You are on page 1of 176

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page
No.
Chapter I – Introduction To Industry 6
Introduction to Retail sector 7
Retail sector growth in India 14
Corporate Retail sector 20
E-Retailing 32
SWOT Analysis 38
Chapter II – Company Profile 40
Big Bazaar 41
Marks & Spencer 60
Shopper Stop 90
Westside 113
Chapter III – Research Methodology 143
Objectives 144
Scope 145
Methodology of data collection 145
Limitations 146
Chapter IV – Comparative Analysis 147
Introduction 148
SWOT Analysis 150
Conclusion 160
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

CHAPTER-I

I NTRODUCTION T O I NDUSTRY

Introduction To Retail Sector

Retail Sector’s Growth In India

Corporate Retail Sector

E-Retailing

Top Companies In Retail Sector

SWOT Analysis

Page 2
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

INTRODUCTION TO RETAIL SECTOR

etailing sector of India can be split into two segments. They are the informal and the formal
retailing sector. The informal retailing sector is comprised of small retailers. For this sector, it is
very difficult to implement the tax laws. There is widespread tax evasion. It is also cumbersome
to regulate the labor laws in this sector. As far as the formal retailing sector is concerned, it is
comprised of large retailers. Stringent tax and labor laws are implemented in this sector.

If the retail industry is divided on the basis of retail formats then it can be split into the modern
format retailers and the traditional format retailers. The modern format retailers comprise of the
supermarkets, Hypermarkets, Departmental Stores, Specialty Chains and company owned and
operated retail stores

The traditional format retailers comprise of Kiranas, Kiosks, Street Markets and the multiple
brand outlets. The retail industry can also be subdivided into the organized and the unorganized
sector. The organized retail sector occupies about 3% of the aggregate retail industry in India.

Size and contribution of the retail industry in India

In terms of value, the Indian Retail industry is worth $300 billion. India retail industry is the
largest industry in India, with an employment of around 8%. Its contribution to the Gross
Domestic Product is about 10%, the highest compared to all other Indian Industries. The retail
sector has also contributed to 8% of the employment of the country. The organized retail sector
is expected to triple its size by 2010. The food and grocery retail sector is expected to multiply
five times in the same time frame. The major reason behind the low participation in the Indian
retail sector is the need for lumpy investments that cannot match up their break even points. The
government policies are being revised from time to time to attract investments in this sector.

The Indian Retail Industry — Sky is the limit


Page 3
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

In terms of the retail development index India ranks fifth. In Asia it occupies the second position,
next to China. Among all the global markets, the Indian retail market is the most expanding. This
is owing to absence in restriction at the entry level. So the large foreign companies can reap the
benefits of economies scale by entering the green retail fields of India. There are many reasons
why the retail industry in India can reach the zenith.

Firstly the organized retail sector in India has a very low contribution to the entire retail sector in
the country. Hence there is ample scope for the new players to achieve success in the backdrop
of soaring disposable income of the upcoming generation. Secondly, not only have the incomes
increased but there has been a sea change in the preferences of the consumers. These factors
have acted as a stimulus for the ushering of foreign players retailing in apparels, accessories,
electronic appliances etc. Large shopping malls have already mushroomed in the metropolitan
cities. There still lies untapped potential in the Indian Retail Market.

The size of retail industry in an economy depends on many factors and the level of consumer
spending is the most important among these factors. The retail sector in India has grown by leaps
and bounds in the last five years. The reason behind this growth has been the synergy of many
propellants. However the growth is not always genuine as there are exaggerations as well. But
these exaggerations also have benefits since they given a feel of growing competition all around.
Secondly the present situation is just a depiction of nascent stage. The future of the trajectory
may not be as steep as it is now or may be even slope downward. 'What will be the future size of
the retail industry' is the mind boggling question. Another moot point that will gain importance
in due time concerns the future of the unorganized retail market which constitute a significant
proportion of the whole industry. The retail stores have proved to be a vantage point for the
customers. This implies that the small farmers who used to sell their product in the sabji-mandis
and on roadsides are going to lose a significant market share as they can't employ the two profit
maximizers-economies of scale and economies of scope.

Retailing in India: the present scenario

Page 4
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

The present value of the Indian retail market is estimated by the India Retail Report to be around
Rs. 12,00,000 crore($270 billion) and the annual growth rate is 5.7 percent. Retail market for
food and grocery with a worth of Rs. 7, 43,900 crore is the largest of the different types of retail
industries present in India. Furthermore around 15 million retail outlets help India win the crown
of having the highest retail outlet density in the world. The contribution of retail sector to GDP
has been manifested below:

Country Retail Sector's


share
in GDP (in %)
India 10
USA 10
China 8
Brazil 6

Source: CII-AT Kearney Retail Study

As can be clearly seen, retailing in India is superior to those of its contenders. Retail sector is a
sunrise industry in India and the prospect for growth is simply huge. There are many factors that
have stimulated the rise of the shopping centers and multiplex-malls in a jiffy. Some of them can
be listed as follows:

Rise in the purchasing power of Indians- the rise in the per capita income in the last few
years has been magnificent. This has led to the generation of insatiable wants of the upper
and middle class. The demand of new as well as second hand durables has risen
throughout the country thus providing the incentive for taking up retailing.

Page 5
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Favorable to farmers- retailing has helped in removing the middlemen and has thus
enhanced the remuneration to farmers. This is a new revolution in the agricultural sector
in India and will go a long way in amending the condition of agriculture, a major concern
among policy makers.
Use of credit- a typical Indian is most conversant with using credit cards than carrying
money. These have led to a shift of the consumer base towards supermarkets and make
the payments in the form of credit.
Comfortable Atmosphere- a visit to a retail store appears to be more soothing for the
generation-Y. People and kids prefer to shop in an air conditioned a tech savvy manner.
The retail industry is the second largest employer in India. It currently employs about 7
percent of the total labor force in India. Finance Minister P. Chidambaram's recent
statement “salaries ought not to be legislated” is a welcome move as most of the
organized retail is in private hands. However only about 4.6% of the total retail trade is in
organized sector. It generates about Rs.55, 000 crore ($12.4 billion). The major and
minor players desperately need to work hard in this direction so that next time the figures
look more decent. The government must also make an attempt to ameliorate the situation
as political instability and infrastructure namely power and roads are the major
roadblocks in the path of smooth functioning of the market.

Retail sectors in neighboring countries:

China - The total sales from retail market in China reached US$755 billion in 2005. However
organized retailing in China accounts for only 20% of it. Also the fragmentation of China's retail
market is so high that top 100 retailers make up for only 10.5% of the total market. The
registered sales of department stores grew by 25.7% and that of convenience stores grew by
36.5% in 2005. The Chinese retail market is expected to reach new highs as the population of
strong middle class is expected to double by 2020 and mergers and acquisitions among retailers
are3 going in great guns. The WTO restrictions are also expected to have a favorable impact on
its retail sector.

Page 6
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Japan - total annual sales for the Japanese retail industry for 2003 amounted to JPY 133,273
billion. Japan had 1.2 million retail establishments in June 2004 and there were 42,738 specialty
superstores. Between 2002 and 2004 annual sales per store increased by 3.8%. The growth was
mainly driven by the grocery superstores but the number of superstores specializing in clothes
gradually came down. The organized retail sector in Japan couldn't perform at its full efficiency
because of collapse of the 'bubble economy' in the early 90s.

Retail Distribution in India

The distribution sector bridges the gap between the producer and consumer and thus forms a
crucial link. Distribution of retail in India has multiple dimensions. Its uniformity is difficult to
decide and easy to argue. Distribution in any sector is usually measured by the reach of its
products to people. But in case of the retail sector in India it also implies the dispersion among
the organized and unorganized spheres. The question of distribution hovers mainly around the
intentions of private players to reach out to the less rich people. But the point that has caught
the public eye recently is the ambiguous mood of the beneficiaries and the chauvinist
government that produces civil service.

Propagation of the retail sector:

The expansion of the retailing in India has been magnificent especially after the advent of
liberalization and the abolition of licensing. A comparative study with other developed
countries indicates that the retail sector has achieved a fantastic breakthrough in the Indian
economy. India topped the A.T. Kearney's Global Retail Index in both 2005 and 2006as can be
seen below:

The GRDI Score as calculated by A.T. Kearney is a weighted average of market


attractiveness, market saturation, country risk and time pressure. India had a GRDI score of
100 in both 2005 and 2006.implying market potential and attractiveness. As the graph clearly
depicts, India's contenders like Russia and China are nowhere in competition. This result has

Page 7
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
been obtained mainly because of a higher APC (Average Propensity to consume) of the Indian
people.
According to IMF, India has a APC of more than 60% while the corresponding figure for
Japan is 57% and China is 39%. Also Indians tend to exhaust 40% of their consumer spending
on groceries (foodstuffs). These figures are intensified by the fact that Indians have special
preference for lifestyle products and they feel comfortable in buying against credit as the credit
card and mortgage market has been growing by more than 30%.

We present the results from another survey below in order to strengthen our findings.
Availability of Retail Stores

Country Number of
stores
per 1,000
people
India 22
Japan 10
USA 3.8

The above table reinforces our view that India has done a great job in retailing. One
noteworthy point here is that Japan in spite of being one of the most densely populated
countries has fared poorly than India. But this euphoria loses its charm if we compare the
percentage of organized retail in the total
value generated by the retailing sector.

According to international standards, a


retail store is nominated as organized only
when it features more than 10 employees.
The above chart clearly portrays the
miserable condition of India's organized
retail A forecast of 40% annual growth in

Page 8
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
the organized retail sector seems sound. The number of shopping malls in India has grown
from 1 in 2001 to 100 in 2005 but still more effort is needed to turn the predictions into reality.

Studies have further showed that non-urban areas account for only about 15% of organized
retailing So it is high time that the retail industries pay importance to diversification and reach
out to non-urban markets. If they remain confined to the metropolis then they will soon hit a
ceiling and will be able to grow no more. But at the same time they must realize that the rustic
people are sceptic about the urbane lifestyle habits. The mega retail players will have to drop
their policy of full extraction of consumer surplus and will have to employ the local people to
overcome the myth that entry of a branded retail will displace the millions of traders,
shopkeepers and hawkers. Protests must be welcomed and meetings encouraged making life
saner.

Retail markets in Germany, South Africa and many other countries allow 100% foreign
investment in retail. This has helped in setting up of cash and in creating wholesale markets.
However, in India, only 51% FDI is allowed in single-brand retail and that too with prior
approval. In case of multi-brand retail, FDI is completely prohibited. This is a perfect
beginning but foreign investment should be gradually liberalized to modernize farming and
help farmers scale up. Moreover, restricting FDI for protecting mom-and-pop stores seems
unjustifiable since Tata, Reliance and Bharti have already made a foray in the sector.

Conclusion:

There are many hurdles in the path of smooth growth of the retail sector but a burgeoning and
aware middle class and cultural and ethnic diversifications surely wait a revolution in the retail
sector.

Page 9
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

RETAIL SECTOR GROWTH IN INDIA

In this section we may deal with the growth of the organized as well as the unorganized retail
sector of India.

Due to the untapped potential that exists in the Indian retailing market, it is a very fast growing
sector. One reason that can be attributed to this rapid entry of the foreign retail giants is that the
Western Countries have reached a point of saturation in their retail sector. Another reason as
already mentioned earlier is the change in the tastes and preferences or the psychographic of the
consumers that is bent in their favor.

Although the retail sector in India contributes to about 10% in the GDP, it is the most
underdeveloped sector in terms of investments that are made in this sector. The unorganized
retail sector has recorded a growth of 5% per annum while the organized sector is growing at 25-
30 % per annum. One should not be impressed by the figures of the organized retail markets
since developed market in US, Taiwan, Malaysia is still a dream to the Indian retail market. They
have registered a growth of 50% per annum.

The retail stores have mushroomed in the Tier II and Tier III cities. The participants in the retail
market hold the presence of market in the cities as a signal to their growth.

It has been seen that the retail companies have invested in the IT sector for their growth and
development. The IT sector has contributed greatly to the growth of the retail sector in India. The
retail firms have made lumpy investments in Enterprise Resource Planning System as a strategy
for their growth and development. SAP has also assumed a significant role in the growth and
development of the organized retail industry.

The sudden growth of the organized retail sector can be attributed to the ushering of the domestic

Page 10
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
retail giants like Reliance, Pantaloons, ITC, RPG, Rahejas and the Bharti Group. The foreign
companies continue to wait in the sidelines. These prominent retail chains have adversely
affected the farmers in some states. Another viewpoint is that the farmers have rather benefited
since they were eager on the market intervention of the retailers for the purpose of marketing and
processing of their output. Since the big retailers reap the benefits of buying directly from the
farmers, the consumers can purchase the products at minimal price rates. In places like
Uttarakhand, the big retail chains are welcomed for the same purpose by the farmers. They have
helped in putting finances in the right channels of processing and packaging.

Growth of the Retail Outlets In India


Outlets 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Food 2769 2943.9 3123.4 3300.2 3480 3682.9
Retailers
Non-Food 5773. 6040 6332.2 6666.3 7055.5 7482.1
Retailers 6
Total 8542. 8983.6 9455.6 9966.5 10534.4 11165
Retailers 6

Source: P.G.Chengappa, Lalith Achoth, Arpita Mukherjee, B.M.Ramachandra Reddy and


P.C.Ravi, Evolution of Food Retail Chains: The Indian Context, 5-6th Nov. 2003,
www.ficci.com

from the above table it is quite evident that there is a rising trend in the total retail outlets in
India. The non-food retail outlets contribute more to this rise.

The trend in the retail sector as compared to other sectors may be represented in the following
graph. We can see that as compared to the clothing and the food and beverages industry the
retailk industry has witnessed a sharp rise especially from 2002. Before that it was following a
slow and steady pace.

Page 11
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

The growth of the different retail sectors can be discussed as under.

Growth of FMCG

The report produced by HSBC shows that the FMCG retail sector is expected to grow by 60 %
by 2010. Leaving aside the packaging sectors, the other sectors that have registered rapid growth
are hair care, household care, confectionery, chocolates etc.

Growth of Consumer Durables

The consumer growth industry is estimated to grow by 40% in the coming season. The
television, refrigerator and washing machines sector has also witnessed a rapid growth. The
market for Indian colour television is expected to reach the value of 10.5 million units by the
next fiscal year. The refrigerator market is estimated to reach 4.5 million. Hence in a nut shell the
retail industry in India has witnessed unprecedented growth in the past years. The organised
sector is expected to make Quantum jumps in the coming years in terms of its contribution to
GDP.

The phase of high growth of Indian retail sector is expected to Continue due to huge amounts of
investments and breaking up of traditional concepts in this sector. These are leading to various
changes and are providing further boost to the growth of the Indian Retail Sector. The Indian
Retail Sector that includes the traditional retail and the modern retail is estimated to grow at a
very fast pace from US$ 336 billion, in 2006 to US$ 590 billion, by 2011.

The traditional retail sector is expected to increase from US$ 324 billion, in 2006 to US$ 493
billion, by 2011. The share of the modern retail in the Indian Retail Sector is also estimated to
increase from 4% in 2008, to 16% in the next five years. This exceptional growth is expected to
take place in the retail sector due to large amounts of investment which is estimated to be about
US$ 35 billion in the next five years. The "cash- and- carry" activities are expected to receive the
majority of investments.
Page 12
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

The maximum amount of growth in the Indian Retail Sector will be registered in the topmost 50
to 60 markets that are located in the urban areas. These markets would be mostly supermarkets
and hypermarkets. However, these supermarkets and hypermarkets will also witness fast
erosions in their margins. Further, it is estimated that in the longer run, the convenient stores that
are located in the local neighborhood will continue to survive.

A major focus area in the Indian retail sector is the supply chain management. In the western
countries, the retail sector has a highly developed system of supply chain. However
developments in supply chain in Indian retail sector has been quite slow.

