Retail India Business - News, Views and Much More

Mothercare India Expansion

Mothercare, UK, plans to have 10 stores by the end of the year. Mothercare has already successfully launched its stores across Bangalore, Hydrabad, Pune and two at Mumbai.

Next to Set Shop

Planet Retail is to be partnering with Next, UK, and should be opening up early in 2007. Planet Retail has already brought in brands like Marks and Spencers.

FDI in Retail?

With the left being a major part of the UPA, the ruling Government, FDI in retail appears to be shelved yet again. At the Reyters Consumer and Retail Summit, it was very open and loud that many British Retailers like Tesco plans to enter India but find the regulatory environment very stifling. The government is yet to take a clear stance although it brings about the very same topic every few months for the last 3 years.

Andrew Higginson, Tesco, stated that they have had talks with many prospective Indian Partners but are still evaluating the entry and the route to be followed. For the moment companies like Tesco can come only through the Wholesale - Cash and Carry route or the Franchise option.

Nuance Group and Shoppers Stop JV in Airport Retailing

Worlds leading Airport Retailer Nuance Group has entered India with a Joint Venture with Shoppers Stop to setup Duty Free Shops in the upcoming airports in India. With travel industry, domestic and international, together showing growth rates over 40%, the airports will be more busier than ever. Most airports are also slated for expansion and modernisation which will create the ambiance for travellers to make thier last minute shopping. Its a global trend and something that even Indians do before boarding thier flights from overseas.

Giordano Opens In Chennai

Giordano has opened its first store in Chennai, India at the newly opened Chennai City Centre. The store has the complete look and feel as you find it anywhere else in the world. Although the store is of a modest 1000 to 1500 Sq.Ft. it does manage to have a fairly decent collection in line with the season.

Giordano Fashions India Private Limited will be the exclusive distributor for India. Plans are on to expand to Bangalore, Hydrabad and Mumbai. The total plan is to have about 20 stores by 2008.

The entry of Giordano into Chennai City Centre also should be observed as the next wave of stores, brands, retailers all moving towards the Malls and Shopping Complexes that are mushrooming around the country.

Reliance to bring in Target and Home Depot to India?

The recent media article on Reliance bringing in Target and Home Depot into India is something to think about. Irrespective of how big Reliance maybe, Target and Home Depot are world leading retail chains of mammoth size. Something that Reliance plans to achieve on its own, even if its going alone. But with the FDI restrictions in retailing in India, its possible that such an alliance may be forged. But then neither has forged any such alliance before and in all eventuality may not.

Home Depot is the worlds largest home improvement retail chain with over 2000 stores in USA, Canada and Mexico whilst Target has about 1500 stores spread across USA.

Pantaloon JV With Talwalkars

Pantaloon has forged a JV with Talwalkars to start retailing fitness and health related products.