Shikha Kumar, DNA Mumbai, June 16, 2013 When American brand Forever 21 launched in India three years ago, Delhi-based Mehak Sagar was most excited. She hit the store on the opening day with her friends only to get a rude shock. “The prices were nearly double the prices in the US. Forever 21 was always my favourite brand when I went to New York since it was fast fashion yet reasonably priced. But I can't say the same of the India outlets,” says the 26-year-old, who blogs at peachesandblush.com. As the retail sector booms, global fashion names like Mango, Zara,…
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Sayantani Kar, Business Standard Mumbai, June 12, 2013 Hypermarket chains are launching pre-paid cards to boost their brand's stickiness. These are a mode of payment for consumers and often come with consumer benefits. However, experts say the benefits accrued to the retailer are why some of them have launched pre-paid cards in quick succession. For branded retail chains, such cards bring in ready cash and, even, repeat visits from the consumer. Star Bazaar, the hypermarket chain of Tata's retail arm, Trent Hypermarket, has launched its gift cum recharge card called 'Easy Shop'. It will provide shoppers with a cashless payment…
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Nandita Bose, Reuters Mumbai, June 7, 2013 New rules requiring foreign supermarkets to set up their own warehouses and stores in India are likely to further delay the entry of companies like Wal-Mart, increase costs and hurt cash-strapped local retailers eager to partner with foreign companies. India allowed foreign chains to enter the country to set up retail stores in September 2012, but ambiguities in the policy means that so far, no foreign company has applied to the government for permission to set up shop in the $500 billion industry. Under the new rules, the government late on Thursday said…
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Purvita Chatterjee , The Hindu Businessline Mumbai, May 30, 2013 Global they might be, but the café chains have woken up to the potential of coffee in smaller towns and cities. The metro markets are saturated, the rents are high, and they are having to shut down some stores. They are even becoming more open to franchising their brand in these new places. After setting up shop in Mumbai and Delhi, Starbucks is now enquiring about rent in Bangalore. Barista Lavazza, one of the first international coffee retailers, hopes to add 15-20 cafes every year. “All our outlets have largely…
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Written By Christine Gilguy Inde Les marques étrangères profitent de l’ouverture du commerce de détail L’assouplissement de la réglementation indienne sur le commerce de détail a créé un appel d’air pour les marques étrangères qui lorgnent sur une classe moyenne en pleine croissance. Les marques françaises sont à la traîne. Il y a à peine un mois, Ikéa, le géant suédois de l’habitat, faisait la Une de la presse indienne et étrangère en annonçant une mise de près de 2 milliards d’euros pour lancer ses dix premiers magasins en Inde. Il venait d’obtenir l’agrément final du gouvernement indien pour investir…
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