Other areas that need attention for the growth of the Indian retail sector to continue includes duty
and tax structures, infrastructure, rising land prices and effective trend forecasting. Trend
forecasting needs to be done in the country especially in the segments of cosmetics, apparel and
footwear for this will help the retail companies to curtail their expenses substantially. Also
another area that requires attention is manpower for it is estimated that the Sector of Indian
Retail will suffer from shortage of manpower by about a million people, by 2012.

The chains in the Indian retail sector need to frequently change their stocks and also adopt
concepts like home delivery. If all these areas are given immediate attention then the growth
phase of Indian retail sector would continue at a very fast pace. The Indian retail sector would
then witness the setting up of retail parks that are flourishing in Europe. Further, the growth of
the Indian retail sector would help in making the country ready for big retailers by 2015- 2016.

Scope of growth:

The scope of the Indian retail market is immense for this sector is poised for the highest growth
in the next 5 years. The India retail industry contributes 10% of the countries GDP and its
current growth rate is 8.5%. In the Indian retail market the scope for growth can be seen from the
fact that it is expected to rise to US$ 608.9 billion in 2009 from US$ 394 billion in 2005.

Page 13
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

The organized retailing sector in India is only 3% and is expected to rise to 25- 30% by the
year 2010. There are under construction at present around 325 departmental stores, 300 new
malls, and 1500 supermarkets. This proves that there is a tremendous scope for growth in the
Indian retail market.

The growth of scope in the Indian retail market is mainly due to the change in the consumers
behavior. For the new generation have preference towards luxury commodities which have been
due to the strong increase in income, changing lifestyle, and demographic patterns which are
favorable.

The scope of the Indian retail market have been seen by many retail giants and thats the reason
that many new players are entering the India retail industry. The major Indian retailers are:

Pantaloons Retail India Ltd


Shoppers Stop
Bata India Ltd
Music World Entertainment Ltd

Judging the scope for growth in the India retail industry many global retail giants are also
entering the Indian retail market. They are:

Tesco
Metro AG
Wal- Mart

The scope for growth in the Indian retail market is seen mainly in the following cities:

Mumbai
Delhi
Pune
Page 14
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Ahmedabad
Bangalore
Hyderabad
Kolkata
Chennai

The scope of the Indian retail market is very vast. And for it to reach its full potential the
government and the Indian retailers will have to make a determined effort.

The Indian retail industry accounts for 10% of GDP and 8% of employment.

India is being touted as the next big retail destination with an average three year
compounded annual growth rate of 46.64%.

Page 15
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

CORPORATE RETAIL SECTOR

Penetration of organized market: “A matter of concern”


The concept of organized retailing in India is not much old but there has been much hope over its
future in India. People are confused (actually unaware) of its merits and demerits. This ignorance
has been used by political parties to create different sensations to create political advantage. In
this study we make an attempt to clearly point out the pros and cons of expansion of the
organized retail sector beyond metros and the possible risk-averse ways of entering the suburbs
and towns.

The present foray and its implications

According to “The Great Indian Retail Story” a report on the Indian retail sector published by
Ernst & Young, 220 mall projects will come up by the end of 2007. The planned positioning of
these malls are shown in the pie chart below. The diagram clearly depicts the bias of retail giants
to set up shops in metropolitan areas.

This failure to reach suburban dwellers will jeopardize the profit making motive of the retailers.
As products are services are pure imitation of each other, the intense price battle among
competitive retail owners will undermine the supernormal profits that could have otherwise
accrued (known as the theory of Bertrand Oligopoly).

Page 16
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

An improper analysis
of facts has further
aggravated the
situation. The state
government in Delhi
and NCR(National
Capital Region) has
been lenient in granting
permission for
commercial use of land whereas the local authorities in remote place have shown narrow-
mindedness. However according to economists, this roadblock can be overcome by franchising.
The mega retail players can surely explore the opportunity of strategic partnership with domestic
retailers.

Let's now come to another debate that has generated much heat in the recent past but failed to
ameliorate the situation. It is a well-known fact that agricultural growth rate is lagging at less
than 4 percent (average annual growth rate for 2002-07 was 2.3 percent)and this rate must be
increased to a stable 6 percent in order to attain the accolade of the fastest growing nation.
According to the Ernst & Young report, the Food and Groceries comprises of 41 percent of
private consumption expenditure and account for about 77 percent of total retail sales. So far so
good, the pie diagram below shows the share of the sector in organized retailing.

This diagram demonstrates that footwear has a


whopping share in the organized retail market.
But food and groceries, the leader in private
consumption expenditure has a modest share of 1
percent in organized retailing. This is the channel
that must be bettered. Organized retailing in the
agricultural sector can do miracles in improving
the revenue from it. Organized retailers face the
Page 17
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
customers directly and thus can easily communicate the consumer's preferences and grievances
to the producers in terms of both quality and quantity. This market information crucially affects
producer's investment decisions and their risk domain. In addition, organized retailers have very
large scope of operations and so can bring in cheap credit, insurance and other services to the
poor farmers. Moreover removing the middlemen is akin to providing wide consumer base.

Penetration: Ways for improvement


Production comes before supply and sales comes after supply. This must be understood
by retailers. It is imperative that they check out the supply chain management from
vendors and the type of products that are in demand. This must be done without fail
before setting up retail chains as “A 5 percent reduction in customer defections can treble
profits”, according to Ranjan Biswas, Partner, Ernst & Young India. A lot of importance
is attached to this because the climate as well as culture of India is diversified.
Though India tops among its competitors for its attractive retail sector prospects, one
wishing to build a retail outlet chain in India still has requires about 20-33 licences from
governments at various levels. 'Single window clearance' was demanded recently by
Retailer Association of India(RAI). This will help retailers to set up retail outlets without
much hassles. Under the single window clearance system, it will be possible to get an
application cleared within seven days and those already having an existing store in the
state will be able to get a licence for opening a new one by merely applying and taking an
extension.
International retailers coming to India will set up shop in only those malls that are
maintained at par with international standards. Proper mall management is urgent from
the view point of Indian mall developers. Mall management includes not only right
positioning(deciding on the product that the mall targets) but also includes proper tenant
mix and zoning(placing the appropriate retailers at the ideal places inside the mall).
Promotion, marketing and financial management are of no less importance. The
organized retail sector in India is projected to grow at a CAGR(Compound Annual
Growth Rate) of about 49.53 percent from 2006 to 2010 and FDI of 51 percent in single
brand retailing will pave the red target for Indian retail in the coming years.

Page 18
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

FDI in Indian Retail sector

The Government of India was initially very apprehensive of the introduction of the Foreign
Direct Investment in the Retail Sector in India. The unorganized retail sector as has been
mentioned earlier occupies 98% of the retail sector and the rest 2% is contributed by the
organised sector. Hence one reason why the government was fearing the surge of the Foreign
Direct Investments in India was the displacement of labour.

The unorganized retail sector contributes about 14% to the GDP and absorbs about 7% of our
labour force. Hence the issue of displacement of labour consequent to FDI is of primal
importance.

There are different viewpoints on the impact of FDI in the retail sector in India. According to
one viewpoint , the US evidence is empirical proof to the fact that FDI in the retail sector does
not lead to any collapse in the existing employment opportunities. There are divergent views
as well. According to the UK Competition Commission, there was mass scale job loss with the
entry of the hypermarkets brought about by FDI in the UK retail market.

According to another school of thought, there is undoubtedly labour displacement associated


with FDI, but employment generation will occur in different dimensions. Varied skills would
be specialised.

Taking into consideration the pros and cons of introducing FDI in India, ICRIER has
recommended 49% of FDI . The opening up of FDI in India is also expected to be gradual so
that the domestic industries can tailor themselves according to the changes. At the formative
stage , the idea was to start with 26% of FDI in this sector. But soon the idea changed as
China's FDI moved up from 49% to 100% in the retail sector.

Page 19
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

While the government is continuing its plans to liberalise FDI in the retail sector in India,
foreign companies like Wal-Mart are waiting on the threshold. They basically wish to enter
into partnership with various multinational chains. FDI would bring about modern
infrastructure that would help to boost the productivity of the organised retail sector in India.

Malls have mushroomed in various locations. They are the centres of entertainment for the
new generation.

FDI is not allowed in the retail sector and this is the reason why many prominent global
players like Dominos, Levis, Lee, Nike, Adidas, TGIF, Benetton, Swarovski, Sony, Sharp,
Kodak etc are entering the retail market via licensee or franchisee. The opening up of the
economy to FDI in the retail sector is also expected to generate employment. FDI can be a
blessing instead of curse only if it produces backward linkages relating to production and
manufacturing. It may also, in the process help to push up domestic production as well as
exports.

In the present scenario, 51% Foreign Direct Investment is permitted in India only through
single brand retailing. The international retailers are entering the matket through licensees just
as Wal-Mart has entered through the franchisee, Bharti Enterprises.

Recent News on FDI in India

Metro AG and Shorite are already in operation. Foreign retailers are in search of investing in
wholesale. Wal-Mart as we have mentioned has already joined the retail market of India.
Geant is also expected to start its retailing operations soon in India hence we may conclude
that FDI in retailing in India would require the creation of additional jobs to compensate the
resulting job loss. It would result in the reduction in the Kirana shops and Retail Stores. The
consumers can benefit from such exposures, it would enhance quality, improve on the supply
chain, increase exports, so on and so forth. There are certain other issues that have discouraged
Page 20
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
FDI in India and they are discussed as under.

Bottlenecks to FDI in Retail Industry

According to the Land and Property laws only the Indians have the right to land and property
in India and this law has in a a way inhibited the entry of the foreign players in India. Again
the labour laws are so designed that the store workers can be protected , quite contrary to the
requirements of the modern formats. The tax structure of India is also unfavourable for the
foreign players. The corporate tax rate for the domestic companies is 36.59% whereas it is
41.82% for the foreign companies. The changing sales tax as well as the Value Added Tax is
also not favourable in the case of international companies.

Government Intervention in Indian Retail

“India's government seems to be on a gradual but definite path toward allowing foreign
retailers into the country....” suggests the A.T. Kearney's Retail Development Index 2006. It
is a common knowledge that the Union government has to face a number of hurdles both from
it's opponents as well as it's allies before it could announce the final verdict. There have been
demands from all corners regarding framing of rules to safeguard interests of the so-called small
traders. Simultaneously economists have the consensus that industrialization is imperative for the
growth of the economy and foreign investment has to play an inevitable role in it. With Lok
Sabha elections to come in 2009, the Union government too seems a bit confused regarding
decision in who's favor can provide it a political edge. So in this study let us compare the views
for and against liberalization as is held by Indian Bureaucrats.

Entry of large players: stiff opposition from Left Parties

The recent outburst of fury among the Kerala's LDF(Left Democratic Front) Government has
been noticeable. They have exacted for a three-pronged approach to prevent the retail giants
from serving the Keralians. At the first stage, not only MNCs but also the local retail giants like
Page 21
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Reliance will be shown the red signal. In fact a magnified CPI protest has compelled a Reliance
Fresh outlet in Kochi to take police protection. The draft of a bill has been finalized to amend the
Kerala Essential Commodities Act so that the state government can intervene in the retail
market.

As a second step, local councils (70% of which is controlled by the Left) will deny licenses, that
are mandatory to start a retail chain in the state. Kochi and Tiruvananthapuram corporations will
be in fact commanded to reconsider the licenses of outlets that are already operating in the
regions. This strategy grants more power to the state. However a ban on shopping in these outlets
is still not clear. The third and the most revolutionary judgment is actually an outcome of the
whole game. Government-controlled supermarkets and hypermarkets will be established in some
of the key cities in the state.

This rigid legal wall not only in Kerala but across the country has been born out of a traditional
mindset. Kerala claims to have a literacy rate of 90.92% and a sex ratio of 1058 females per 1000
males. The data speaks for the government's prudent commitment in the case of Kerala. So it is
high time that the government opens up avenues for its people to let them grow and become self
dependent.

But the government is still holding good, the conventional 'infant industry' outlook. The main
worry is the negative impact on the already gloomy condition of employment. Let's make an
attempt to understand the vicious circle of unorganized retailing and present employment
scenario. Unorganized retailing has a share of about 96% in the Indian retail sector. But why
should people work in such miserable situations if the manufacturing and services sector are
booming is the overwhelming question. There has been a trend to migrate to cities in search of
alluring bright city lights. But the consequences has been been even worse- earning lower than
expected wages(Harris Todaro model of migration). The illiterate and unskilled people
ultimately set up a grocery shop to earn a living. This gives birth to another unorganized retail
shop in India and thus enlarges its share. So the unorganized retail market in India has born out
of fate rather than selection.

Page 22
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

The Actual Scene

Those opposing the expansion of organized retail in India must understand that the share of
primary sector shrinks and that of the secondary and then the tertiary sector expands as an
economy grows. This is the basic structural adjustment in case of any transforming economy.
India is at a take off stage. A retardation in the agricultural sector is not permissible but
inhibiting the growth of services on grounds of protection to agriculture is more irrational. A
proof of this has been seen in a small town of North Bengal. The opening of a Big Bazaar (brand
name for stores under Pantaloon) departmental store has seen a human deluge of about 7,000
people in the 35,000 sqft shopping mall by 3pm. This clearly indicates that people (even in
remote places) have become fed up of monotonous marketing practices and demand nowadays is
purely governed by choice.

IT Trends in the Retail Sector in India

IT in Retail: What's Hot

The Indian retailing, which has topped the charts for being the most favored and attractive
destination is yet in its nascent stage. Neither the FMCG retailers are in a position to maintain
world class standard, nor one wishes to be an iconoclast. The digitization of the Indian retail
sector has captured the minds of retail magnets for quite some time now but has remained the
grey area of the Indian story of retail sector. The Indian IT sector is growing at a rate of 31
percent and posted a record revenue of $40 billion in 2006-07. This is indeed a good news but
the staggering domestic segment demanded services worth only $8.2 billion. In this study we
focus on how e-retail can boost the plans of existing and forthcoming national retail players. We
further try to put forth the challenges in computerisation of the organized retail and make an
attempt to suggest some prospective solutions.

Page 23
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Traditional retail sector:

Why IT is the need of the hour?

The organised retail sector of India will form about 10 percent of the total retailing business in
India and is expected to worth US $70 billion by the end of 2010. in the mean time it will grow
at a CAGR of around 49.53 percent. But certain speed breakers associated with the primitive
form of retailing must be overcome to maintain its tempo.

Unorganised retailing in India is ubiquitous and so the communication between the


manufacturer and retailer is heavily dependent on the wholesalers, dealers and traders.
This is more so because the retailers can't afford costly investments. So they ultimately
have to suffer due to low participation market flow of commodities. Nowadays even the
organised business houses are facing the problems related to SCM(Supply Chain
Management). The SCM's huge emphasize on middlemen rather than on the retailers has
aggravated the problem. The introduction of EDI (Electronic Data Interface) can deliver
QR (Quick Response) and ECR (Efficient Consumer Response) systems to ameliorate the
partnership channel and thus shorten the time between the placement of orders and
delivery to occur. For eg. the 17 outlets of FoodWorld are linked online with its central
manufacturing house at Chennai.
The scale and process complexity are also of paramount importance as millions of
customers deal with thousands of retail outlets. At the end of the day the total number of
transactions is in the order of hundreds of millions. This makes keeping track of the
money movement an onerous job. The spread of the planning cycles and huge
geographical dispersion makes the task more arduous.

