The Hindu Business Line : ‘Developing infrastructure, supply chains main challenges for retail’

Retailing seminar: (From left) Prof Seyed E. Hasnain, Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad, Mr K.R. Suresh Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker, and Prof Kathleen A. Krentler of the College of Business Administration, San Diego State University, California, at an international conference on ’Retailing in the Globalised Era ’ in Hyderabad on Thursday.

Our Bureau

Hyderabad, Jan. 10 Enhancing country-wide infrastructure and establishing uninterrupted supply chains are some of the main challenges before the retail industry in developing countries, including India, according to Prof Kathleen A. Krentler of the College of Business Administration, San Diego State University, California.

She was delivering the keynote address on ‘Strategic Issues and Challenges in Retailing’ at a seminar on Retailing in the Globalised Era, organised by the School of Management Studies, University of Hyderabad, here on Thursday.

Young customers

Comparing market scenarios in the developed and developing countries, she said the relatively younger customers in India should also be taken note of by the retailers. “While a young demographic is good for retailers, the young consumers also need money to fuel their spending inclinations,” she pointed out. Producing a large pool of skilled workers and retaining them is also another major concern, Prof Krentler added.

Mr Uday Salunkhe, President, Association of Indian Management Schools, said the business schools should have more industry-orientation.

“The entrepreneurship we are teaching should be properly aligned with the fast-changing facets of the industry,” he said.

Participating as Chief Guest, Mr K.R. Suresh Reddy, Speaker, Andhra Pradesh Assembly, said the business schools and industry should take more interest in sensitising legislators on the industry and market scenarios. “This will help in bringing in necessary legislative support from time to time,” he said.

Industry collaboration

Prof Seyed E. Hasnian, Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad, said the university was keen on forging alliance with the industry.

New centres

Two new centres for the study of disaster management and women empowerment would be set up soon in collaboration with the Times Foundation, he added.

Mr Venkata Ramana Vedulla, Dean, School of Management Studies, University of Hyderabad, said a key concern for the management school was working in collaboration with the industry.

The three-day seminar is being attended by over 100 delegates from across the country.

More Stories on : Retailing | Infrastructure | Supply Chain Management

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