Spencer’s to open 300 outlets; shut 40 non-profit outlets
31 July 2008

Spencer’s Retail, the RPG Group Company has decided to close down at least 40 outlets that are making losses. Moreover the company intends to open another 300 new outlets in the next 12 months.

Reliance Retail clinched deal with 250-year-old Hamleys
28 July 2008

Reliance Retail has clinched a deal with the world’s largest toyshop, the 250-year-old Hamleys. This would be one of the biggest international expansions till date. Both the companies have struck a franchise deal to open large format stores.

Dabur adds six new stores to its retail arm; opens 7th one in Hyderabad
23 July 2008

Dabur India's retail subsidiary H&B Stores announced to open six new outlets across the country as part of its expansion plans. The company opened its seventh store in Hyderabad recently and plans to open new stores in Delhi, Gurgaon, Amritsar and Panchkula in the next three months.

H&B Stores is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dabur India. This brand operates a pan-India chain of beauty, health and wellness retail outlets under the brand name 'newu'.

The company opened its seventh store in Hyderabad, expanding its presence to seven in the country, it said on Wednesday.

 

Pantaloon Retail plans expansion in Tamil Nadu
22 July 2008

Pantaloon Retail India, the Future Group Company, is soon opening new 'Big Bazaar' outlets in the major towns and cities of Tamil Nadu. To start with, a new outlet would be opened in Chennai within a month. Outlets would also be opened soon in other cities like Salem, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Tirupur. Since Kerala is the strongest market for Pantaloon in the South, four branches would also be opened in that state in the near future.

Spencers to form JVs with international companies
17 July 2008

Spencer's Retail Ltd. announced the launch of two joint ventures with international fashion brands over the next two months. The joint ventures will help expand Spencer's higher-margin non-food offerings in its hypermarkets and augment its fashion business model.

In another event, Spencer’s Retail has tied up with the US-based Au Bon Pain, the fast casual dining and bakery chain, to launch a chain of dining and bakery cafes across the country.

For this purpose, a JV company, Novel Confectioners Ltd, has been formed between Spencer’s Retail and Varin Narula, which would be the master-franchisee of Au Bon Pain in India. The company plans to set up 100 standalone cafes in the next two years at an outlay of Rs 50 crore.

 

Beauty, health & SPA

Spas to cater to mass segment in India
21 July 2008

Spas were earlier regarded as a luxurious way of relaxing meant for a niche category of affluent people. But these days, wellness spas and their stress-relieving treatments have become easily affordable to the mass segment. Floriana Group, a New Delhi-based company is planning to launch 300 spas by 2010, with an investment of nearly Rs 500 crore from its internal accruals. The company intends to make more number of people visit these spas and so is locating them in the heart of the city.

The company opened its first spa in Ahmedabad and launched the second one on 18 July in Bangalore. Lucknow, Indore, Jammu, Surat and Jalandhar are other cities that the company wants to open its Spas in.

 

Distribution

Tata Chem-Total Produce JV to invest US$ 53 million by 2012
31 July 2008

Tata Chemicals in partnership with Irelands Total Produce is planning to invest US$ 53 million by FY 12 for its foray into the wholesale business of fruits and vegetables in India.

The JV Company named Khetse Agriproduce India will invest the amount for setting up 20 cash-and-carry distribution centres across the country. The first of its collection-cum-distribution centre has already been made operational in Ludhiana.

HUL’s distributors to get back-end support
29 July 2008

Hindustan Unilever (HUL) has joined hands with a third-party logistics service provider to manage the entire back-end distribution chain on behalf of its distributors. The project is expected to take away a major burden faced by several distributors in managing stock positions and delivery schedules.

Videocon partners Mitsui, Hitachi for logistics JV
14 July 2008

Videocon is holding talks on joint-venture discussions with Japanese majors Mitsui and Hitachi to set up a logistics company to support its retail operations. The JV will be created as a separate entity and will provide back-end support for Videocon’s retail businesses Next, Bolld, Planet M and its appliance business. Later, it will cater to external clients as well.