Page 24
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Retail operations:

How does Information Technology hel

India has seen a retail boom in the last five years. This has helped the sector grow to a size of Rs.
8,10,000 crores. IT can and has to play a substantial role in this flourishing industry to keep up
the vigour as well as to make it globally competitive. It can happen in many ways:

Retailing in a large country like India is basically a multi-plant and multi-market activity.
It is almost if not actually impossible to handle the diversified operations. Introduction of
IT can make things easier and the node can be immensely useful in managing the
complexities.
Advanced planning and scheduling and inventory management are inevitable to any
growing retail sector. Besides, merchandising and seasonality management systems can
drastically change the fortune of retail sector in India.
To improve penetration and enhance quality of services, data mining and top-class
forecasting has no substitutes. Understanding consumer needs and collaborating with
suppliers are essential parts of merchandising activities. A logical interpretation of data is
fundamentally important to make decision, specially when one is looking forward to
establish a new retail chain. These help in modifying revenues and cutting down costs,
the two dimensions of an upward-moving profit curve. Data-cleansing and re-architecture
also help in making effective decisions.
It is fully justified that all the retail institutions as well as the manufacturer and all
distribution centers be linked Online to ensure EDI of the server installed in the market
with the EPOS (Electronic Point Of Sale). However the retailers should carefully choose
the IT service provider as global researches have shown that global IT expenditure in the
retail sector is growing at 13 percent whereas the revenues has grown at a mere rate of 2
percent. The maintenance costs are also quite high owing to the different technology
platforms for fragmented point solutions.
Page 25
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Opportunities of the Western Retailers in India

The retail industry in the western countries have reached a point of saturation and there is
no way of expanding. In this backdrop the retail giants are trying to make their mark in
the retail market of countries that still have untapped potential of expansion. India happens to be
one of them. AT Kearney has constructed the Global Retail Development Index which has
helped the western retailers to identify the countries in which investments could be made.

Opportunities in India have attracted the western retailers like Wal-Mart, Euroset, Supervalu who
have plans to enter as single branded retailers . In gauging whether to enter, the companies keep
into account the timing factor, that is whether the consumers are ready to accept the products that
are offered by them. It is highly possible that there are potentials in the market but the consumer
preferences are skewed against the products that are offered.

Certain parameters have been included in the construction of the Global Retail Development
Index and given weightage which have been shown in the following figure.
Table1: Parameters in the Construction of GRDI
Parameters Weightage
Country Risk 25%
Market Attractiveness 25%
Market Saturation 30%
Time Pressure 20%

Each of the parameters may be explained as under.

Country Risk:
Country risk arises from political risk, poor debt management, low credit ratings and access to
bank finance. Country risk also have their origin from business risk arising from terrorism,
corruption and violence.

Attractiveness of Market
Page 26
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

This is measured by retail sales per capita. If the score is zero in this parameter, then it clearly
hints to a highly underdeveloped retail sector. On the other hand a cent percent score would
indicate that the retail sector has reached the point of saturation. Weightage is also given to
population, urban population and business efficiency. The more the population and urban
population more will be the prospect for growth. By business efficiency we mean the quality of
infrastructure. Higher the quality of infrastructure, higher will be the ease of business operations.

Market Saturation

To understand the market saturation level, importance is to be given to the share of modern
retailing, number of international retailers, the sale of retail per urban inhabitant and the market
share of the top retailers.

Time Factor

The time factor as measured by CAGR has a weightage of 20% in the construction of GRDI.

Page 27
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

E-RETAILING IN INDIA

E-retailing, most commonly known as e- tailing is nothing but shopping through the
Internet and other media forms. There are many things that are common between direct
retail stores and online retail stores. Both have the process of billing of the customers and have to
maintain a relationship with the suppliers.

Bottlenecks Faced By E-Retailing in India

Problems with the Payment System

People in India are not used to the online shopping system and moreover the online payment
system through the credit card is also totally alien to them. Most of them do not avail of the
transaction facilities offered by the credit cards. They are also dubious regarding the online
payment system through the credit cards. Hence different payment options should be made
available to them like the credit card, cash on delivery and net banking to give them further
assurance.

Problems with Shipping

The customers using the online shopping channel should be assured that the products that they
have ordered would reach them in due time. For this the retail companies have resorted to private
guaranteed courier services as compared to postal services.

Offline presence

The customers should be assured that the online retailers are not only available online but offline

Page 28
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
as well. This gives them the psychological comfort that these companies can be relied upon.

Products offered at discounted rates

The online retailers save on the cost of building and employee salaries. Some part of this benefit
should also be enjoyed by the online customers by a reduction in the price of the product. The
customers should be conveyed this message that they are getting the products at a discounted
price.

Language Problem

Most internet retail shops use English as their mode of communication. English may not be
comprehensible to the majority of the Indian population . To increase the customer base, content
in the online retail shops should be provided in local language.

Another reason why the concept of e- retailing or online retailing has not gained prominence in
India is that the Indians prefer to touch the products physically before buying them. This facility
is provided through the multi-brand outlets, not available online. Studies have revealed the
preferences of the customers towards the traditional shopping methods. Hence the retailer online
should first make it a point to spot the potential customers and accordingly plan out the product.
If the customers are more open to online shopping, then nothing can be more beneficial. They
save the time and effort to visit, departmental stores, shopping malls, etc. products can be
delivered by a click of the mouse.

Another problem is that the retail industry is standing on its point of inflexion and
considering its infant stage, it would take time for the new concept of e-retailing to take off.

Some online retailing sites in India

Page 29
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

E Bay is heading the race of online retailers. In this race it has become very difficult to determine
the online retail store that makes the products available at convenient and cheap rates. From this
very difficulty has cropped up comparison sites. Comparison is done on the basis of an index
which is constructed from the data available from different shopping sites. The bechna.com and
the ultop.com are such sites though many more sites are entering this zone.

The comparison sites not only help to choose the online sites that would be providing the best deal but
also offline as well. Sites like Rediff product search, Compare India.com have constructed the data that is
taken from the conventional local retailers. These sites help the customer in finding out the local retail
store that will best suit his purpose.

Future of E-retailing in India

There are divergent views on the future of e-retailing in India. Some experts are of the opinion that the
giant, big brand retailers would dominate the small ones due to their wider investment capacities. It would
be next to impossible for the small retailers and the kiranas to prove their existence in the battlefield of
online retailing. Another viewpoint is that there would be an exponential growth in the online retailing
business in India.

Page 30
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

TOP COMPANIES IN THE RETAIL SECTOR

The India retail industry: who's who

The Indian retail sector has been a euphoria over the last five years. India topped the A.T.
Kearney's Global Retail Development Index for two consecutive years and this has infatuated
Indian as well as foreign retail players to go gaga on the merchandising track. According to
geographical expansion, Delhi/NCR and Mumbai are the felicitated regions as the top companies
have rated the spending potential of consumers in the vicinity of the national capital and the
financial capital as excellent. Other metros such as Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore
have caught the sight of investors but their fortunes are yet to be illuminated. Companies like
The Future Group, Reliance, Bharti-Walmart, DLF etc. have shown the way for other to enter.
The country is expecting a surge in the growth sprint and let's hope for the best.

Top Companies: An analysis

Big Bazaar - Big Bazaar is a chain of department stores owned by the Pantaloon Group
(Future Group)and headed by Kishore Biyani and headquartered at Mumbai. It offers all types of
household items such as home furnishing, utensils, fashion products etc. It has a grocery
department and vegetable section known as the Food Bazaar and its online shopping site is
known as FutureBazaar.com. The real estate fund management company promoted by the Future
Group expects to develop more than 50 projects across India covering a combined area of more
than 16 million sq. ft. On April 1 2007, Big Bazaar had to shut its outlets in Mumbai as the 120
retrenched employees called a strike with the support of Bhartiya Kamgar Sena (the trade Union
wing of Shiv Sena). Later the management agreed to reinstate the sacked workers.

Page 31
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Bharti Retail - A wholly owned subsidiary of Bharti Enterprises. has announced two joint
ventures (JV)with the international retailing behemoth, Wal-Mart. The first JV ensures cash and
carry business, in which 100 percent FDI is permitted and it can sell only to retailers and
distributors. The second JV concerns the franchise arrangement. Sunil Mittal, Chairman of the
Bharti Group assured that the ventures will use “low prices every day” and “best practices for the
satisfaction of the customer”. Processed foods and vegetables will be delivered by Bharti Field
Fresh, Bharti's JV with Rothschild. Bharti Retail aims to foray every city with a population
exceeding 1 million. It has plans to come up with an investment of more than $2 billion in
convenience stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets spread over an aggregate 10 million sq. ft.
The expansion drive looks ambitious but analysts are worried that Bharti may face stiff
competition from Pantaloon and Reliance as they too have sanguine plans to flood the markets
with thousands of retail outlets in the coming five years. Bharti Telecom also has plans to offer
all its fixed and mobile telecom products and services from a single window to the SMB (Small
and Medium Business) enterprises under the Bharti Infotel division.

Reliance Retail - Reliance claimed last year to start a retail chain that will be unique in size
and spread, will lead to the welfare of one and all ranging from Indian farmers, manufacturers
and ultimately consumers. It is known as Reliance Retail Ltd.(RRL) and is a 100 percent
subsidiary of Reliance industries Ltd.(RIL). Soon after the Bharti-Wal Mart tie up, there was the
news that RIL (Reliance Industries Ltd.) Chairman Mukesh Ambani met Commerce Minister
Kamal Nath to discuss the apprehension of cheap imports from China. Reliance Retail has plans
to open 4,000 outlets across 1,500 towns for an investment of $5.6 billion. Reliance is not away
from agro-business. According to Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal,
“Reliance will hold demonstration farming, produce good quality seeds and give inputs to
farmers”. Its most significant participation has been in the food procurement business in Madhya
Pradesh and Punjab. This has in fact compelled the government to import wheat this year.

Page 32
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Reliance Retail has also been reported to have entered into an agreement with footwear
manufacturer Bata India Ltd. so that they will involve in selling each other's products.

DLF Shopping Malls - DLF Retail Developers Ltd. is one of the troikas of the DLF Group.
Besides being India's largest real estate developer, DLF is also of the leaders in innovating
shopping malls in India. It caught public eye when it launched the 2,50,000 sq ft. shopping mall
in Gurgaon. It has brought a dramatic change in the lifestyles and entertainment with its City
Centres and DT Cinemas. DLF has plans to invest Rs. 2000-3000 crore in all the emerging areas
from metros to A class cities in the next two years. Till last year the company was involved in
building 18 malls out of which 10 were in the NCR region. Future plans of DLF involve opening
up of 100 malls (speciality malls, big box retailing and integrated malls) across 60 cities in next
8-10 years. They are slowly transforming into 'lease' and 'revenue share' models.

Local players like ITC, the A.V. Birla Group and Tatas have given the hints to enter organised
retail. France’s Carrefour SA and Britain’s Tesco too were recently in news for their future
plans to explore the Indian retail market.

Page 33
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

SWOT OF THE INDUSTRY

Strength
➢ Demographic favor
➢ Rising disposable income
➢ Increase in number of people in earner category.
➢ Urbanization
➢ Shopping convenience
➢ Low labor cost of skilled ones.
➢ Changing consumer habits and lifestyles.
➢ Plastic card revolution.
➢ Greater availability of quality retail space.

Weakness

➢ Policy related issues


– lack of industry status for retail.
– numerous licence,permits and registration requirement.
– -farmer and retailer unfriendly APMC act.
➢ Limited consumer insight
– -lack of detailed region specific customer data.
– -less data on spending pattern.
➢ Inadequate human resources
– lack of trained personnel at all level.
– stringent employment and industry laws.

Page 34
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
➢ Taxation hurdle
-inconsistent octori and entry tax structure.
-vat and multiple taxation issues.
-large grey market presence.
➢ Underdeveloped supply chain
-underdeveloped logistics infrastructure.
-absence of national cold chain networks.
-lack of national distribution networks and hubs
➢ Lack of adequate utilities
– lack of basic infrastructure like power, transport and communication
creates difficulty in sustaining retail operations across the large geographical
spread of country.

Oppurtunity
➢ Potential for investment.
➢ Locational advantage.
➢ Sectors with high growth potential.
➢ Fastest growing formats.
➢ Rural retail.
➢ Wholesale trading.
➢ Falling real estate cost
➢ E-retailing
➢ Retail franchising

Threat
➢ Political issues.
➢ Social issues.
➢ Inflation.
➢ Nostalgia
➢ Lack of differentiation among the malls that are coming.

Page 35
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
➢ Poor inventory turns and stock availability measures.

CHAPTER-II

C OMPANY P ROFILES

History of the Company


Founder’s Profile
Company’s Profile
Organisation Structure
Product Profile
Marketing Strategies
Present Market Share
Future Strategies
Financial Information
Achievements and
Recognition

Page 36
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

BIG BAZAAR

FUTURE GROUP

F
uture Group (India) Limited, is India’s leading retailer that operates multiple retail
formats in both the value and lifestyle segment of the Indian consumer
market. Headquartered in Mumbai (Bombay), the company operates over 12 million
square feet of retail space, has over 1000 stores across 71 cities in India and employs
over 30,000 people.

The company’s leading formats include Pantaloons, a chain of fashion outlets, Big Bazaar, a
uniquely Indian hypermarket chain, Food Bazaar, a supermarket chain, blends the look, touch
and feel of Indian bazaars with aspects of modern retail like choice, convenience and quality and
Central, a chain of seamless destination malls. Some of its other formats include Brand Factory,
Blue Sky, ALL, Top 10 and Star and Sitara. The company also operates an online
portal, www.futurebazaar.com.

A subsidiary company, Home Solutions Retail (India) Limited, operates Home Town, a large-
format home solutions store, Collection i, selling home furniture products and eZone focussed on
catering to the consumer electronics segment.

Pantaloon Retail was recently awarded the International Retailer of the Year 2007 by the US-
based National Retail Federation (NRF) and the Emerging Market Retailer of the Year 2007 at
the World Retail Congress held in Barcelona.

Pantaloon Retail is the flagship company of Future Group, a business group catering to the entire
Indian consumption space.

Page 37
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Future Group
Future Group, led by its founder and Group CEO, Mr. Kishore Biyani, is one of India’s leading
business houses with multiple businesses spanning across the consumption space. While retail
forms the core business activity of Future Group, group subsidiaries are present in consumer
finance, capital, insurance, leisure and entertainment, brand development, retail real estate
development, retail media and logistics.

Led by its flagship enterprise, Pantaloon Retail, the group operates over 12 million square feet
of retail space in 71 cities and towns and 65 rural locations across India. Headquartered in
Mumbai (Bombay), Pantaloon Retail employs around 30,000 people and is listed on the Indian
stock exchanges. The company follows a multi-format retail startegy that captures almost the
entire consumption basket of Indian customers. In the lifystyle segment, the group operates
Pantaloons, a fashion retail chain and Central, a chain of seamless malls. In the value segment,
its marquee brand, Big Bazaar is a hypermarket format that combines the look, touch and feel
of Indian bazaars with the choice and convenience of modern retail.

In 2008, Big Bazaar opened its 100th store, marking the fastest ever organic expansion of a
hypermarket. The first set of Big Bazaar stores opened in 2001 in Kolkata, Hyderabad and
Bangalore.

The group’s speciality retail formats include, books and music chain, Depot, sportswear
retailer, Planet Sports, electronics retailer, Ezone, home improvement chain, Home Town and
rural retail chain, Aadhar, among others. It also operates popular shopping portal,
futurebazaar.com.

Future Group Manifesto


“Future” – the word which signifies optimism, growth, achievement, strength, beauty, rewards
and perfection. Future encourages us to explore areas yet unexplored, write rules yet unwritten;
create new opportunities and new successes. To strive for a glorious future brings to us our
strength, our ability to learn, unlearn and re-learn, our ability to evolve.

Page 38
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
We, in Future Group, will not wait for the Future to unfold itself but create future scenarios in
the consumer space and facilitate consumption because consumption is development. Thereby,
we will effect socio-economic development for our customers, employees, shareholders,
associates and partners.
Our customers will not just get what they need, but also get them where, how and when they
need.
We will not just post satisfactory results, we will write success stories.
We will not just operate efficiently in the Indian economy, we will evolve it.
We will not just spot trends, we will set trends by marrying our understanding of the Indian
consumer to their needs of tomorrow.

It is this understanding that has helped us succeed. And it is this that will help us succeed in the
Future. We shall keep relearning. And in this process, do just one thing.

Rewrite Rules. Retain Values.

