Retail India Business - News, Views and Much More

Retail India: Pantaloon in talks with Landmark

Although the Times of India had stated earlier that Pantaloon is set to buy out or enter into an agreement to take over the south based Book Retailer, Landmark, there is no official comment. Speculation is over the kind of agreement in terms of equity or total buy out through cash. Expect to hear more over the next few days. With Pantaloons open intention to enter into every possible category and capture the customer's enter wallet, this should not be surprising.

Retail India: Closed Chapter for FDI in Retailing India

With the recent announcements of yet another closure of the proposed disinvestment in Government PSU like BHEL etc, the chances of FDI in Retailing in India is a distant dream. BJP and the Left are both opposed to opening up of the Retail Sector and within the government giving into Left's pressure, the outcome is nothing short of anyone's expectation.

The only silver lining is the government has double standards and a backdoor entry for every single policy. With the so called entry option through the Franchise route, every international brand and retail company has already set foot into India or is stepping in. We are already working in an international environment with International Brands in every product category. Many Indian brands and companies have just vanished over the last 15 years with the governments double standards. Retailing is no exception to this and although there is a delay in opening up, the sector would be opened sometime in the future.

Retail India: Pantaloon Sales up 103%

Pantaloon sales for July 2005 was up 103% to Rs. 130 Crores. Whilst Pantaloon has continously shown growth every month, one should note the major portion of growth is contributed through new stores across formats. Pantaloon has already planned for 6 stores in Pantaloons to be opened by October 2005. Big Bazaar and Food Bazaar would be adding another 11 stores in total by November. With each store on an average of 30,000 sq.ft, sales of such numbers is nothing short of expectations. One should note the growth from the same stores. But then again, Big Bazaar and Food Bazaar are still new inititives and growth will be at such pace before the dust settles. Year on Year growth for same stores is only at 13.35% for Big Bazaar and Food Bazaar whilst 27.94% for Pantaloons (clothes).

Retail India: Times of India to Invest Rs 100 Crore in Videocon

Times of India is short of finalizing its investment to the tune of Rs. 100 Crore in Videocon.  With this initiative Videocon would be on the recieveing end of prefrential advertising rates with the entire range of media of Bennet, Coleman & Co which publishes Times of India.

Retail India: Lifestyle shifts to Bangalore

Dubai based Landmark Group has shifted its head-office  from Chennai to Bangalore. This intends to be just the begining of changes planned. Its new retail venture Max, a value concious fashion retail chain is slated to open shortly.

Retail India: Dairy Farm's Expansion Plans (Formerly FoodWorld JV)

With the RPG Group's FoodWorld officially on the brink with the seperation from Dairy Farm International, both have decided to head their seperate ways.

Dairy Farm International is still serious about the retail activity apart from its home country and intends to expand through new markets like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and India. Dairy Farm plans to expand from its current stores (about 40 to 45 after the seperation) to 100 to 150 FoodWorld & Health&Glow stores in the next 3 years.