Category: News & Views

Kishore Biyani promoted Pantaloon / Future Group Retail is the second largest retailer in India after Reliance Retail. In an address to the Analysts, management of Pantaloon said the consumer environment has remained soft in recent months quarter. While the sale period saw some traction, demand declined afterwards. Trends have been weak in apparel but better in food. They are Cautiously optimistic on December quarter given festive season and a large number of wedding dates.

Within apparel, the company is focusing on (more…)

With the Indian Government taking some Daredevil Policy decisions on opening the gates for FDI in Retail Sector, we caught up with Anupam Yog, Director – Marketing Virtuous Retail Services. Virtuous is a retail real estate asset platform sponsored by The Xander Group Inc., with an initial commitment of USD 600 MM in equity. Mr. Yog in an exclusive interview to RetailMantra, shares his views.

51% FDI in Multi-Brand Retail in India
How many Foreign Giants are in the Queue at Ministry of Commerce & Industry to enter India ? And how many potential retailers, in your view are on the sidelines or exploring India opportunities? (more…)

The quest for looks gets larger with the bulging pay-packets the new generation of India is earning. Once Beauty Salon found mostly in posh localities of Metros is now visible even in Tier-III cities. Thanks to Private Equity funding and the establishments of brands and process enabling to take Salons to corners of India.

In case of beauty salons, company owned outlets are preferred over franchisees (more…)

Since 1997, the Government of India has gradually opened up the retail sector for foreign investments despite the reservations in certain quarters that opening up of retail sector will lead to job losses, predatory pricing, reduction in farmers‟ price realization and loss of entrepreneurial opportunities. The response from foreign retailers to the earlier attempts of partial liberalization was very cautious. No retailer has made any major investment yet.

The Ministry of Commerce has organized the retail sector in India into three categories i) single brand retail ii) multi brand retail and iii) cash & carry. In 2006, FDI in single-brand retailing was permitted to the extent of 51%. Retail FDI inflow between April 2006 and March 2010 is a pathetic US$194mn, comprising 0.21% of the total FDI inflows during the period. (more…)

The Dare Devil Step by the office of the Prime Minister of India to allow 51% FDI in Multi-Brand retail is definitely a positive, but not the panacea for the retail sector facing large hurdles like poor infrastructure, high real estate costs, inefficient supply chain, complex taxation and rigid labour laws. Except for Real Estate. most of them will be addressed with the inflow of foreign capital.

Key reforms for retail sector will be implementation of the Model Agricultural Products Marketing Committee (APMC) Act across all states and Goods and Services Tax (GST) which are facing stiff opposition from political parties.

What is the Purpose of GST and Model APMC Act ? (more…)

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to permit FDI in multi-brand retail with individual state governments having the freedom to accord final sanction. The Centre said state chief ministers of Delhi, Assam, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Manipur as well as union territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have expressed support for the policy in writing.

Indian States Against FDI in Retail:
Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura and Odisha (Orissa) have expressed reservations. (more…)

Domino’s Pizza celebrated new milestone by opening the 500th store in India at at Rajinder Nagar, Delhi.

Domino’s India operations is the fastest growing operations in the Domino’s global system and continues to be the market leader in India with 55% Slice of the Pizza market. In the last few years Domino’s Pizza has not only aggressively expanded its footprint, but also has been focused on winning more customer hearts across India through its tasty Pizza offerings, unmatched delivery promise and warm customer service approach.

Mr. Bhatia, Chairman of Jubilant FoodWorks Limited master (more…)