Group Vision
Future Group shall deliver Everything, Everywhere, Everytime for Every Indian Consumer in
the most profitable manner.

Group Mission
• We share the vision and belief that our customers and stakeholders shall be served only
by creating and executing future scenarios in the consumption space leading to economic
development.
• We will be the trendsetters in evolving delivery formats, creating retail realty, making
consumption affordable for all customer segments – for classes and for masses.
• We shall infuse Indian brands with confidence and renewed ambition.
• We shall be efficient, cost- conscious and committed to quality in whatever we do.
• We shall ensure that our positive attitude, sincerity, humility and united determination
shall be the driving force to make us successful.

Page 39
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

BIG BAZAAR

Big Bazaar, the major retail chain of hypermarkets from the Kishore Biyani-promoted Future
Group, has plans to open 48 new hypermarkets in Maharashtra, including Malad, Ghatkopar,
Solapur and Pune, in the next two years. Big Bazaar has set the sales turn over target of Rs.
5,500 crore for the current FY 2008-09.
Big Bazaar on Wednesday (December 24) opened its second hypermarket in Nashik. Presently,
Big Bazaar has 103 hypermarkets in 62 cities across the country, including 23 in Maharashtra.
The new second hypermarket in Nashik offers 41,000 sq ft retail space and the company has
invested around Rs. 3 crore (excluding the property cost) in this hypermarket.
While elaborating company’s expansion plans to Business Standard, Sharad Venkat, Business
Manager (country), Big Bazaar said, “We are planning to open 240 new hypermarkets across the
country in the next two years (by 2010-11). Out of which, 20 per cent (48 stores) hypermarkets
will be opened in Maharashtra alone and these 48 hypermarkets will cover a total carpet areas of
2.4 million sq ft.”
“By March 2009, Big Bazaar will open hypermarkets each in Ghatkopar, Malad and Solapur in
Maharashtra. Proposed hypermarket in Malad and Ghatkopar will cover carpet areas of 1 lakh sq
ft and 60,000 sq ft, respectively, while hypermarket at Solapur will have a carpet area of 40,000
sq ft.,” he said.
‘Big Bazaar presently has 6 hypermarkets in Pune. We are also planning few more hypermarkets
in Pune and we are in the process of identifying land/properties there,” Venkat added.
Big Bazaar registered sales turn of Rs. 3,700 crore during the FY 2007-08 and has set the sales
turn over target of Rs. 5,500 crore for the current FY 2008-09.

Big Bazaar hypermarkets display over 1.6 lakh products in various categories, including apparel,
general merchandise, food, non-food, fruits and vegetables, electronic, furniture, books music
and stationery, mobiles, health zone, crockery, dry fruits, watches & sunglasses, catering to
every single household needs of a family.

Page 40
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
FOR THE GREAT INDIAN MIDDLE CLASS

Kishore Biyani led the company’s foray into organized retail with the opening up of the Big
Bazaar in the year 2001.
It is a unit of Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd and caters to the Great Indian Middle Class. It was
started as a hypermarket format in Mumbai with approx. 50,000 sqft of space. Its values and
missions are to be the best in Value Retailing by providing the cheapest prices and hence goes
the tag-line

“Is se sasta aur achcha kahin nahin”

It sells variety of merchandise at affordable rates, the prices of which it claims are lowest in the
city. Usually the items are clubbed together for offers as on the lines of Wal-mart and Carrefour
and it also offers weekend discounts. It currently operates out of more than 100 stores and top
25 stores register a cumulative footfall of 30 lakh a month on an average.

Page 41
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Mr. Kishore Biyani, Managing Director

Kishore Biyani is the Managing Director of Pantaloon Retail (India) Limited and the Group
Chief Executive Officer of Future Group.

• Mr. Gopikishan Biyani, Whole time Director

Gopikishan Biyani, is a commerce graduate and has more than twenty years of experience in
the textile business.

• Mr. Rakesh Biyani, Whole time Director

Rakesh Biyani, is a commerce graduate and has been actively involved in category
management; retail stores operations, IT and exports. He has been instrumental in the
implementation of the various new retail formats.

• Mr. Vijay Kumar Chopra, Independent Director

V.K.Chopra is a fellow member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) by


profession and is a Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB). His banking
career spans over 31 years and he has served senior management positions in Central Bank of
India, Oriental Bank of Commerce, SIDBI, Corporation Bank and SEBI.

• Mr. Shailesh Haribhakti, Independent Director

Shri Shailesh Haribhakti, is a Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, and a Certified Internal
Auditor. He is the Deputy Managing Partner of Haribhakti & Co., Chartered Accountants and
past president of Indian merchant Chambers. He is on the Board of several Public Limited
Companies, including Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd., Ambuja Cement Eastern Ltd.

Page 42
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
etc. He is on the Board of Company since June 1, 1999.

• Mr. S Doreswamy, Independent Director

S. Doreswamy, is a former Chairman and Managing Director of Central Bank of India and
serves on the board of DSP Merrill Lynch Trustee Co and Ceat Limited among others.

• Dr. D O Koshy, Independent Director

D. O. Koshy, holds a doctorate from IIT, Delhi and is the Director of National Institute of
Design (NID), Ahmedabad. He has over 24 years of rich experience in the textiles and
garment industry and was instrumental in the setting up of NIFT centres in Delhi, Chennai and
Bangalore. He is a renowned consultant specializing in international marketing and apparel
retail management.

• Ms. Bala Deshpande, Independent Director

Bala Deshpande, is Independent Director, Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd. and also serves on the
boards of Deccan Aviation, Nagarjuna Construction, Welspun India and Indus League
Clothing Ltd, among others.

Compaies And products :

• Home Solutions Retail (India) Limited


• Future Brands Limited
• Future Media (India) Limited
• Future Logistic Solutions Limited
• Future Axiom Telecom Limited
• Pantaloon Food Product (India) Limited
• Future Knowledge Services Limited
• Future Capital Holdings Limited

Page 43
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
• Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited
• Future bazaar India Limited
• Staples Future Office Products Private Limited

Big Bazaar is not just another hypermarket. It caters to every need of your family. Where Big
Bazaar scores over other stores is its value for money proposition for the Indian customers.
At Big Bazaar, you will definitely get the best products at the best prices - that’s what we
guarantee. With the ever increasing array of private labels, it has opened the doors into the world
of fashion and general merchandise including home furnishings, utensils, crockery, cutlery,
sports goods and much more at prices that will surprise you. And this is just the beginning. Big
Bazaar plans to add much more to complete your shopping expereince.

The present Market Share of Big Bazaar is 25%

MARKETING 4 P’s

Product:

Page 44
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Pricing:

➢ Value Pricing (EDLP)


➢ Promotional Pricing
• Low Interest Pricing

Page 45
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
• Psychological Pricing
• Special Event Pricing (Festivals)
➢ Differentiated Pricing
• Time Pricing

➢ Bundling

BUNDLING TIME PRICING

LOW INTEREST FINANCING PSYCHOLOGICAL PRICING

Page 46
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Place:

Place means the location of the business. Big Bazaar has always worked on low-cost locations. It
targets semi-urban population with its placement. Its strategy is to find a cheap location and it
never goes for hot spots in the city. The talk with the manager revealed that the Teghoria store
was opened when it was scarcely populated. Even in Gurgaon, Big Bazaar chose Sahara Mall
instead of Metropolitan or City Centre, which are more popular than Sahara Mall. It relied on
promotional activities to make up for unattractive locations. The channel of place is company
owned stores to have complete control. Another strategy used by Big Bazaar to overcome
location disadvantage is use of internet. It has launched a merchandise retailing website
www.futurebazaar.com which targets high-end customers ready to use credit cards. Therefore
Big Bazaar has made headway into a potentially high-yielding sector of online trade. Internet as
place has put them in a profitable position because there is minimal expense of maintaining a
website. The promotion of this website is done through advertisement on Google. The website is
put as sponsored link.

Page 47
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

PROMOTION

➢ SAAL KE SABSE SASTE 3 DIN”


➢ FUTURE CARD (Discount Upto 3%)
➢ SHAKTI CARD
➢ JUNK SWAP OFFER
➢ BRAND AMBASSADOR: M.S. DHONI
➢ ADVERTISMENT (Print Ads, T.V., Radio)
➢ POINT OF PURCHASE PROMOTION
➢ GIFT TO EVEY 100th CUSTOMER (Seasonal)
➢ 32” TELEVISION--Rs. 22990/- (EXCHANGE OFFER)
➢ PORTABLE METAL BED– Rs. 3199/-
➢ BUY 21” TELEVISION FLAT Rs. 4999/- AND GET DISH TV SET TOP BOX FREE.
➢ BUY RED LABELTEA 950 GM Rs. 258/- AND 2 Kg SUGAR FREE.
➢ BUY 2 MEN’S JEAN FOR Rs. 599/- only.

Page 48
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Saal Ke Sabse Saste 3 Din (Republic Day) Junk Swap Offer

Page 49
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Page 50
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Jun ' 08 Jun ' 07 Jun ' 06 Jun ' 05 Jun ' 04
Income :
Operating Income 5,295.88 3,393.47 1,960.86 1,084.11 655.00

Expenses
Material Consumed 3,556.21 2,239.53 1,268.15 716.49 445.67
Manufacturing Expenses 100.66 78.15 58.96 37.48 19.19
Personnel Expenses 275.78 207.74 112.72 50.75 27.61
Selling Expenses 372.54 291.72 170.07 90.71 52.09
Adminstrative Expenses 527.28 358.38 198.69 104.20 57.30
Expenses Capitalised 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Cost Of Sales 4,832.47 3,175.52 1,808.58 999.63 601.86

Operating Profit 463.41 217.95 152.28 84.48 53.14

Other Recurring Income 30.93 4.36 3.93 3.31 1.44

Adjusted PBDIT 494.34 222.31 156.21 87.78 54.58

Financial Expenses 201.45 95.93 43.22 26.08 20.03


Depreciation 83.39 36.86 20.82 13.33 8.79
Other Write offs 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.12 0.13

Adjusted PBT 209.50 89.52 92.18 48.24 25.63

Tax Charges 69.68 60.96 27.67 14.54 4.56

Adjusted PAT 139.82 28.56 64.52 33.71 21.07


Non Recurring Items -13.88 91.49 -0.25 4.79 -0.73
Other Non Cash adjustments 0.03 -0.06 -0.11 0.05 -0.56

Reported Net Profit 125.97 119.99 64.16 38.55 19.78

Earnigs Before Appropriation 341.73 236.58 130.66 76.63 54.03

Equity Dividend 10.67 7.54 6.72 5.50 2.87


Preference Dividend 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Dividend Tax 1.81 1.28 0.94 0.77 0.38
Profit And loss Statement

Page 51
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Balance Sheet
(Rs in crore)

Page 52
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Jun ' Jun ' Jun ' Jun ' Jun '
08 07 06 05 04
SOURCES OF FUNDS
Owner's Fund
Equity Share Capital 31.86 29.35 26.88 22.00 19.14
Share Application Money 63.26 0.01 0.00 3.00 0.00
Preference Share Capital 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Reserves & Surplus 1,751.5 1,062.8 500.02 196.53 75.75
0 2
Loan Funds
Secured Loans 1,991.7 951.93 428.10 256.17 215.29
7
Unsecured Loans 200.01 347.65 173.29 30.04 21.36
Total 4,038.4 2,391.7 1,128.2 507.74 331.54
0 6 9

USES OF FUNDS
Fixed Assets
Gross Block 1,368.7 767.07 366.01 251.10 184.71
6
Less : Revaluation Reserve 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Less : Accumulated Depreciation 170.59 92.47 56.58 37.36 24.32
Net Block 1,198.1 674.60 309.43 213.74 160.39
7
Capital Work-in-progress 330.64 131.13 86.06 15.79 14.44

Investments 586.52 252.01 140.62 31.92 5.26

Net Current Assets


Current Assets, Loans & Advances 2,655.7 1,751.4 884.12 405.17 234.49
6 4
Less : Current Liabilities & 732.69 417.42 291.94 159.16 83.45
Provisions
Total Net Current Assets 1,923.0 1,334.0 592.18 246.01 151.05
7 2
Miscellaneous expenses not 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.28 0.40
written
Total 4,038.4 2,391.7 1,128.2 507.74 331.54
0 6 9
Note :
Book Value of Unquoted 507.91 243.12 131.73 23.08 5.22
Investments
Market Value of Quoted 1,114.0 27.44 38.99 31.80 0.24
Investments 4
Contingent liabilities 133.44 160.57 36.66 5.06 5.19
Number of Equity shares 1,592.9 1,467.5 268.85 219.98 191.37
outstanding (in Lacs) 2 1
Page 53
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Achievements

• 2003
✔ Indian Express Award
(PRIL –Marketing Excellence and Excellence in Brand Building)
✔ Indusland Bank
(PRIL - Excellence in Brand Building)
• 2004
✔ Images Retail Awards 2004
(PRIL- Most Admired Retailer of the Year)
(Food Bazaar- Retailer of the Year(Food and Grocery)
(Big Bazaar-Retailer of the Year-Value Retailing)
(Central-Retail Launch of the Year)

✔ Reid & Taylor and DLF Awards


(PRIL - Retailer of the year)

• 2005
✔ Images Retail Awards 2005
(PRIL- Most Admired Retailer of the Year )
(Food Bazaar- Retailer of the Year(Food and Grocery)
(Big Bazaar-Retailer of the Year(Value Retailing)
(Central-Retail Launch of the Year)

✔ Voted by Business Today magazine as one of the


(Top 20 Companies in India to watch in 2005)
(India’s most investor-friendly companies in the top 75)
(India’s Biggest wealth creators in the top 100)

Page 54
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

✔ DAKS London
(PRIL- Brand Builder of the Year)

• 2006
✔ Retail Asia Pacific Top 500 Awards
(Asia Pacific Best of the Best Retailers – Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd)
(Best Retailer in India – Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd)

✔ Asiamoney Awards
(Best Managed Company in India (Mid-cap) – Pantaloon retail (India) Ltd.)

✔ Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award


(Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Services) – Kishore Biyani)

✔ CNBC Indian Business Leaders Awards


(The First Generation Entrepreneur of the Year – Kishore Biyani)

✔ Lakshmipat Singhania – IIM Lucknow National Leadership Awards


(Young Business Leader – Kishore Biyani)

✔ Images Retail Awards


(Best Value Retail Store – Big Bazaar)
(Best Retail Destination – Big Bazaar)
(Best Food & Grocery Store – Food Bazaar)
(Retail Face of the Year – Kishore Biyani)

Page 55
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
✔ Readers’ Digest Awards
(Platinum Trusted Brand Award - Big Bazaar)

✔ CNBC Awaaz Consumer Awards


(Most Preferred Large Food & Grocery Supermarket – Big Bazaar)

✔ Reid & Taylor Awards for Retail Excellence


(Retail Entrepreneur of the Year – Kishore Biyani)

• 2007
✔ Images Retail Awards
(Most Admired Retail Face of the Year: Kishore Biyani)
(Most admired retailer of the year: Large format, multi product store: Big
Bazaar)
(Most admired retailer of the year: Food and Grocery: Food Bazaar)
(Most admired retailer of the year: Home & office improvement: HomeTown)
(Most admired Retail Company of the year: Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd.)