 

Entertainment & Electronics

Subhiksha Mobile plans investment of US$ 125 million
23 July 2008

Subhiksha Mobile, the Telecom retail major, plans major expansion this year. The company is planning to invest over US$ 125 million to add around 800-1,000 stores to its existing 750 outlets in the country.

Music World eyeing product extension
21 July 2008

Music World, the music and entertainment-retailing arm of the RPG Group is eyeing to innovate their store format by undertaking new areas of operations and product extension.
Music World is completely redesigning its stores, increasing product depth, and adding new merchandise to cover a huge range of personal entertainment products. Besides, the store has partnered Apple, Inc. to sell their products through a store-in-store format. The store is also in the process of tying up with various brands for selling their shirts and party wear through Music World stores.

Reliance Retail to open 'i stores' and Reliance digital stores
16 July 2008

Reliance Retail Ltd. announced to open 50-60 'i store' across the country within the next one and half years and 150 Reliance Digital stores by 2011-12. Reliance Digital is a consumer durable and IT arm of Reliance Retail Ltd., whereas the ‘i store’, is a Apple Premium Reseller store, which exclusively deals with Apple products.

 

Fashion

Odyssey launches concept store for eyewear
29 July 2008

Odyssey India Limited is venturing into the fashion-and-lifestyle category with the launch of an eyewear concept store called ‘The Eyewear Store’, in Hyderabad. The store offers a plethora of prescription frames and sunglasses ranging from mid-premium, premium and designer brands. The Eyewear Store also has an eye-testing machine with trained staff and an advanced contact lenses clinic.

Turtle bags Emerging India Award of CNBC TV 18
25 July 2008

One of the leading menswear brands from India, Turtle has won CNBC TV 18’s Emerging India Awards 2008 in the Retail Trade category. Commerce Minister, United Kingdom (UK), Mr. John Hutton presented the award at Albert Hall in London, UK.

Samsaara launches in Bengaluru
22 July 2008

Samsaara opened its 10th outlet at Indiranagar in Bengaluru following the flagship stores in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Dubai and Kuwait. This multi-brand outlet would stock apparel, accessories and shoes from renowned designers. Samsaara has also come up with a concept of hosting special designer evenings.

Inditex joins hands with DLF for franchise in India
21 July 2008

Europe’s leading fashion retailer, Inditex Group, the owner of brands like Zara and Massimo Dutti is interested in venturing into the Indian market. For this purpose, the company is holding talks with DLF for a franchise agreement in India.

The company is also believed to have reserved space in upcoming DLF malls for their stores. Inditex also plans to introduce its other brands in India by 2011.

 

Food

Coffee Day ties up with IPL to open Sports Café
31 July 2008

Café chain Café Coffee Day as part of its expansion plans, announced to launch new format stores by the end of this financial year in partnership with IPL. The company has already tied up with IPL teams to introduce the new format stores to be called - the sports café. It also plans to introduce book and movie cafes soon.

 

Retail Real Estate

Mantri Mall at Bangalore

Bangalore’s largest mall, the Mantri Mall, opening in Malleswaram with GLA of 9,06,000 SFT, is now open for leasing. The mall plans open on 11th December 2008. Till now, big branded companies have already leased over 86 stores of the mall.

 

Archive

Catmoss on expansion mode, plans to invest Rs 400 crore
11 July 2008

Kidswear chain Catmoss Retail announced that the company would invest Rs 400 crore in the next five years to expand its outlets to 500 stores in India by 2010-11. The company also announced its plans to foray into overseas markets, including Australia and the Middle East.

ICICI Bank to buy overseas retail franchise
11 July 2008

ICICI Bank, India's largest private-sector lender has announced its plans for acquisition in Britian, Canada or Germany, in the area of a retail banking franchise.

The bank is interested in acquiring a retail banking franchise in some of these markets.
However, the bank is not considering picking up minority stakes in financial institutions overseas.

