Saturday, November 13, 2010

Retail insight as on 12th November 2010

November 12, 2010News for the Retail industry
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  From the Editor's Desk 



Are you targetting Generation X?
Most modern retailers claim to be targeting the 20 to 35 age group, the yuppie with a higher first salary than his dad at retirement and a propensity to both work hard and play hard. You just have to look at the workforce of any large company in India today - typically there's a grey-haired manager in his 50s with an army of 25 to 30 year olds. What is it that this generation wants? Time-starved? Yes! Disposable income? Yes! Luxury shopper? Maybe not! What values do they carry from their parents' generation? How does that influence their buying habits? All questions every retailer must ask itself..

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  At a Glance 

Headline, Apparel, Accessories, Specialty, ..Food, QSR, ..Trends and Insight
  News: Headline, Apparel, Specialty, CDIT ... 
Did ICICI Venture Funds Management Co. Ltd and Azim Premji-owned private equity arm Zash Investment and Trading Co. Pvt. Ltd try to persuade overseas investors to purchase shares of Subhiksha Trading Services Ltd when they knew the retailer was in deep financial trouble? Madras High Court Justice V. Ramasubramanian said they did, in an order issued on 25 October. "From August 2008 onwards, both ICICI Venture and Zash started looking for victims in the form of foreign investors," the ruling said.

Arvind Ltd, the biggest denim fabric producer in India is expanding and penetrating the branded apparels and retailing segment with a vengeance. Arvind has two subsidiaries to ride on; Arvind Lifestyle Brands and Arvind Retail. "In the next two years, the Megamart Retail chain is expected to reach a turnover of Rs 10 billion from the current Rs. 4 billion. In addition, the brands business which currently has 200 exclusive brand outlets will also be scaling up rapidly to about 400 stores over the next two years and the sales of this business will also reach Rs. 10 billion. Arvind Brands & Retail put together will contribute to 38% of the Arvind Group's revenue in 2013-14," CEO of Arvind Lifestyle Brands Ltd and Arvind Retail Ltd., J Suresh said.

Bangalore-based Arvind Lifestyle Brands said it will increase the number of its 'Club America' multi-brand outlets in the country, to enhance the reach of premium international brands in its portfolio. Having set up the first 'Club America' multi-brand store in Hyderabad, the company plans to open 25 such stores in the next one year. 'Club America' sells brands such as Gant, Arrow, US Polo and Izod under one roof.

Shoppers Stop turnover at Rs 174 million
FashionUnited India
Shoppers Stop (SSL) posted a gross retail turnover of Rs 5.08 billion for the quarter that ended on September 30, 2010, registering a jump of 23 percent from the second quarter of 2010. SSL's net profit for the quarter stood at Rs 174 million against Rs 121 million, which is up by 44 percent compared to the same period last year. As Customer Care Associate and MD Govind Shrikhande said, "The surge in consumer confidence has given us an added impetus resulting in double digit growth in same store sales. Our First Citizen members' contribution to topline has increased to 73 percent. We will continue to open stores across the country in near future."

Kemps Corner in south Mumbai, the quintessentially premium residential and retail area of India's financial hub has a new jewel in its crown. Estaa the new jewelry boutique can also be described as a jewelry spa. It's aimed at the discerning client who looks for exquisite one-off pieces and an ultra deluxe ambience to shop in. The swanky store is laid out across 3,300 sq. ft. and houses a trendy collection of jewelry.

  News: Food & Grocery, QSR ... 
The $3-billion Gate Gourmet, the world's largest air catering company, has decided to acquire majority stake in Skygourmet from India Hospitality (IHC) for around Rs 400 crore. Under the proposed deal, Zurich-listed Gate Gourmet will acquire 74% stake in Skygourmet, India's largest air catering company. The balance 26% will be retained by IHC.

Sainsbury's hints at Indian expansion as profits grow
Daily Mail
Sainsbury's has revealed it may expand into India as part of a major push abroad, after the grocer posted a better-than-expected 36.3 percent rise in half-year profits. India and China are shaping up to be the new battle ground for Britain's food retailers, after new Marks & Spencer boss Marc Bolland this week made the two markets the cornerstone of his growth strategy.

  Retail Trends 
India should not be carried away by the "sentimental speech" of US President Barack Obama and should refrain from allowing FDI in multi-brand Retail, a top official of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) said. "Unlike in other sectors, FDI in multi brand retail will have a much wider impact on the economy," FKCCI President, N S Srinivasa Murthy said. Though FKCCI welcomed some of the statements of the US President relating to need to lifting trade and protectionist barriers, Srinivasa Murthy expressed concern over the "pressure" being exerted by the US Government and multinationals to allow foreign direct investment in India's retail trade.

Mantri Square Shopping Mall launched Mantri Square Edge, a unique retail training initiative conceptualized by the Mall's management team, in close association with the Indian Retail School and RetailSpark. The Mantri Square Edge is the first-of-its kind retail training and mentorship initiative in the country by any shopping mall. The objective of this training program is to empower and add an edge to people employed in the retail sector by providing thoughtful mentoring, insightful training and meticulous grooming.

A host of brands such as Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Christian Dior, Diesel, Gucci, Versace, and many others are increasing their footprint in India, by scaling up their retail presence. According to Mr Sanjay Kapoor, Chairman, CII Luxury Goods Forum, & MD of Genesis Luxury Fashion, "The Indian luxury market has grown 13% over the past three years and is currently estimated to be $4.76 billion. It is set to grow by three times, by 2015." Apparel brands form a significant part of this growth especially in the category of menswear.

  Retail Insight 
Online Video: The New Merchandising
Akamai
Retailers have long understood that "merchandising" is of critical importance. Merchandising sets the stage for a pleasant and engaging shopping experience that drives immediate sales, grows brand loyalty and builds affinity over time. However, early-generation eCommerce Web sites were limited in the amount of "merchandising" they could deploy because of the static nature of Web 1.0. Increased broadband penetration and more sophisticated applications are making high-quality video a key weapon in the online retailer's merchandising arsenal -- just as it has been for advertisers. While video used well in the online retail space has been shown to increase the quality, duration and profitability of shoppers' site visits, video not delivered quickly and seamlessly can have the opposite effect.

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