12 Bhatbhateni Stores destroyed, 9 looted in Gen-Z unrest

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s largest retail chain, Bhatbhateni Supermarket, has suffered unprecedented destruction as anarchic groups operating in the name of the Gen-Z movement set fire to 12 of its stores and looted 9 more across the country on September 9.

According to Chief Operating Officer Panu Paudel, the fire raged for hours without being controlled, leaving 12 Bhatbhateni buildings completely gutted and in need of total reconstruction. In addition, nine outlets were looted, while seven branches narrowly escaped damage.

Preliminary estimates suggest losses amounting to billions of rupees, though officials said the full scale of damage from vandalism, arson, and looting is still being assessed.

Symbolic Target of Consumer Culture

Bhatbhateni, long regarded as Nepal’s largest retailer and a popular shopping destination for the Gen-Z generation itself, ironically became the target of violent mobs rallying under the same banner. The attack has shocked consumers, business leaders, and investors alike.

Paudel confirmed that detailed loss assessments are underway, adding that the destruction is not only material but also psychological, as it has shaken public trust in safety and security of businesses in Kathmandu and beyond.

Blow to Nepal’s Retail Sector

The incident marks a severe setback for Nepal’s retail and consumer economy. Bhatbhateni Supermarket, which employs thousands across its nationwide outlets, plays a vital role in supplying goods to households and creating jobs.

Business experts warn that such violent attacks on a flagship retailer could discourage international brands and investors from considering Nepal as a secure market. The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has repeatedly highlighted that unchecked vandalism and political instability are among the greatest threats to Nepal’s investment climate.

Loss of Consumer Confidence

With billions in property damage and inventories destroyed, consumer confidence is expected to take a sharp hit. Retail experts fear shortages, disrupted supply chains, and rising prices in essential goods. The broader economic impact could ripple into wholesale markets, logistics, and small suppliers that depend on Bhatbhateni’s retail network.

Despite curfews and security deployments in the Kathmandu Valley, mobs managed to vandalize and burn private property unchecked for hours. Business leaders and civil society groups have questioned the government’s preparedness and demanded urgent accountability from law enforcement agencies.

Images and videos circulating on social media show flames engulfing massive shopping complexes and mobs carrying out looting activities. Analysts warn that such incidents severely tarnish Nepal’s global reputation as a safe environment for business, tourism, and foreign investment.

Key Facts:

12 Bhatbhateni Supermarket outlets destroyed by arson.

9 outlets looted, with inventories wiped out.

7 outlets remain safe, according to company officials.

Estimated losses in billions of rupees.

Full damage assessment ongoing.