We regret to announce the death of award winning retailer and NFRN member Raj Aggarwal.
Mr Aggarwal, who was 51 and had been in retailing for nearly three decades, ran Spar shops in Wigston, Leicestershire and Hackenthorpe in Sheffield.
He died this morning (Thursday April 9).
Although Mr Aggarwal was a member of the Federation’s East Midlands district, he also attended branch meetings in Sheffield.
National President Stuart Reddish, who was friends with Mr Aggarwal, said: “I am shocked and saddened. Raj was such a lively character and a legend when it came to retailing.
“In recent months he had expressed an interest in becoming more heavily involved in Federation activities and had so much to offer. His death is a huge loss to the industry.”
In the weeks before his death Mr Aggarwal had played an active role in helping the homeless and nursing staff on the frontline in the NHS.
His last Facebook post on March 27 said: “Next stop Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, dropping off tea, coffee and biscuits for our frontline NFS staff who are doing an amazing job #strongertogether.”
Previously, when the coronavirus first hit, he donated trays of bread to local charities supporting the homeless . Responding Homelessness in South Yorkshire posted “Raj you have supplied fresh bread to over 45 families today and also enough sandwiches are going to be made to distribute over the next three days to any homeless people on the streets.”
NFRN chief operating officer Greg Deacon added: “Raj was a larger than life character, with his booming smile and laughter.He was an incredibly passionate, caring and bright retailer that our industry will dearly miss but never forget. A true gentleman and retail legend.”
Our thoughts and sympathies are with Mr Aggarwal’s wife and family at this sad time.
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