✔ National Retail Federation Awards


(International Retailer for the Year 2007 – Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd)

✔ World Retail Congress Awards


(Emerging Market Retailer of the Year 2007 – Pantaloon Retail (India)
Ltd)

✔ Hewitt Best Employers 2007


(Best Employers in India (Rank 14th) – Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd)

Page 56
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
✔ PC World Indian Website Awards
(Best Indian Website In The Shopping Category - Futurebazaar.com)

✔ Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Platinum Awards


(Trusted Brands Platinum Award (Supermarket Category) – Big Bazaar)

• 2008
✔ Indian Retail Forum Awards 2008
(Most Admired Retail Company of the year - Future Group)
(Retail Face of the Year - Kishore Biyani)
(Best Retailer Of The Year ( Hypermarket) - Big Bazaar)

✔ The INDIASTAR Award 2008


(Food Bazaar: Best Packaging Innovation)

✔ Retail Asia Pacific 500 Top Awards 2008


(Gold Winner -Top Retailer 2008 Asia Pacific)

✔ Coca-Cola Golden Spoon Awards 2008


(Most Admired Food & Grocery Retail Visionary of the Year: Kishore
Biyani)
(Most Admired Food & Grocery Retailer of the Year – Supermarkets: Food
Bazaar)
(Most Admired Food & Grocery Retailer of the Year - Hypermarkets: Big
Bazaar)
(Most Admired Retailer of the Year - Dynamic Growth in Network
Expansion across Food, Beverages & Grocery: Future Group)
(Most Admired Food & Grocery Retailer of the Year - Consumer's Choice:
Big Bazaar)

Page 57
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

✔ The Reid & Taylor Awards For Retail Excellence 2008


(Retail Leadership Award: Kishore Biyani)
(Retail Best Employer of the Year: Future Group)
(Retailer of The Year: Home Products and Office Improvements:
HomeTown)

• 2009
✔ Images Fashion Forum 2009
(Most Admired Fashion Group Of The Year - Future Group)
(Most Admired Private Label - Pantaloons, the lifestyle format)
(Critic’s Choice For Pioneering Effort In Retail Concept
Creation – Central)

✔ Coca-Cola Golden Spoon Awards 2009


(Most Admired Food & Grocery Retailer Of The Year)
(Most Admired Food Court)
(Most Admired Food Professional)

Page 58
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Competitors

The major players in the market are

Wal Mart : Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (branded as Walmart) is an American public corporation
that runs a chain of large, discount department stores. It is the world's largest public corporation
by revenue, according to the 2008 Fortune Global 500. The company was founded by Sam
Walton in 1962, incorporated on October 31, 1969, and listed on the New York Stock Exchange
in 1972. Wal-Mart is the largest private employer and the largest grocery retailer in the United
States. It also owns and operates the Sam's Club retail warehouses in North America.

Walmart operates in Mexico as Walmex, in the United Kingdom as Asda, and in Japan as Seiyu.
It has wholly owned operations in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Wal-Mart's
investments outside North America have had mixed results: its operations in South America and
China are highly successful,

Reliance Retail- Reliance claimed last year to start a retail chain that will be unique in size
and spread, will lead to the welfare of one and all ranging from Indian farmers, manufacturers
and ultimately consumers. It is known as Reliance Retail Ltd.(RRL) and is a 100 percent
subsidiary of Reliance industries Ltd.(RIL).

DLF Shopping Malls- DLF Retail Developers Ltd. is one of the troikas of the DLF Group.
Besides being India's largest real estate developer, DLF is also of the leaders in innovating
shopping malls in India. It caught public eye when it launched the 2,50,000 sq ft. shopping mall
in Gurgaon. It has brought a dramatic change in the lifestyles and entertainment with its City
Centres and DT Cinemas. DLF has plans to invest Rs. 2000-3000 crore in all the emerging areas
from metros to A class cities in the next two years.

Page 59
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Westside- The company has a turnover of Rs. 357.6 crores (FY 2005-2006) and currently
operates 36 stores in the major metros and mini metros of India. An international shopping
experience, a perception of values, and offering the latest styles, has created a loyal following for
Westside's own brand of merchandiseWestside was named the 'Most Admired Large Format
Retail Chain of the Year' by the Lycra Images Fashion Awards 2005

Marks & Spencer- Marks & Spencer (M&S) is a major British retailer, with over 885
stores in more than 40 territories around the world, over 600 domestic and 285 international.[1][2]
It is the largest clothing retailer in the United Kingdom, as well as being a food retailer, and as of
2008, the 43rd largest retailer in the world.[3] Most of its domestic stores sell both clothing and
food, and since the turn of the century it has started expanding into other ranges such as
homewares, furniture and technology.

In 1998 it became the first British retailer to make a pre-tax profit of over £1 billion,[4] though a
few years later it plunged into a crisis which lasted for several years.

It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Shoppers Stop- Shoppers Stop is an Indian department stores promoted by the K Raheja
Corp Group (Chandru L Raheja Group), started in the year 1991 with its first store in Andheri,
Mumbai [2] Shoppers Stop Ltd has been awarded "the Hall of Fame" and won "the Emerging
Market Retailer of the Year Award", by World Retail Congress at Barcelona, on April 10, 2008.
[3]
Shoppers Stop is listed on the BSE. [4] With the launch of the Navi Mumbai departmental store,
Shoppers Stop has 27 stores in 12 cities in India

Page 60
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

The Present Scenario of Big Bazaar

The above graph shows that the Big bazaar is still at its Growth stage, there’s a lot of time for
Big Bazaar go to the next stage that is Maturity and Decline stage.

Page 61
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Marketing strategy

➢ Customer oriented

1. Attracting and retaining customers


2. Uses non-traditional marketing strategy
3. Behavioral psychology
4. Moving demo-trolley
5. Used young population as strategic blessings
6. Movie centric promotions
7. Regular interesting offers/discounts
8. Spot discounts
9. Night shopping culture
10. Occasions based services
11. Baby’s day out promo
12. More organized floors

➢ Employee oriented

1. Consider biggest assets


2. Employee welfare trust
3. Employee growth /training programs
4. “PRERNA” the employee suggestion plan
5. Standardization of staff room
6. Up gradation for education
7. Internal publications- “Pragati”

Page 62
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Future Strategies

Are in the process of constant evolution and firmly believe in creating the present, with the
future in mind.Have only one vision-to capture the highest share of the consumers wallet. This is
what has led us to believe that apart from our core strengths in fashion, food and general
merchandise, we will operate through various formats in other lines of businesses; complete
home solutions, leisure & entertainment, wellness, communications and financial products. They
also have two AMC’s. One that specializes in Property and the other is a ‘Consumer India Fund’.
The property fund aims at sourcing high quality property at the lowest possible rates, while the
consumer fund will look at providing our retail pipeline and expertise to national and regional
brands, thereby enabling them with a wider coverage.

1. The Kishore Biyani-led Future Group is all set to foray into real estate business for building
ready-to-move-in houses.
The company has informed that it has signed 50:50 joint venture with Kolkata-based developer
Sumit Dabriwal, to incorporate FH Residencies, for 'branded apartments' that would be available
at an 'affordable' cost.
The latest move was considered as a part of the company's strategy to achieve a turnover of Rs
13,000 crore by July 2011.
Beside this, Future Ventures, is reportedly in the final stages of announcing its initial public
offering (IPO) within the next 30 days.
Earlier the company had deferred the IPO due to global slowdown and economical crisis.
The company also plans to raise additional long term funds up to Rs 1,000 crore in one or more
tranches through issuance of securities to various investors

2. For one, the Future Group's retail chain Big Bazaar is itself is planning to have 300
hypermarkets in the country by 2010-11 .

The company may also increase its annual turnover to Rs 13,000 crore by 2010-11 , up from
Page 63
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Rs 3,600 crore last fiscal on the back of its expansion. They had reported begun with their
first store in October 2001 and till date have crossed the 100-store mark. This was capped
with three stores that opened recently in Pune, Cuttack and Delhi. The company's top brass
plans to increase the number of stores to 300 by end of the 2010-11 fiscal.

3. Big Bazaar, the largest retail chain of Future Group, is eyeing a turnover of Rs 8,000 crore by
the next financial year.

The company hopes to achieve this mark by mutliplying the number of stores and implementing
cost-cutting measures.

Speaking on the sidelines of Images Fashion Forum in Mumbai, Kishore Biyani, CEO, Future
Group, said, “We want to introduce new value culture, manage operating costs better and boost
profitability of Big Bazaar. Hence, we have hived off the business. However, to fund our
expansion, we are not looking at listing Big Bazaar.”

Recently, Pantaloon Retail, the group’s listed entity, decided to hive off four business divisions,
including Big Bazaar and Food Bazaar, into separate companies.

The company is now looking at openining a total of 300 Big Bazaar stores and has introduced
the neighbourhood concept of retail, opening stores in residential areas. It will also introduce
new business segments such as health and wellness in its stores.

Biyani further stated that Big Bazaar would focus on ‘kanjussi culture’, a term he used to explain
the company’s focus on identifying areas to cut costs.

“The organisation has adopted a new philosophy “garv se kaho hum kanjus hain,” he said,
explaining the idea.

The concept focuses on cutting intermediate layers and passing the benefit to customers. Big
Bazaar is estimated to end this financial year with a turnover of Rs 4,000 crore and expects to
double it over the next year.

The company was also looking to create more buying occasions, he said. For example, on
Republic Day, Big Bazaar achieved a sales of Rs 240 crore compared with Rs 150 crore in the

Page 64
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
previous year.

“There is a need to drive consumption by creating newer buying occasions because traditional
festivals can no longer remain the sole purchase drivers,” he said.

Three years ago Big Bazaar introduced discount sales on the Republic Day, which was well
received by the country’s youth. For instance, this year, Big Bazaar sold 1,38,000 pairs of jeans
and 38,000 cell phones during the Republic Day offer.

4. They are also planning to open 58 new big bazaars in Maharastra.

5. Big Bazaar is planning to have 300 hypermarkets in the country by 2010-11. The
company may also increase its annual turnover to Rs. 13,000 crore by 2010-11, up from Rs.
3,600 crore last fiscal on the back of its expansion.
The company has also gone on record saying that it would have another 35 stores by the end
of its fiscal in June 2009 to take the total number to 135. To achieve this they are targeting a
turnover of Rs. 5,000 crore in the current fiscal year and have formulated plans for reaching a
figure of Rs. 13,000 crore by 2010-11 fiscal.

For the expansion, the company would be looking at both the metros and Tier I cities, besides
Tier II cities & smaller cities.
The marketing strategy seems to be perfectly on track as the Big Bazaar hypermarkets had a
footfall of 11 crore last fiscal and the company is aiming for an increase in the numbers up to 14
crore this year. The average size of a Big Bazaar hypermarket is 30,000 sq ft to one lakh sq ft.

Page 65
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

MARKS & SPENCER

History
Early years
The company was founded by Michael Marks, a Polish immigrant from Slonim, in 1884 as a
single market stall in Leeds. After Thomas Spencer joined the company in 1894 it was known as
'Marks and Spencer'. The site of the first stall is marked with a green and gold commemorative
clock in Leeds Kirkgate Market. One of the original Penny Bazaars - in the Grainger Market,
Newcastle upon Tyne - remains open to this day, and is now the smallest M&S store in
operation.

Marks and Spencer, known colloquially as "Marks and Sparks", "Markses", or "M&S", made its
reputation in the 20th century on a policy of only selling British-made goods. It entered into long
term relationships with British manufacturers, and sold clothes and food under the "St Michael"
brand (trademark registered in 1928), a name which honours its co-founder Michael Marks. It
also accepted the return of unwanted items, giving a full cash refund if the receipt was shown, no
matter how long ago the product was purchased. It adopted a 90-day returns policy in 2005 but
on the 12th of April 2009 the refund policy changed once again to 35 days. This is still the most
generous refund period on the British high street.

From 1950 to 1997

Page 66
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

By 1950, all goods were sold under the St Michael label. M&S lingerie and girlswear were
branded under the "St Margaret" label until the whole range of general merchandise became St
Michael. Simon Marks, son of Michael Marks, died in 1964, after 56 years' service. Israel Sieff
took over as Chairman. A cautious international expansion began with the introduction of Asian
food in 1974. M&S opened stores in continental Europe in 1975 and in Ireland four years later.

The company put its main emphasis on quality, but for most of its history, it also had a reputation
for offering fair value for money. When this reputation began to waver, it encountered serious
difficulties. Arguably, M&S has historically been an iconic retailer of 'British Quality Goods'. Its
business model required suppliers to commit to long term contracts solely with M&S. This
approach often led to over-reliance by manufacturers on the portion of trade they did with M&S.
Accordingly, when the M&S fashion buyers changed suppliers on some aspects of the company's
retail clothing offering, manufacturers were left dangerously exposed: many became insolvent.
This has resulted in a change of climate, and no longer is a contract to supply M&S held up as
the panacea it once was.

In 1988 the company acquired Brooks Brothers, an American clothing company and Kings Super
Markets, a US food chain. They were subsequently sold off, in 2001 and 2006 respectively.

All international stores are operated under franchise, with the exception of the stores in the
Republic of Ireland and Hong Kong which remain in company ownership.

The first M&S store in central Asia was built in Kabul, Afghanistan in the 1960s. The store was
later shut down.

M&S expanded into Canada in 1973, and at one point had 47 stores across Canada. Despite
various efforts to improve its image, the chain was never able to move beyond its reputation
there as a stodgy retailer, one that catered primarily to senior citizens and expatriate Britons. The
stores in Canada were smaller than British outlets, and did not carry the same selection. In the
late 1990s, further efforts were made to modernize the stores and expand the customer base, and

Page 67
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
unprofitable locations were closed. Nonetheless, the Canadian operations continued to lose
money, and the last 38 stores in Canada were closed in 1999.

Expansion into France began with stores opening in Paris at Boulevard Haussmann and Lyon in
1975, followed by a second Paris store at Rosny 2 in 1977. Further expansion into other French
and Belgian cities followed into the 1980s. Although the Paris stores remained popular and
profitable, the whole of the Western European operation did not fare as well and 18 stores were
sold in 2001.

1997 onwards
M&S's profits peaked in financial year 1997/1998. At the time it was seen as a continuing
success story, but with hindsight it is considered that during Sir Richard Greenbury's tenure as
head of the company, profit margins were pushed to untenable levels, and the loyalty of its
customers was seriously eroded. The rising cost of using British suppliers was also a burden, as
rival retailers increasingly imported their goods from low-cost countries, but M&S's belated
switch to overseas suppliers undermined a core part of its appeal to the public. Another factor
was the company's refusal until 2000 to accept any credit cards except its own store card. In
addition, as an ageing and famously bureaucratic company, it was losing touch with potential
younger customers, who were reluctant to shop with it. At the same time Greenbury, who had
dominated the company, had his attention diverted by the Prime Minister's committee on
directors' pay.

These factors combined to plunge M&S into a sudden slump, which took the company, its
shareholders, who included hundreds of thousands of small investors, and nearly all retail
analysts and business journalists, by surprise. The company's share price fell by more than two
thirds, and its profits fell from more than a billion pounds in 1997 and 1998 to £145 million in
the year ended 31 March 2001.

Since the late 1990s M&S has experienced serious boardroom instability and has made a number
of attempts to revive its business, with only partial success. By 1999, Online Shopping was
brought in, and the company grew with new sales of fashion clothing. In 2001, with changes in
its business focus such as accepting credit cards, the introduction of the "per una" clothing range

Page 68
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
designed by George Davies, accompanied by a redesign of its underlying business model, profits
recovered somewhat and M&S recovered some of its market share, but it soon became apparent
that problems remained.

In 2004, M&S was in the throes of an attempted takeover by Arcadia Group & Bhs boss, Philip
Green. On 12 July a recovery plan was announced which would involve selling off the financial
services business to HSBC Bank plc, buying control of the per una range, closing the Gateshead
Lifestore and stopping the expansion of its Simply Food line of stores. Philip Green withdrew his
takeover bid after failing to get sufficient backing from shareholders.

M&S was ranked 17 in The Times' "Top 100 Graduate Employers 2008".

In February 2007, M&S announced the opening of the world’s largest M&S store outside the UK
at Dubai Festival City.

On 2 October 2008, M&S opened its first mainland China store in Shanghai. Problems with the
supply chain for the first few months of opening led Stuart Rose, M&S chairman, to describe
failures in “basic shopkeeping”.

Marks &Spencer’s plan


Our plan is to grow M&S into a world-class retailer that’s customer-focused, fast-moving and
flexible. We work hard to ensure we offer only the highest quality products, service and
shopping environments in all of our stores.

