet, and customers often run into familiar faces in its aisles. For many, a visit to 9 TO 9 is not just a shopping trip but also an outing that brings people closer. The brand has been quick to respond to customer feedback, introducing new product lines and enhancing store layouts to meet changing demands. This sense of listening and adapting to the community has helped it stay relevant and loved across generations.
While most retailers in India focus on offering discounts only during festive seasons, 9 TO 9 chose a different path. Instead of limiting value to certain occasions, it built its reputation on delivering consistent quality and trust. The supermarket ensures customers get access to premium, well-packaged groceries and branded products that are often rare to find in regular stores, sometimes even considered a matter of luck to spot. This unique approach has made shopping at 9 TO 9 not just convenient but also special, where people associate the brand with honesty, exclusivity, and superior quality.
9 TO 9 has also played an important role in women’s empowerment. Women form a vital part of the supermarket’s operations, from production and packaging to store management. By creating dignified job opportunities and fostering inclusivity, 9 TO 9 has contributed to strengthening household incomes and uplifting communities. This empowerment has not only supported families but also ensured smooth, efficient operations where women play leading roles.
As Bihar’s first supermarket and one of India’s earliest organised retail stores, 9 TO 9 has consistently introduced global retail practices to local customers. From store design to customer service, it brought an entirely new shopping culture to Bihar. Even today, the supermarket continues to blend modernity with cultural sensitivity, ensuring that while the shopping environment feels global, it remains rooted in local needs.
Two decades later, 9 TO 9 stands tall as a symbol of organised retail in Bihar. Its journey from one small outlet to multiple modern stores across cities reflects not just growth but also a deep bond with its customers. Looking ahead, 9 TO 9 aims to evolve as a lifestyle partner rather than just a supermarket. Plans for adopting smarter retail technologies, improving online shopping experiences, and further diversifying product categories are already underway. Yet, the personal touch and customer-first philosophy will always remain its guiding light.
The story of 9 TO 9 is more than a business journey; it is a story of innovation, courage, and customer love. As one of the first supermarket concepts in India and the very first in Bihar, it
redefined shopping at a time when such a format was completely new. By keeping its promise of quality, trust and customer satisfaction through fair return and refund policies, 9 TO 9 has become more than just a store – it has become a trusted companion in the everyday lives of its customers. As it continues to grow, 9 TO 9 carries with it the trust, loyalty, and affection of millions, ensuring that the supermarket’s legacy as a pioneer will shine brightly for decades to come.
