The Hindu Business Line : Retailers in expansion mood after a lull

NEW DELHI: After a lying low for more than a year and a half due to the economic downturn, several domestic and foreign retailers have announced plans to open around 450 stores over next 12-18 months.

From clothing to baggage to foods and furnishings, retailers like Koutons, Samsonite, Retail Food Group (RFG) and Rosebys said that they were back in action with plans to open scores of stores across the country.

Koutons, which has chalked out an ambitious strategy to consolidate its various formats under ‘Koutons Family Store’, said it will open 100 more outlets by this fiscal end.

“Our focus is to consolidate and expand, making available all products under one roof. As a part of this plan, we will upgrade our exclusive men’s stores into ‘Koutons Family Store’,” Koutons Retail president Mr B S Ahluwalia said.

The Delhi-based company will add 100 more outlets over the next four months as part of its Rs 100 crore investment plan for the fiscal. “This will take our retail stores to 1,500,” Mr Ahluwalia said.

Some international brands have also chalked out plans to enter the country or expand operations. Australia’s largest retail player, RFG, plans entry into the Indian market next year under franchise licence agreements with local players.

It is looking at $87 million in revenue from India in the next five years and hopes to make operations here bigger than its Australian business in 20 years. - PTI

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