Retail Insight on January 21st 2010

January 21, 2010

News for the retail industry

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News

Future group's home retailing sees turnaround Business Standard Kishore Biyani's Future Group has seen a turnaround in home retailing after months of decline, on the back of improved consumer sentiments and focused merchandising plans. Home retailing was a laggard among the group's flagship Pantaloon Retail's three business segments -- value, lifestyle and home.

Bharti Wal-Mart Sets Up Farm Produce Sourcing Centre Wall Street Journal Bharti Wal-Mart Pvt. Ltd. said Wednesday it has set up its first centre in the northern Indian state of Punjab to source farm produce for its wholesale cash-and-carry business as well as for the retail stores under the 'Easyday' brand.

'Tesco's 1st cash & carry outlet in India likely this yr' Business Standard Tesco, the third largest retailer in the world, is planning to open its first wholesale cash & carry outlet in India this year. Tesco already has presence in India through a joint venture with Tatas.

CBTL to open its fifth outlet in India ImagesFood.com Blue Foods leading coffee chain The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) is all set to open its fifth outlet at Blue Heaven, Linking Road, Bandra West in Mumbai on January 21.

FBD: Washington apples been distributed in India by Namdhari's Fresh FoodBizDaily.com (press release) Namdhari's Fresh, which is a pioneer Indian retail Company in providing international ambience and quality in fresh vegetables and fruits retailing, has said that the company has started distribution of Washington Apples through its retail stores located in southern Indian state of Bangalore.

Kidology to open its first store in New Delhi indiaretailing.com Kidology -- the brand that adds panache to an expectant woman's wardrobe, and gives her the opportunity to don her little one's in the best of kid couture -- is set to launch its first store at DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj in New Delhi on January 21. Besides the clothes, this brand offers a fabulous collection of accessories such as handbags and head bands.

Tanishq offers to babysit as moms shop indiaretailing.com Multiplexes have done it. So have fast food chains. Jewellery retailer Tanishq is now offering to babysit, while moms spend "quality" time shopping. The retailer has set up 'kids zones' - replete with soft toys and colourful balls - at some of its stores in Lucknow, Chandigarh, Kanpur and Hosur.

Retail Trends

Indian market holds multinationals at bay Financial Times India severely restricts foreign investment in retail businesses, frustrating global companies that see vast potential in a market where modern retailing is still in its infancy. Only about 8 per cent of urban Indian retail spending takes place in the "organised" sector, while in rural areas it's almost none. But spending in modern retail stores has grown 20 per cent a year over the past four years, a pace expected to accelerate.

Retailers plan R-day discounts to boost sales Times of India Consumers reeling under inflationary pressure can expect some relief on their daily consumption basket with major retail chains planning to offer attractive deals and huge discounts on essentials like food and clothing, and others like high-value consumer durables, appliances and home care products around the Republic Day.

Is organised retail coming back with a bang? Moneylife Personal Finance Magazine Organized retail is just 5% of the total retail business in India compared to more than 20% in China and 80% in US of the overall market, pointing to a huge potential for growth.

Designers explore tier-II towns as orders dry up in west Economic Times Small towns and emerging markets are fast-replacing Paris and New York as the hotspots for Indian fashion designers such as Anamika  Khanna, Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Rajesh Pratap Singh. With the western world still struggling to come out of its worst recession in several decades, the fashion fraternity is now venturing into small cities and towns in India with cheaper offerings and targeting newer markets in Latin America and Asia.

Retail Insight

10 Best Practices in Implementing Digital Signage & In-Store MediaMillerZell In-store communications historically have been characterized by static signage and displays. Other technology-based media have entered the scene, however, and at the same time the effectiveness of television advertising is eroding. There is a need for a more energetic and flexible way of communicating brand identity and purchase drivers in the store in "the last three feet" in front of the shelf, kiosk or fixture.