We will focus on five key growth areas:

1. Continue to invest in and grow our core UK retail business, by introducing new goods
and services.

2. Strengthen our UK property portfolio.

Page 69
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
3. Drive our M&S Direct business.

4. Expand our International business.

5. Integrate Plan A (our ‘eco plan’) into every aspect of how we do business, so that we
grow in a sustainable way.

Our brand values – quality, value, service, innovation and trust – are more important than ever.
Our commitment to these values sets us apart from our competitors, and enables us to offer our
customers something truly special.

In United Kingdom.
We have over 600 stores located throughout the UK, ranging from large out-of-town and
flagship stores of over 100,000 sq ft, to Simply Food stores of around 7,000 sq ft. Our largest
store is located at Marble Arch on London's Oxford Street and has around 170,000 sq ft of
selling space

International
We have over 285 stores in 40 territories. Going forward we plan to expand our international
business through both our franchised operations and partnerships in some of the world’s most
dynamic emerging economies.

Details of M&S

Page 70
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Type : Public (LSE: MKS, OTCBB: MAKSY)

Founded : Leeds, West Yorkshire, England (1884)

Headquarters : London, England

Key people : Michael Marks, co-founder


Thomas Spencer, co-founder
Sir Stuart Rose, Executive Chairman

Industry : Retailer

Products : Clothing, food, home ware, hospitality, furniture, technology,


Beauty, financial services, energy.

Revenue : £9,062.1 million (2009)

Operating income : £870.7 million (2009)

Net income : £506.8 million (2009)

Employees : 75,389 (2008)

Board of members
Marks & Spencer’s Board

Page 71
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Sir Stuart Rose , Chairman
Sir David Michels , Deputy Chairman
Ian Dyson, Group Finance and Operations Director.
Kate Bostock, Executive Director, General Merchandise
Steven Sharp ,Executive Director, Marketing.
Jeremy Darroch, Non-Executive Director.
Martha Lane Fox, Non-Executive Director
Steven Holliday, Non-Executive Director
Louise Patten, Non-Executive Director
Graham Oakley, Group Secretary and Head of Corporate Governance.
Jan du Plessis, Non-Executive Director

Page 72
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Financial Information Sir Stuart Rose

Chairman
Appointed in May 2004. Stuart was appointed Executive Chairman in June 2008. He is a non-
executive director of Land Securities plc and Chairman of Business in the Community. Stuart
began his career in retail at Marks & Spencer in 1972, before going on to the Burton Group in
1989, becoming Chief Executive of the Multiples Division in 1994. He left the Group following
the demerger in 1997. Stuart was Chief Executive of Argos plc in 1998 and later became Chief
Executive of Booker plc. Before re-joining Marks & Spencer as Chief Executive in 2004 he was
Chief Executive of Arcadia Group plc from 2000 until 2002. Stuart was knighted in 2008 for
services to the retail industry and corporate social responsibility.

Member of Nomination Committee

Print page close

Page 73
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Sir David Michels


Deputy Chairman
Appointed in March 2006. David is Deputy Chairman, Chairman of the Nomination Committee
and senior independent director. He is senior independent director of easyJet plc and has been
appointed interim Chairman with effect from 1 July 2009. David is a non-executive director of
Strategic Hotels & Resorts and Jumeriah Group, Dubai. He was senior independent director of
The British Land Company plc until 2008 and had previously been a non-executive director of
RAB Capital plc and Arcadia Group. David spent his early career employed by Grand
Metropolitan, Ladbrokes and Stakis before rejoining Hilton / Ladbrokes in 1999 as Chief
Executive, becoming Chief Executive of Hilton Group plc from 2000 to 2006. David was
knighted in June 2006.

Chairman of the Nomination Committee, member of the Audit and Remuneration Committees
Independent

Print page close

Ian Dyson
Group Finance and Operations Director
Appointed in June 2005. Ian joined Marks & Spencer as Group Finance Director, becoming
Group Finance and Operations Director in March 2008. Ian was formerly Finance Director of
The Rank Group plc. Prior to this he was Group Financial Controller of Hilton Group plc. He

Page 74
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
joined Hilton from Le Meridien, a division of Forte plc, where he had been Finance Director. His
early career was spent with Arthur Andersen, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant in
1986 and was promoted to a Partner of the firm in 1994. Ian was a non-executive director of
Misys plc until September 2005.

Print page close

Kate Bostock
Executive Director, General Merchandise
Appointed in March 2008. Kate joined Marks & Spencer in October 2004. Previously, Kate was
Product Director for Childrenswear at Next from 1994, before joining Asda in 2001 as Product
Director for the George Global Brand. She was responsible for the launch of the standalone
George concept and the launch of the George brand globally.

Print page close

Page 75
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Steven Sharp
Executive Director, Marketing
Appointed in November 2005. Steven joined Marks & Spencer in May 2004. He is a non-
executive director of Adnams plc and an elected member of the Tate Members' Council. Steven
started his career with Bejam in 1978, progressing to the Argyll Group and became Marketing
Director of Asda in 1987. He joined the Board of Debenhams in 1989. He later became
Marketing Director of the Burton Group, Booker plc and Arcadia Group plc. He is a Fellow of
the Chartered Institute of Marketing, The Marketing Society and The Royal Society of Arts, as
well as a visiting Professor of Glasgow Caledonian University.

Print page close

Jeremy Darroch
Non-Executive Director
Appointed in February 2006. Jeremy is Chairman of the Audit Committee. He was appointed the
Chief Executive of British Sky Broadcasting Plc in December 2007 having been the company’s
Chief Financial Officer since 2004. Jeremy was previously Group Finance Director and Retail
Finance Director at Dixons Group plc. He spent 12 years at Procter & Gamble in a variety of
roles, becoming European Finance Director for their Healthcare division. He qualified as a
chartered accountant with Deloitte Haskins and Sells.

Page 76
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Chairman of the Audit Committee, member of the Nomination Committee
Independent

Print page close

Martha Lane Fox


Non-Executive Director
Appointed in June 2007. Martha is a non-executive director of Channel 4 Television and a
Trustee of the charity Reprieve. She is founder and Chairman of Lucky Voice, and of her own
grant giving foundation, Antigone. Martha is also a director of mydeco.com. She co-founded
lastminute.com in 1998, taking the company public in March 2000, remaining on the Board until
the company was purchased by Sabre Holdings in 2005.

Member of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees

Print page close

Page 77
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Steven Holliday
Non-Executive Director
Appointed in July 2004. Steven was appointed Group CEO of National Grid plc in 2006, having
at different times been responsible for the UK Electricity and Gas businesses. He was formerly
an executive director of British Borneo Oil and Gas. Previously, he spent 19 years with the
Exxon Group where he held numerous senior positions. His international experience includes a
four-year spell in the US. Steven has also developed business opportunities in countries such as
China, Australia, Japan and Brazil.

Member of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees


Independent

Print page close

Louise Patten
Non-Executive Director
Appointed in February 2006. Louise was appointed Chairman of the Remuneration Committee in
January 2007. She is non-executive Chairman of Brixton plc, a non-executive director of
Bradford & Bingley plc and a senior adviser to Bain & Co. Louise began her career at Citibank
and remained in financial services until 1993 when she joined Bain & Co as a Partner. She was
formerly a non-executive director of Hilton Group plc, GUS plc, Somerfield plc and Harveys
Furnishings plc.

Page 78
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Member of the Nomination Committee


Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
Independent

Print page close

Graham Oakley
Group Secretary and Head of Corporate Governance
Appointed in August 1997. Graham is Secretary of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination
Committees. In 1985, he joined Marks & Spencer’s Legal Department. He was appointed Head
of Legal in 1990, Company Secretary and Chief Legal Adviser in 1997 and Head of the
Corporate Governance Group in June 2002. On 8 July 2009 he will retire and will be succeeded
by Amanda Mellor, current Head of Investor Relations.

Print page close

Page 79
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Jan du Plessis
Non-Executive Director
Appointed in November 2008. Jan was appointed Chairman of British American Tobacco plc in
July 2004, having been a non-executive director on that Board since 1999. He was appointed
Chairman of Rio Tinto plc in April 2009 having been a non-executive director on its Board since
September 2008. Jan was a non-executive director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of
Lloyds Banking Group plc until April 2009. He was previously Group Finance Director of the
Swiss luxury goods group Richemont, a position he held until 2004. He was Chairman of RHM
plc from 2005 until its takeover by Premier Foods in March 2007. Jan is a South African
Chartered Accountant.

Member of the Audit and Nomination


Independent

Print page close

Until 1999 M&S's financial year ended on 31 March. Since then, the company has changed to
reporting for 52 or 53 week periods, ending on variable dates.

Year ended Turnove Profit before Net Basic


r tax profit eps
(£ M) (£ M) (£ M) (p)
28 March, 9,062.1 706.2 506.8 32.3
2009
29 March, 9,022.0 1,129.1 821.0 49.2
2008
31 March, 8,588.1 936.7 659.9 39.1
2007
1 April, 2006 7,797.7 745.7 520.6 36.4
2 April, 2005 7,490.5 505.1 355.0 29.1
3 April, 2004 8,301.5 781.6 452.3 24.2
29 March, 8,019.1 677.5 480.5 20.7

Page 80
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
2003
30 March, 8,135.4 335.9 153.0 5.4
2002
31 March, 8,075.7 145.5 2.8 0.0
2001
1 April, 2000 8,195.5 417.5 258.7 9.0
31 March, 8,224.0 546.1 372.1 13.0
1999
31 March, 8,243.3 1,155.0 815.9 28.6
1998
31 March, 7,841.9 1,129.1 746.6 26.7
1997
31 March, 7,233.7 965.8 652.6 455.8
1996

Page 81
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Marks & Spencer in INDIA

Three or four Indian firms are interested in partnering Marks & Spencer in the venture, which
will be 51 percent owned by the British firm, the paper said, citing an unnamed industry source.

M&S, which currently has about 20 franchises operated by India's Planet Retail, will also sell
food and home furnishings under the new format, the paper said.

India permits single-brand retailers to own up to 51 percent in a joint venture with a local firm.
Multiple-brand retailers are restricted to franchise and license operations.

Marks & Spencer Chief Executive Stuart Rose recently unveiled a major push into international
markets, which he expects will account for 20 percent of revenues in five years, up from less
than 10 percent now.

M&S planned to enter China on a wholly owned basis and was seeking to trade up to bigger
formats of around 40,000 sq. ft. in India, with a focus on New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore,
Rose said earlier this month.

Marks & Spencer JV with Reliance retail


Page 82
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Britain's clothing and food retailer Marks & Spencer will set up of a joint venture firm with
Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Retail at an investment of 29 million pounds (around Rs 230
crore) to mark its foray into India.

The British company will hold a 51 per cent stake in the JV, to be named Marks and Spencer
Reliance India Pvt Ltd, while the remaining will be with Reliance Retail.

"India is a very exciting opportunity for Marks & Spencer and a market where there is the
potential for M&S to become a major retail brand. Reliance Retail is the ideal partner for us to
accelerate our expansion and create the opportunity to open much bigger M&S stores," Marks &
Spencer Chief Executive Stuart Rose said in a statement.

The new joint venture will have the right to operate Marks & Spencer stores in India, selling
items such as homewares and clothing for women, men and children. It will aim to open at least
50 new stores in the country over the next five years.

Planet Retail, Marks & Spencer's existing franchise partner in India, will continue as a franchisee
in respect of the 14 existing stores.

The announcement is part of Marks & Spencer's plans to grow its international business to 15-20
per cent of group revenues within the next five years. The Chief Executive Officer of Marks and
Spencer Reliance India Pvt Ltd will be Mark Ashman, while Chief Financial Officer will be Jatin
Luthra.

"M&S is a very well respected brand globally. At Reliance, we have always strongly believed in
the power of the Indian consumer market," Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani said.

Britain's clothing and food retailer Marks & Spencer will set up of a joint venture firm with
Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Retail at an investment of 29 million pounds (around Rs 230
crore) to mark its foray into India.

The British company will hold a 51 per cent stake in the JV, to be named Marks and Spencer
Reliance India Pvt Ltd, while the remaining will be with Reliance Retail.

"India is a very exciting opportunity for Marks & Spencer and a market where there is the
potential for M&S to become a major retail brand. Reliance Retail is the ideal partner for us to

Page 83
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
accelerate our expansion and create the opportunity to open much bigger M&S stores," Marks &
Spencer Chief Executive Stuart Rose said in a statement.

The new joint venture will have the right to operate Marks & Spencer stores in India, selling
items such as homewares and clothing for women, men and children. It will aim to open at least
50 new stores in the country over the next five years.

Planet Retail, Marks & Spencer's existing franchise partner in India, will continue as a franchisee
in respect of the 14 existing stores.

The announcement is part of Marks & Spencer's plans to grow its international business to 15-20
per cent of group revenues within the next five years. The Chief Executive Officer of Marks and
Spencer Reliance India Pvt Ltd will be Mark Ashman, while Chief Financial Officer will be Jatin
Luthra.

"M&S is a very well respected brand globally. At Reliance, we have always strongly believed in
the power of the Indian consumer market," Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani

Social and environmental policy


• Cut flowers
War on Want criticised M&S, along with Tesco and Sainsbury's, in its Growing Pains report[19]
for using its influence to squeeze overseas suppliers to constantly reduce their costs while
boosting their own profits.

• Look Behind the Label


In 2006 the Look Behind the Label marketing campaign was introduced.The aim of this
campaign was to highlight to customers, the various ethical and environmentally friendly
aspects, of the production and sourcing methods engaged in by M&S including: Fairtrade

Page 84
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
products, sustainable fishing and environmentally friendly textile dyes. All coffee and tea sold in
M&S stores is now Fairtrade. in addition the company offers clothing lines made from Fairtrade
Cotton in selected departments.

At Christmas the company introduces a range of food products to support the housing charity
Shelter predominantly in the food to go range including a range of seasonal Christmas
sandwiches. Support for Israel

Anti-Zionists have criticised the company for its support for the State of Israel. Former Chairman
of M&S, Lord Marcus Sieff, wrote that support for the economic development of Israel was one
of the fundamental objectives of M&S. Anti-Zionist activists have campaigned against the
company and some stores have had their signage altered and their goods re-labelled. There is
currently a boycott held by Muslim and non-Muslim groups, some are passive while others
actively target customers or promote the boycott to the general public.

• Plan A
On 15 January 2007, M&S launched an initiative, known as 'Plan A', to dramatically increase the
environmental sustainability of the business within 5 years and expected to cost £200 million.

The plan covers "100 commitments over 5 years to address the key social and environmental
challenges facing M&S today and in the future" with the tag-line "Because there is no Plan B".
The commitments span five themes: climate change, waste, sustainable raw materials, 'fair
partnership' and health,with the aim that, by 2012, it will:

• Become carbon neutral

• Send no waste to landfill

• Extend sustainable sourcing

• Help improve the lives of people in their supply chain

• Help customers and employees live a healthier life-style

Despite an 18% fall in the share price in January 2008, following publication of their latest
trading statement, the company confirmed that they would be continuing with the plan, saying
that there were 'compelling commercial - as well as moral - reasons to do so'.

Page 85
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
May 2008 has seen the introduction of the 5p carrier bag scheme at M&S stores, with customers
now paying 5p per standard sized vest carrier bag for food purchases. This implementation was
brought about through the 'Plan A' scheme, to try to discourage use of the traditional plastic bag.
All profits from the sale of food bags goes to Groundwork UK. However, profits have fallen
significantly over the end of 2008 and so it seems that they may need to scrap their charge-for-
bags policy, as sales have also recently fallen and this may be a factor.In becoming carbon
neutral the company has committed to only use carbon offsetting as a last resort, restricted to
cases "where it is required by government or where the technology for green air or road transport
will not be available for the foreseeable future".

As of August 2008 M&S had three wind turbines in operation, one at Methlick and two near
Strichen, generating enough power to supply three stores via the National Grid. In April 2009 the
company began purchasing 2.6 TWh of renewable energy (wind and hydroelectric) from
Npower, enough to power all Marks & Spencer stores and offices in England and Wales.

