The Hindu Business Line : Donaldsons plans to move into India's retail space

"The Indian retail sector has certainly come of age. All major retailers here have creamy projects in the pipeline. Factors like young population, good earnings and high spending make the sector all the more lucrative. We will be here in about two years' time," Mr Martyn Chase, Chairman of Donaldsons, told Business Line.

Donaldsons is a mall or retail management consultant advising mall developers, financiers and owners on various aspects of retailing. It helps tenants with store development programmes, location strategy and creation or acquisition of formats or brands.

Regulation needed

"Mall management, in short, is extending revenue prospects of the retailer to longer durations. It ensures more business, footfalls and deal conversions on the retail premises. Retail managers also advise retailers on leasing vacant units and maximising value by asset management initiatives within clients' portfolios," said Mr Chase.

Donaldsons manages about 350 retail outlets across Europe. The consultancy firm is also looking at China as a "big-time retail opportunity".

"The Indian retail sector should be more regulated. They should not be allowed to set shops in an unplanned and haphazard manner. Aspects like distance between malls and architectural designs should be considered while giving clearances," said Mr Chase.

Speaking about Wal-Mart's entry into the Indian retail sector, Mr Chase said, "Wal-Mart will churn up huge competition; trade volumes of Indian retailers will surely be hit. Focus on quality and premium will see Indian retailers faring well against their foreign competitors."