AB Group acquires 25% stake in V Mart Retail
11 July 2008

The private equity arm of the diversified Aditya Birla group has acquired a 25% stake in V Mart Retail, a value-retailer owned by the New Delhi-based Lalit Agarwal. The investment is estimated to be in the range of Rs 60-70 crore. The company wishes to extend its retailing business in a truly Indian way across the country.

Retailers adopt hedge mechanisms against price spike
10 July 2008

The rising inflation and a slowdown in consumer spending have made the retail chains to initiate multiple inflationary-hedge mechanisms. Under this mechanism, big retailers will hold onto private label (in-house brands) prices despite pressures on margins. Besides, they will also drive efficiencies in supply chain and rejig the merchandise mix.

Retailers are hopeful that with these measures, they will be able to help consumers fight against rising prices and thereby maintain their growth as well.

Birlas retail venture gets new CEO
9 July 2008

The Aditya Birla group has appointed Mr. Thomas Varghese as the new chief executive officer of Aditya Birla Retail. Mr. Varghese will replace Mr. Sumant Sinha, who plans to move out of the Group after spending six-and-a-half years. Thomas Varghese is currently the senior executive president and head of Grasim’s pulp division.

Kamla Dials to invest US$ 17.5 million in retail venture
9 July 2008

Chandigarh-based Kamla Dials and Devices (KDDL) announced that the company has formed its watch-retailing venture into a separate entity and plans to invest US$ 17.5 million over the next three years for setting up additional stores. The newly formed Kamla Retail, a subsidiary of the KDDL, would control all retail ventures of the company.

The company has huge expansion plans and is planning to increase the number of Ethos and Summit shops up to 23 by the end of this fiscal, from the existing 17.

Welspun Retail on expansion and investment mode
8 July 2008

Welspun Retail, the retail venture of Welspun Group, is planning major expansion and is set to invest about US$ 37.5 million over next three years for setting up 160 new stores under different formats. The retail arm is planning to increase the number of its WelHome and Spaces stores by 100 and 60 respectively across the country.

Huge competition dents growth in retail sector
8 July 2008

The last quarter of the financial year 2007-08 has been dull as far as performance of the retail sector is concerned. Along with the decline in the quarter-on-quarter growth by 700-basis point, the year-on-year (YoY) basis sales growth also fell drastically from 67.8% to 49.1%.

The RPG Enterprises-controlled Spencer's second hyper mall was finally inaugurated at Rashbehari Avenue, Kolkata. This inauguration came after the management and agitating hawkers unions reached an understanding over its opening. This agreement was reached after a meeting being convened by Kolkata Mayor Mr. Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya with both parties to resolve the issue.

Local councillor and leader of hawkers' association, Mr. Debasis Kumar said that the hawkers union has set conditions for Spencer's to follow for opening the mall. Spencer’s has also agreed to offer local employment in the mall.

M&S closes contract of franchisee with Planet Retail
6 July 2008

UK retail major Marks and Spencer plans to end its six-year old franchisee deal with Planet Retail. This move has been planned so that the company can focus exclusively on the joint venture with Reliance Retail called Marks and Spencer Reliance India Private Ltd. This new company plans to take over the 14 existing franchisee stores of Gurgaon-based Planet Retail in the country.

Marks & Spencer got clearance from FIPB
5 July 2008

Marks & Spencer (M&S) Group is one of the 28 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) proposals that the Government has approved. The Government cleared the proposal of M&S to form a joint venture with Reliance Retail in which the foreign company will hold 51%.

Vibes to open five more centers this year
5 July 2008

The slimming and cosmetic clinic, Vibes, promoted by the Delhi-based Alankar Group plans to open five to six centers in the current financial year. The focus of the expansion plan would be on Andhra Pradesh, as the company is opening one more center in Hyderabad, followed by one each in Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam.