Marketing
During the height of the company's troubles at the beginning of the 21st century, the St Michael
brand used as the selling label for all M&S products was discontinued in favour of Marks &
Spencer and a new logo in the Optima typeface was introduced and began to appear in place of
St Michael on product packaging. The same logo was also rolled out across store fascias and
carrier bags. The St Michael name was subsequently adopted as a 'quality guarantee' and
appeared as the St Michael Quality Promise on the back of food products, on the side of delivery
vehicles and on in-store ordering receipts. This has since been phased out, although the store-
ordering receipts given to customers still feature this 'seal of approval' on the bottom.

When Steve Sharp joined as marketing director in 2004, after being hired by new Chief
Executive Sir Stuart Rose, he introduced a new promotional brand under the Your M&S banner,
with a corresponding logo. This has now become the company's main brand in its advertising,
online presence and in-store merchandising. The clean fonts and modern colours of the new
image are somewhat incongruous alongside the traditional M&S signage and associated fittings

Page 86
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
that still adorn many of the unmodernised 'core' stores themselves. In fact the only thing they
have in common is the use of M&S traditional green in the ampersand of the new logo. In 2007
the same typeface used for the new M&S logo was adopted to replace the Optima logo used on
product packaging and store fascias since 2000. This new logo is also beginning to appear on
new-style sewn in clothing labels and presented in its linear, non-stacked form, complete with
lime-green ampersand.

The new look has been instrumental in the company's recent resurgence, particularly with the
success of a new clothing campaign featuring the celebrated model, Twiggy, and younger
models associated with the bohemian styles of 2005-6, and the new TV ad campaign for its food
range. These adverts have the tagline "This is not just food, this is M&S food" and feature slow
motion, close-up footage of various food products, described in a sultry voiceover by Dervla
Kirwan, to an enticing instrumental song - most notably Fleetwood Mac's Albatross as well as
Santana's 'Samba Pa Ti', Groove Armada's 'At The River' or Spandau Ballet's 'True'. These
adverts have been referred to by both fans and critics as being "food porn", with a number of
other companies copying the idea, such as ALDI and, most recently, Waitrose

New store format

A new store format designed by Urban Salon Architects, has won much praise and is in the
process of being rolled out across all stores, with most stores being completed by the end of
2008.

The full new look makeover is a reworking of store design, including the gutting of old stores,
and installation of a brighter, more spacious, modern and contemporary design, replacing carpets
and laminate floors with white tile throughout (black tile in Foods) thus opening the floor instead
of having pathways, having new contemporary white mannequins in new designs and poses, new

Page 87
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
displays and kit such as new design clothing rails, product stands (formerly known as "Lutons"),
display and product walls, window display styles, larger fitting rooms, glass walls, till points,
and general total updating of decals, designs, equipment, and lighting.

Several of the old 'Luton' format stores have received what is known internally as a 'Light Touch'
re-fit, which involves bringing the store up-to-date with new floors, till points, mannequins,
signage etc (actual work differs per store) but not to the extent of a full refurbishment, as
mentioned above. This occurs in stores that are subject to re-development/re-location.

M&S was the first retailer in the UK to introduce self checkout tills in the food-halls of a small
number of trial stores back in 2002. Self Checkout was implemented in the general merchandise
sections in 3 trial stores in 2006 and roll-out to flagship stores is in progress.

Current share price…

341.00p

GBp -8.50
10/08/2009 at 17:03

Page 88
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

MARKET SHARE

High street retailer Marks & Spencer lost market share in the clothing sector during the period of
January of 2008 and January of 2009, the Daily Telegraph newspaper reported, citing industry
figures.

Data seen by the newspaper from Fashion Trak, the market research company, showed that M&S
lost 12 basis points of market share during the month, taking its share of the clothing market
from 10.78 percent to 10.66 percent, according to a draft of the Telegraph's business front page.

It said the chain's core womenswear ranges lost the highest amount of market share, dropping 21
basis points. Menswear fell by eight basis points and childrenswear by one basis point. Over the
24 weeks to March 1, M&S lost 49 basis points of share, according to the figures.

The report said that M&S's fierce rival Next broadly held its share over February, as did
department store Debenhams.

Market share information on the UK clothing retail market is summarised below:

Market share information on the UK clothing retail market is summarized below:


Position Brand Sales( in ml) Market Share Number of Outlets

1 M&S 2,743 10.2% 315


2 Next 1,708 6.3% 333
3 Arcadia 1,609 5.9% 1,603
4 Debenhams 1,076 4.6% 97
5 Asda 963 3.6% 215

Page 89
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

CRM

Your M&S Club

Enrolment process
Our enrolment process is
very simple. All you need to
join Your M&S Club is a bill of Rs. 2500. This programme is valid in India only.

Reward system
Shopping could not have been more fun. For every purchase that you make at Marks & Spencer
you earn special reward points. This holds true even for purchases made on discounted items.
The reward points you earn reflect within a short span of 7 days and can be redeemed against
further purchases at our stores. You can start redeeming your points once you have accumulated
a minimum of 50 points, after which you can redeem them in denominations of Rs.50. Now
doesn’t that make for a simply rewarding shopping experience!

Point System, Reward system

Page 90
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Every purchase of Rs. 100 earns you 1 point
Every point you earn is equivalent to Re.1

Benefits
Your M&S Club loyalty card is a ticket to a world of special privileges. Asour loyalty member
you can look forward to:

• Refer a friend and earn points:


We believe a good deed should never go unrewarded. Help a friend discover the
privileged world of the Your M&S Club and earn an extra 50 points.

• Birthday/anniversary offers:
Your special days become even more special as our Club member. You can look forward
to treating yourself with a special 10% discount on all Marks & Spencer merchandise on
these days. This does not include the Sale merchandise.

• Special Invitations:
As a part of the extended Marks & Spencer family you can look forward to some special
invites.

• Tell us about yourself:


Another opportunity to earn major points will soon be with you. You willshortly receive
an email welcoming you to your M&S Club. Fill inall your details clearly and completely
for an assured 50 points.

Page 91
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Customer support

Refund Policy

Our exchange and refund policy...


We're happy to exchange or refund items
returned to us in a saleable condition, with a
receipt, within 60 days.

If you don't have the receipt we'll offer you a credit voucher for the current or last selling price.

Does not include the following items:

1. Products which have been worn or used.

2. Garments which have been altered.

3. Pillows or duvets, where the packaging has been opened.

4. Toiletries.

Page 92
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Marks & Spencer’s heritage


➢ 125 years of M&S
Over the last 125 years.... we have built Your M&S into a brand that is the envy of businesses
worldwide. Our five founding principles – Quality, Value, Service, Innovation and Trust – are
central to everything we do, and ensure our offer remains as relevant as ever for each new
generation of customers.

1. Celebrating 125 years


Throughout 2009/10 we will celebrate our 125th anniversary in different ways with our
customers and employees. We are resurrecting old product favourites such as Eccles Cakes, as
well as giving a modern twist to classic fashion, with our Dresses of the Decades. We are
especially proud of our partnership with the University of Leeds that will showcase our extensive
archive collection to the public for the first time.

2. Quality
We earned our reputation for quality by establishing strict criteria that we continue to follow
today. In 1926 we adopted the revolutionary policy of buying directly from our manufacturers,
which enabled us to get involved in the production process and more closely influence price,
quality, and design.

3. Value
‘Don’t Ask the Price it’s a Penny’ was our first value slogan, propped up on Michael Marks
Penny Bazaar stall in the Kirkgate Market in Leeds. We have continued to offer value for every
purse good, at the opening price point, through to better and best at the more luxurious end of our
ranges.

4. Service
Our broad customer demographic gives us a unique position in the UK. We have never been
complacent about this and strive to offer great customer service, so we can meet the nation’s
Page 93
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
every need. In 1935 we introduced the first M&S Café, and we are now the UK’s fourth largest
coffee shop chain. Fitting rooms were first installed as a trial in our Plymouth store in 1977 and
we branched out to the Internet in 1999.

5. Innovation
From crease-free linen and machine washable silk, to selling the UK’s first Iceberg lettuce in
1980 – where M&S leads, others follow. In 1968 we began selling ‘avocado pears’. The name
caused confusion though, with customers serving them as a dessert with custard. We quickly
dropped the ‘pear’ and issued instruction on how to prepare the avocados as part of a salad.
Today we continue to innovate, with new ranges such as Cook Asian 1234.

6. Trust
At M&S we have always nurtured the belief that business conducted ethically and responsibly
can deliver benefits. For example in 1975 Marcus Sieff, then Chairman, wrote to The Times
detailing how we had reduced energy consumption by 500,000. Over the years customers have
come to rely on us to do the right thing, a responsibility we do not take lightly. Plan A builds on
this heritage and goes back to the belief that being responsible can also be profitable.

Brand Value
➢ M&S
In 2004 we introduced Your M&S to reflect the unique position M&S holds in British hearts and
minds. Our customers are passionate about M&S and almost everyone has an opinion about us.

Page 94
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
When times are tough, showing our customers that we continue to put the ‘Your’ in Your M&S
is crucial to retaining their loyalty and affection. They want to see that we are keeping faith with
them by developing exciting and iconic products; ensuring our stores are easy to shop in and
offer an enjoyable experience; and perhaps most importantly, by demonstrating that we listen to
their feedback in the actions we take.

Listening and responding

The one clear message from our customers during the year is that they were feeling the pinch and
wanted us to give them a helping hand. Firstly, we saw an opportunity to draw on our value
credentials and give them restaurant quality food at a really affordable price, and in the comfort
of their homes. The result was our ‘Dine in for Two for £10’ campaign introduced last autumn.

Also in Food, our ‘Wise Buys’ campaign, discussed in further detail by John Dixon, gives
customers value without compromising on the quality or the sourcing of our products.

Other key promotions included ‘Dress for Less’ and our surprise ‘One Day Christmas
Spectaculars’. Our Spectacular events proved useful in kicking off the festive shopping season at
a particulary difficult time.

These campaigns resonated with our loyal customers while encouraging new shoppers into our
stores.

Business with heart

In our 125th year, we have the good fortune of being an incredible brand, with a rich history. We
will continue to talk to our customers and stay true to our founding principles of Quality, Value,
Service, Innovation and Trust.

As we move into 2009/10, we speak plainly to our customers through our advertising
emphasising ‘Quality Worth Every Penny’.

Page 95
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Corporate Governance
The governance rules which apply to UK companies listed on the London Stock Exchange are
found in the Combined Code on Corporate Governance (the ‘Code’) which was updated by the
Financial Reporting Council in June 2008.

Responsibility is a core part of governance for us in two respects. The Board must meet its
accountabilities to wider stakeholders. Our employees must also play their part by acting
responsibly at all times. The Board has a clear view of its accountabilities. As part of our active
debates around succession and leadership development, we have established that our primary
role as directors is to ensure that:

• our investors are rewarded with profitable returns;

• our customers experience Quality, Value, Service, Innovation and Trust every time they
visit M&S;

• our employees are proud to work at M&S ;

• our suppliers are engaged in profitable partnerships; and

• our communities and the environment benefit from our sustainable business.

Page 96
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Products
1. Womenswear
The Company markets its womenswear under the following brand names:

• Autograph

• Autograph Weekend

• Autograph lingerie

• Plus Collection

• Petite Collection

• Limited Collection (larger stores only)

• Limited Collection Maternity (larger stores only)

• Perfect - High end clothes

• Per una - designer fashion garments

• Per una petite (only available online)

• Portfolio (for 55 & over, headed by Marie Helvin)

• Classic Collection

• Bridal (only available online)

• Long & Tall (only available online)

• Footglove

• Floor 1 discount brands

• Ceriso underwear.

• Holiday - Beachwear.

Page 97
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
From early 2008 Plus and petite departments were integrated into their standard size departments
so that customers could find the type of clothing they are looking for in one area. However
customer feedback means that Plus and Petite may possibly return as separate departments
sometime in 2009.

In December 2008 it was confirmed the two new faces of the 2009 M&S Spring campaign would
be ex Neighbours star Nicola Charles and Dani Behr.

• per una

per una is a range of female clothing sold at M&S stores, launched on September 28, 2001 as a
joint venture between M&S and Next founder George Davies. The brand name means for one
(woman) in Italian. All per una items include the three hearts logo, inspired by a postcard seen
by Davies while on holiday in Italy.

Per Una has been a major success for the company, and in October 2004, Marks & Spencer
bought the brand in a £125 million, two-year service contract with George Davies.Mr Davies
will stay on for at least two years to run the company, with 12 months notice required if he
wishes to leave.

1. Children’s wear
The Company markets its children’s wear under the following brand names:

• Sleep - Kids' night clothes.

• Bridal and Conformation.

• School - school uniform.

• Themed - Kids' character clothing and cartoon merchandise ware.

• Casual - Kids' casual clothes and shoes.

• Limited - Girls' designer clothes.

• Baby wear - Baby clothes, Blanket sleepers, baby's bibs and cot linen.

Page 98
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
• Baby wear petite (small babies).

• Fashion - Babies fashion clothes.

• Romper-suit republic - Baby clothes (only available online).

• The Shirtsleeve empire - Boys' shirts (only available online).

• Autograph junior - Kid's smart clothes and coats.

• Dress-up (fancy dress)

• Ready to play playwear

1. Menswear

The Company markets its menswear under the following brand names:

• Blue Harbor - Britain's largest men's casual brand, includes the sub-brands Heritage and
Luxury

• North Coast - Cool, easy and relaxed casuals.

• Autograph - Smart-casual clothing exclusively designed for M&S by designers such as


Nigel Hall and Jeffery West. Includes accessories, footwear, underwear, and nightwear.

• Collezione - Formal, Italian inspired clothing.

• Stormwear - Water-repellent clothing, includes denim, shorts, chinos, coats, footwear and
suits.

• Big & Tall - Larger sized clothing only available from marksandspencer.com.

• Ultimate - High end suites, trousers, shirts, ties and blazers.

• Tailoring - Formal Shirts, Ties, and Formal Accessories.

• The Sartorial Collection - Sartorial suits.

• Cool & Fresh - Keeps you cool and fresh by absorbing excess moisture on the skin.

• Climate Control - Keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter using
technology from NASA.

Page 99
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

1. Footwear
• Footglove-All shoes.

• Per Una- Women's' shoes.

• Fresh feet- Silver technology sports socks.

• Climate control- Men's' sports socks.

• Fresh and cool- Men's socks.

• Ceriso- Women's tights, suspender stockings, stockings, pantyhose and socks.

• Lambswool- Men's' high end wool socks.

• Junior- Kids' socks.

• Formal- Men's formal socks.

1. Make-up and perfumes


• Autograph (Both Male and Female)

• Harvard

• Autograph Sport

• Woodspice

• Blue Energy

• Per Una

• Isis (for both genders)

• Florentyna

• Natural Beauty
Page 100
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
• Earth Spa

• InBloom

• Royal Jelly

• Ingredients

• Formula - Skincare and Suncare

• Formula For Men

• Cotton Collection (toiletries and soaps).

• Floral collection (toiletries and soaps).

1. Homeware
• Furniture - Sofas, Bedroom suites, Bathroom furniture, Dining suites.

• Kitchens - Crockery, Kitchen Electrical, Utensils, Pans.

• Bathrooms - Towels, Linen baskets, Accessories.

• Bedding and pillows.

• Soft Furnishings - Cushions, Throws, Curtains.

• Hard Furnishings - Vases, Candles, Ornaments, Lamp stands.

• Technology T04- T.V.s, Clocks, Radios.

1. Technology
In 2006 the Company launched a range of technology products. A total of 36 stores now offer
this range. Additional services offered include television installation and technical help. The
service has been very successful for the company and many customers have commented on the
professionalism and helpfulness of members of staff.

