Retail Insight on September 17th 2009

Sep 17, 2009

News and Analysis for the retail industry

News

Bharti Retail on course to become $1 bn company by 2015 Economic Times Bharti Retail on Wednesday exuded confidence that it is on course to become a billion dollar company by 2015, and will open 40 more stores in the next three months notwithstanding the economic slowdown. The company will also open its second cash-and-carry store under the 50:50 JV with US-based Wal-Mart.

Biyani eyes new revenue streams Business Standard Kishore Biyani, Future Group Founder and CEO Kishore Biyani wants to take his pet theme of collaboration to the next level for a greater share of the consumer's wallet.

Koutons to raise Rs 100 cr Economic Times Mass-market apparel retailer Koutons is looking to raise around Rs 100 crore for expansion even as Fidelity is preparing to exit its investment.

McDonald's India to add 40 more outlets, invest Rs 150 cr Economic Times International food chain, McDonald's, plans to open 40 new outlets across India this year at an investment of Rs 150-crore, a top company official said. The investment will be around Rs 3-crore per outlet including back head costs.

Retail Trends

Delivering a memorable customer experience Business Line An important element in any retail model is to be able to deliver a memorable customer experience. In fact, the brand building of most retail chains happens at the customer's home after shopping. There is a level of faith and trust reposed by the customer in the retailer every time there is a transaction.

Retail Insight

Unlocking the Wholesale Value Chain Jesta I.S. The drivers of today's global product sourcing challenges are flexibility, visibility, control, and diversification; as companies continue to source globally; to an ever consolidating manufacturing base. In the recent study entitled "Excellence in Sourcing" conducted by Kurt Salmon and Associates (KSA) for Apparel Magazine (August 2008), 41 percent of respondents surveyed reported that they outsourced more than 75% of their production either through the traditional CMT model or full package purchasing. Faced with constantly shifting sourcing alternatives, IT executives are being asked to provide solutions that improve supply chain visibility and increase supply chain flexibility. The key to justifying technology projects is developing and adhering to a sound ROI business plan. Users are building and measuring their return on investment in the following areas: Increased Fill Rates Improved Sourcing Productivity Reduced Charge Backs Reduced Expedited Freight Costs Improved Inventory Utilization