Trent plans franchisee with foreign brands
5 July 2008

Trent ltd., the retail arm of Tata Group plans to tie up with foreign premium apparel brands for their India franchisee. Confirming this, Managing Director, Mr. Neol Tata said that the company is talking with foreign companies, particularly, European companies, for setting up their stores in India.

Event Management services will now be provided in a retail format
5 July 2008

Sphinx Adonis Events Pvt Ltd, the Pune-based event management company, has launched ‘Eventwala’ to cater to the various segments in event management. The store aims at becoming a one-stop shop for all events and parties. The retail store would offer theme-based packages and would also blend sales, rentals and service models to provide decorations, accessories, food and music. The company plans to open 15 retail outlets in Pune and 100 in Maharashtra.

Sphinx has also launched an Event management academy, which would offer certificate courses in corporate training and event business.

Debenhams initiating design hub in India
4 July 2008

UK’s lifestyle departmental store brand, Debenhams, is planning to set up its design hub in India. The company has about 25 international designers who would be involved in operations at India's design hub and it also plans to rope in select Indian designers.

Debenhams stores in India would host 80 brands of leading British designers and are planning to set up 30 Debenhams stores of varying capacity in the country over the next 10 years.

Gitanjali Gems vying to buy US jewellery major Whitehall
4 July 2008

Gitanjali Gems, a leading jewellery retailer, is eyeing to buy the US-based jewellery retail chain Whitehall Jewellers Holdings, which filed for bankruptcy recently. The deal is expected to be within the range of US$ 87.5 million to US$ 1 billion. The company is looking to strengthen its foothold in the US market, the biggest organised jewellery market in the world.

Titan kicks off re-branding exercise
4 July 2008

Titan Industries Ltd is aiming to reinvent its flagship brand Titan, with slight changes but a contemporary logo. The brand will also feature a new tagline ‘Be More’ with new designs, a new advertisement and a fresh retail strategy. The re-branding exercise will incur an investment of about US$ 3.75 million on its ad and marketing campaigns.

Hawkers blocked Spencer's inauguration
4 July 2008

Hundreds of hawkers prevented the inauguration of the second hyper mall of the Spencer's promoted by the RPG Enterprises. The hyper mall was opening in upmarket south Kolkata and is suppose to give a major blow to the organised retail trade in West Bengal.

Earlier Spencer’s Retail announced to enter the bakery café segment. The company would be entering into a joint venture with a US-based bakery café chain and set up stand-alone stores under its brand name.

Trent to open 50 hypermarkets; plans US$ 5 billion investment
4 July 2008

Trent Ltd, the retail arm of the Tata Group, launched its second Star Bazaar at Andheri in Mumbai last week. The company plans of setting up 50 such hypermarkets with an investment of US$ 5 over the next five years aims to expand to 100 stores by FY 10.

Greg Norman brand will now also be available at Planet Sports
4 July 2008

Planet Sports, the lifestyle retail chain of Future Group, has entered into a strategic tie-up with Gurgaon-based Better Than Before (BTB), which is the sole licensee of Greg Norman in India. This tie up allows Planet Sports to offer Greg Norman Collections in their stores. However, the brand would also continue to sell via its exclusive outlets.

Pure and Play addressed different issues
3 July 2008

The recently held conference witnessed important tie ups including that between
Isabelle, Delhi-based kidswear brand, with multi-brand retailers Central and Lifestyle.

Expansion plans of companies also got unveiled. Taurus, the Delhi-based traditional womenswear brand, announced to open its exclusive outlets and is looking for retail space across the country. Womenswear brand ‘W’ is planning to open 100 new stores in the next three years. Titan is planning to enter the US market with the Tanishq brand of jewellery soon. GAP and Nike addressed quality challenges in the retail business at the conference.

Alok Industries’ Peacock Alley launch delayed
3 July 2008

Textile manufacturer Alok Industries has held back its plan to introduce Peacock Alley, a premium bed linen and bath brand, in India. For the moment, the company is shifting its focus from the luxury segment to the mass-market garments.

