Offers to dispose of your 'stash'

As India scrambled to figure out what to do with Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes after the government announced that these bank notes would be withdrawn from circulation starting November 8 midnight, marketers fell over themselves to announce offers so that consumers could quickly dispose of their “stash”. “Our stores are open till midnight today for shopping,” messaged Big Bazaar right after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement during an unscheduled television appearance on the evening of November 8. “Note kadak ho na ho, aapki chai rahegi hamesha kadak. Use your Rs 500/1,000 notes to buy Chaayos prepaid gift cards and enjoy meri wali chai without any break,” said Chayoos, the gourmet tea chain, in a message. “Couldn’t withdraw cash yesterday? Walk into any Dunkin’ Donuts, get 25 per cent off on payment through credit/debit cards,” SMSed the doughnut brand.