According to the company’s chief financial officer, Mr. Sunil Khandelwal, market for premium products in India is yet to develop. Organised retailing in India is taking shape now and the mass-market model is the fastest growing segment. The company plans to enter the ready-made work-wear sector.

Centre in talks with states to set up retail regulator
2 July 2008

The Central Government is consulting states to set up a retail regulator to safeguard the small retailers from corporate giants. Discussions are undergoing on the regulatory mechanism, which the states will submit to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry by September. According to the consultations with the states, the state level legislative authorities would have the authority to grant licenses to retailers for operating business. The regulator in coordination with state governments would demarcate zones in the cities for setting hypermarkets, oversee pricing of products and also look into real estate cornering by large retail chains.

Second outlet of MINC set up in Bengaluru
2 July 2008

MINC, an eco-friendly apparel brand for women, has opened its second outlet in Bengaluru. This upcoming brand promotes eco-friendly fashion made of hand-woven/spun, organic cotton and vegetable-dyed fabrics.The vision of the company is to bring eco-friendly apparel to mainstream fashion. The price range of the collection is reasonable. The company plans to expand through South India until 2010, and open outlets in metros by 2013.

Gap taking social initiatives in India
2 July 2008

Gap has joined hands with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, and various State Governments for the welfare of children and women in the country. In this regard, GAP has initiated a special rehabilitation centre for women and children in Delhi in association with an NGO called SEWA.

The company also plans to set up water rehabilitation plants at places where its factories are located to solve the water crisis caused due to manufacturing of denims in India.

Ballyfabs on expansion mode; plans to develop recyclable bags
2 July 2008

Ballyfabs International, the West Bengal-based jute bags manufacturer with its jute bag retail chain called The Jute Shop is looking for expansion. The company has finalised spaces in and around West Bengal, and also plans to open in the western part of the country. The stores will be a mix of franchisee and company-owned outlets.

The company is also focussing on the use of eco-friendly bags and working towards developing long-lasting recyclable and affordable alternative for polythene bags.

DVS to expand operations in the Gulf
1 July 2008

The leading retail solutions provider Dynamic Vertical Solutions (DVS) is planning to expand its operations in the Gulf region by setting up an office in Dubai. This expansion is being planned under the expansion strategy of DVS worth two million dollars.

According to managing director and founder of DVS, Ms. Rakhee Nagpal, The retail industry in the Middle East has huge potential for growth. The main areas of interest that DVS is eyeing for investments in Dubai include acquiring product knowledge, understanding the requirements of Dubai’s retail and hospitality industry and recruitment of partners.

Subhiksha plans to enter consumer durables via Blue Green
1 July 2008

Subhiksha is planning to enter the consumer durables market and its acquisition of 40 % stake in Blue Green Constructions and Investments is a step forward towards this.
Blue Green is a non-banking finance company listed on the Madras Stock Exchange and will provides the right platform for Subhiksha.

According to the Managing director of Subhiksha, Mr. R Subramanian, Subhiksha would invest US$ 2 billion in FY09 to expand its network and add consumer durables to its product portfolio. It will also enhance the company’s value for stakeholders and help in achieving the objective of becoming a US$ 5 billion company.

DLF in talks to bring Boggi to India
1 July 2008

DLF is holding talks with the Italian fashion and lifestyle brand Boggi for a tie-up and to open its stores in India. In this joint venture with DLF, Boggi is likely to have a majority stakes.

Boggi’s retail outlets are spread across Europe and the Middle East and offer a wide range of men’s formal and informal clothing along with shoes, watches, fragrances and other accessories.

High spenders being charmed to buy in India
1 July 2008

The high spending Indian consumers are being offered extraordinary luxury freebies, including in-shop cafes, lounge areas, kids’ play area, personal stylist, manicures and spas, at Indian outlets of premium brands like Esprit, UCB, Samsaara, Tommy Hilfiger, Ritu Kumar, Estee Lauder, etc. These efforts are being made to encourage the well-travelled Indian consumers to buy the brand in India