2. Wine
In 2006 and 2007, M&S entered over 100 of its own wines into two wine competitions, The
Decanter World Wine Awards and The International Wine Challenge. Both years, almost every

Page 101
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
wine won an award, ranging from the 2005 Secano Pinot Noir, Leyda Valley, Chile (Best Pinot
Noir in the world for under £10) to the Rosada Cava (Commended)

Stores
M&S have over 600 stores throughout the United Kingdom, with nearly 1.2 million square
metres (12.5 million square feet) of selling space. This includes the flagship, and largest, store,
Marble Arch, London, on Oxford Street, which has around 16,000 square metres (170,000 square
feet) of sales floor. The second largest store is in Warrington, although the forthcoming M&S
Megastore in Leeds will take over as the largest outside London. The third largest store is at the
Sprucefield Centre in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. In 1999 M&S opened its store in Manchester's
Exchange Square, which was rebuilt following the 1996 Manchester bombing when the store
was destroyed. When it reopened it was the largest M&S store with 250,000 sq ft (23,000 m2) of
retail space.

Before Christmas 2006, a total of 22 M&S stores were open for 24-hour trading including the
recently opened new retail park stores at Bolton Middlebrook and at the Abbey Centre,
Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland.

International stores
There are currently stores located in the following countries: Bahrain, Bermuda, Bulgaria, China,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Hungary,
India, Ireland, Indonesia, Jersey, Kuwait, Latvia, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta,
Montenegro, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,
Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and The United
Arab Emirates.

Page 102
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

SHOPPER STOP

Shoppers Stop is an Indian department stores promoted by the K Raheja Corp Group (Chandru L

Raheja Group), started in the year 1991 with its first store in SAndheri, SMumbai
Shoppers Stop Ltd has been awarded "the Hall of Fame" and won "the Emerging Market Retailer

of the Year Award", by SWorld Retail Congress at SBarcelona, on April 10,


2008. Shoppers Stop is listed on the SBSE. With the launch of the Navi Mumbai

departmental store, Shoppers Stop has 26 stores in 13 cities in SIndia.

Location: Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune

Opening date: 1991

Developer: K. Raheja Management B.S. Nagesh (Customer Care Associate & MD)
Govind Shrikhande (Customer Care Associate, Executive Director & CEO)

No. of stores and services :27


Parking :Valet

Old logo.

STORE

Page 103
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Shoppers Stop is one of the leading retail stores in India. Shoppers Stop began by operating a
chain of department stores under the name “Shoppers’ Stop” in India. Currently Shoppers Stop
has twenty seven (27) stores across the country and three stores under the name HomeStop.
Shoppers Stop has also begun operating a number of specialty stores, namely Crossword
Bookstores, Mothercare, Brio, Desi Café, Arcelia.

Shoppers Stop retails a range of branded apparel and private label under the following categories
of apparel, footwear, fashion jewellery, leather products, accessories and home products. These
are complemented by cafe, food, entertainment, personal care and various beauty related
services.

In April 2008, Shoppers Stop changed its logo and adopted the mantra "Start Something New".

Shoppers’ Stop undertakes image makeover; revamps looks, logo, uniforms, among others

“Change is essential. Our consumers are changing, their preferences are constantly evolving.
They are getting younger. And so, we have to change along with them.” — B S Nagesh,
Customer Care Associate & Managing Director, Shoppers’ Stop.

After 17 years of existence K Raheja owned and B. S. Nagesh managed India’s largest
department stores retail chain Shoppers’ Stop has decided to spend Rs. 20 crore ($5 million) on
image makeover.

In a major revamping exercise, it has changed its logo, baseline, uniforms, shopping bags, and
looks, among others, though, it will not change its black and white colours. Explaining rationale
behind retaining colours, Govind Shrikhande, CCA & Chief Executive Officer, Shoppers’ Stop,
said, “It is more classical, rich and authoritative, something Shoppers’ customers connect with.
Black and white gives us a strong brand recall value.”

“The simple but classic new logo without the old elliptic ring, which has an international look
and a timeless appeal, carrying the new baseline ‘Start something new’ prods customers into
taking a step ahead to upgrade themselves to the next level in life.

“The change in the identity is just the beginning of a wave of strategic movements which is
being made in people, people practices, introduction of new ways of shopping, technology
investment in CRM and analytics,” said B S Nagesh, Customer Care Associate & Managing
Director, Shoppers’ Stop.

Page 104
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Identity change will also be accompanied by a new range of recyclable shopping bags that are
based on ‘fashion through ages’ theme, and new look stores with ‘in-store radio’ and ‘trial
rooms’ with day and night lighting options.

Also to be introduced along with is an anthem written by Gulzar and sung by Sonu Nigam for
recitation of its employees. Also, on the cards is a broadcasting station that will air fashion
content and music across the stores.

Shoppers’ Stop, currently operating 24 stores and occupying 1.6 million sq ft of space, is looking
at scaling up the number of stores to 50, within the next three to five years. Around 10 of these
stores are likely to come up during this year. (source: newspaper article)

Products
Shoppers Stop retails products of domestic and international brands such as Louis Philippe,
Pepe, Arrow, BIBA, Gini & Jony, Carbon, Corelle, Magppie, Nike, Reebok, LEGO, and Mattel.
Shoppers Stop retails merchandise under its own labels, such as STOP, Kashish, LIFE and
Vettorio Fratini, Elliza Donatein, Acropolis etc. The company also licensees for Austin Reed
(London), an international brand, who’s mens’ and womens’ outerwear are retailed in India
exclusively through the chain.

Loyalty program
Shoppers Stop’s has a loyalty program called First Citizen. They also offer a co-branded credit
card with Citibank for their members.

Shoppers Stop's sister stores are:

➢ Crossword Bookstores
Crossword Bookstores is a chain of largest bookstores in India with 52 branches. Shoppers Stop
acquired 100 per cent stake in bookstore chain Crossword. Crossword is positioned as a lifestyle
bookstore with their spacious, well laid out stores which encourages customers ease in browsing
through the merchandise of books, music, stationary and toys.

➢ HomeStop

Page 105
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
HomeStop is premium home furnishings home concept store, which offers products in home
decor, furniture and accessories, bath accessories, bedroom furnishings, mattresses, draperies,
carpets, modular kitchens and health equipment.

➢ Brio
Brio makes Shopper’s Stop Ltd.'s foray into Food and Beverage which was a step towards
“franchised coffee bars”. Brio – the café bistro is designed provides customers a place to relax,
revive and reflect. It has a classic yet sophisticated ambiance. Brio has 20 outlets in select cities.
Cafe Coffee Day (CCD), the retail division of Amalgamated Bean Coffee Trading (ABCTL), has
signed an MoU with Shoppers Stop to run its BRIO outlets.

➢ Desi Cafe
Desi Café and their operations have been taken over by Cafe Coffee Day (CCD), the retail
division of Amalgamated Bean Coffee Trading (ABCTL), has signed an MoU with Shoppers
Stop to run its Desi Cafe outlets.

➢ HyperCity
HyperCity provides customers a wide variety of range of products for shopping in a large and
modern retail environment. It offers a contemporary range of products, sourced from both local
and international markets. The product range covers: Foods and Grocery, Homeware, Home
Entertainment, Hi-Tech, Appliances, Furniture, Sports, Toys & Fashion.

➢ M.A.C.
M.A.C. and Shopper’s Stop Ltd. entered into a non exclusive retail agreement with cosmetics
major Estee Lauder to open up M.A.C. Cosmetics stores in India. M.A.C. Makeup-Art
Cosmetics - the professional brand of choice, is the first brand under the Estee lauder Group of
Companies portfolio to enter the Indian retail market. Currently there are 9 M.A.C. stores
operating.

➢ Arcelia

Page 106
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Arcelia is a new retail concept aiming at the growing accessories and cosmetics segment, with a
strong emphasis on experience and indulgence and primarily caters to discerning women
shoppers. It retails cosmetics, fragrances, fine jewelry, footwear, handbags.

➢ MotherCare
Mother Care and Shoppers Stop come together to introduce products for infant and toddler care
which stocks a variety of products for mother and babies, toddlers and children till eight years of
age with the focus being on style, function and safety.

➢ Nuance Group
Nuance Group with Shoppers Stop makes an entry into airport retailing. The alliance is marked
with a joint venture with The Nuance Group AG of Switzerland, the world’s leading airport
retailer. Shopper's Stop Ltd. is handling the retail operations at the duty free zones in
international terminals. The joint venture company, called Nuance Group (India) Private
Limited. is operating outlets at the International airports at Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

➢ HyperCity-Argos
HyperCity-Argos and Shoppers Stop, the two retail ventures of K Raheja group had signed a
memorandum of understanding with UK’s leading retail chain Home Retail group to develop the
Argos (retailer) retail format stores in India. Two years later, Shoppers Stop Ltd has informed
Bombay Stock Exchange shall wind down and discontinue its catalogue retail operations under
the Hypercity-Argos brand.

➢ Timezone
Shoppers Stop forayed into the Entertainment sector by acquiring 45% stake in Timezone
Entertainment Private Limited which is in the business of setting up and operating Family
Entertainment Centers (FECs). It has 5 outlets in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai.

SHIPPING POLICY
We are committed to delivering your order accurately, in good condition, and always on

Page 107
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

time.

Please note our shipping policy as follows:

• We currently deliver to major cities in India. You can check Pin Codes of cities we
deliver to.

• Currently, each order may be shipped only to a single destination address. If you wish to
ship products to different addresses, you shall need to place multiple orders.

• We make our best efforts to ship each item in your order within 3 working days of the
order. However in some cases, we may take longer, up to 7 working days, to ship the
order as we may have to procure it from some other stores or our suppliers. In the
unlikely event that we are not able to ship your order completely within 7 days of the
order, we shall cancel the remaining unshipped part of the order, and send you an email
informing you about the same. In such cases, your payment against the unshipped part of
the order shall be refunded, in the manner you have made the payment.

• We ship on all week days (Monday to Saturday), excluding public holidays.

• Typically all Mumbai deliveries are completed within 1-2 days post shipment and outside
Mumbai deliveries are completed within 2-4 days post shipment, excluding the date of
shipping.

• To ensure that your order reaches you in the fastest time and in good condition, we only
ship through reputed courier agencies.

• While we shall endeavor to ship all items in your order together, this may not always be
possible due to product characteristics, or availability.

• If you believe that the product is not in good condition, or if the packaging is tampered
with or damaged, before accepting delivery of the goods, please refuse to take delivery of
the package, and call our Customer Care or mail us at estore@shoppersstop.com,
mentioning your order reference number. We shall make our best efforts to ensure that a
replacement delivery is made to you at the earliest.

• You may track the shipping status of your order on our website, by visiting our website.

Shipping Charges

Page 108
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

• Please refer to the table below to estimate the shipping charges which shall be included in
your order value.

• Service tax (currently @ 10.3% ) shall be levied on shipping charges.

• For most products in our range “Regular” shipping charges shall apply. However, for
some large, fragile or high value items, special rates may be applicable, which shall be
indicated on the product detail page.

• Shipping charges are typically non-refundable, unless the product is returned due to a
manufacturing defect. Shoppersstop.com reserves the right to determine whether the
product has a manufacturing defect or otherwise.

• Please note that we do not charge additionally for octroi, where this is applicable.

• FREE SHIPPING on all orders above Rs.1000 : Limited Period Offer

Shipping charges per unit

Shipping Code Shipping Charges(Rs. per


item)
Regular - (for most items upto Rs. 50
2000 per unit)
High value - (for items above Rs. 2000 60
per unit)
Oversized - (if indicated in product 100
details page)
Gift Vouchers 10
Note:
1. Service tax @ 10.3% shall be charged on the shipping charges above
2. We do not charge additionally for octroi where this is applicable
3. For deliveries across india , the maximum shipping charge per order
shall be limited to Rs. 300
Vision:
To be a Global Retailer in India and Maintain No.1 position in the Indian Market in the
Department Store Category.

Page 109
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Positioning
Shoppers’ Stop is positioned as a family store delivering a complete shopping experience defined
by its mission, vision and values.

1991: Shoppers' Stop launches at Andheri


Setting up shop in 1991 with its flagship store in Andheri, Mumbai, Shoppers’ Stop is a member
of the K. Raheja Corp. of Companies. Shoppers’ Stop is the first retail venture by the K. Raheja
Corp. Promoted by Mr. Chandru L. Raheja, Mr. Ravi C. Raheja and Mr. Neel C. Raheja, the K.
Raheja Corp. have been leaders in the construction business for over 48 years.

With its wide range of merchandise, exclusive shop-in-shop counters of international brands and
world-class customer service, Shoppers’ Stop brought international standards of shopping to the
Indian consumer providing them with a world class shopping experience.

India – 2000 & Beyond…


Expanding its operations to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai (Andheri,
Bandra, Chembur, Kandivli, Mulund), Pune, Gurgaon and Kolkata, Shoppers’ Stop is today
recognised as India’s premier shopping destination. With a customer entry of about 50,000
customers a day, a national presence with over 6,00,000 square feet of retail space and stocking
over 250 brands of garments and accessories, Shoppers’ Stop has clearly become a one stop shop
for all customers.

Customer Profile
Shoppers’ Stop’s core customers represent a strong SEC A skew. They fall between the age
group of 16 years to 35 years, the majority of them being families and young couples with a
monthly household income above Rs. 20000 and an annual spend of Rs.15000. A large number
of Non - Resident Indians visit the shop for ethnic clothes in the international environment they
are accustomed to.

Range of merchandise…
The stores offer a complete range of apparel and lifestyle accessories for the entire family. From
apparel brands like Provogue, Color Plus, Arrow, Levi’s, Scullers, Zodiac to cosmetic brands
like Lakme, Chambor, Le Teint Ricci etc., Shoppers’ Stop caters to every lifestyle need.

Page 110
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Shoppers' Stop retails its own line of clothing namely Stop, Life , Kashish, Vettorio Fratini and
DIY. The merchandise at Shoppers’ Stop is sold at a quality and price assurance backed by its
guarantee stamp on every bill.

Their motto:

“We are responsible for the goods we sell”.

Customer Rewards – The First Citizen


Shoppers’ Stop’s customer loyalty program is called The First Citizen. The program offers its
members an opportunity to collect points and avail of innumerable special benefits. Currently,
Shoppers’ Stop has a database of over 2.5 lakh members who contribute to nearly 50% of the
total sales of Shoppers’ Stop.

International Affiliations
Shoppers’ Stop is the only retailer from India to become a member of the prestigious
Intercontinental Group of Departmental Stores (IGDS). The IGDS consists of 29 experienced
retailers from all over the world, which include established stores like Selfridges (England),
Karstadt (Germany), Shanghai No. 1 (China), Matahari (Indonesia), Takashimaya (Japan), C K
Tang (Singapore), Manor (Switzerland) and Lamcy Plaza (Dubai). This membership is restricted
to one member organization per country/region.

Acquisitions
The Organisation, in 2000, along with ICICI ventures also acquired the reputed bookstore,
“Crossword”, which offers the widest range of books along with CD-ROM, music, stationery
and toys. Services like Dial-a-book, Fax-a-book and Email-a-book enable customers to shop
from their homes. Crossword currently has 18 Stores.

The IT Backbone
Realising the role of IT way back in 1991, Shoppers’ Stop was among the first few retailers to
use scanners and barcodes and completely computerise its operations. Today it is one of the few
stores in India to have retail ERP in place, which is now being integrated with Oracle Financials

Page 111
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
and the Arthur Planning System, the best retail planning system in the world. With the help of
the ERP, they are able to replicate stores, open new stores faster and get information about
merchandise and customers online, which reduces the turnaround time in taking quick decision.

Supply Chain Management


Understanding the importance of distribution and logistics in ensuring that merchandise is
available on the shop floors, has led Shoppers’ Stop to streamline its supply chain. The company
has developed process manuals for each part of the logistics chain. These modules include
vendor management, purchase order management, stock receiving systems, purchase verification
and inventory build up, generation and fixing of price and store tags, despatch of stocks to the
retail floor and forwarding of bills for payment.

Future Plans
Shoppers’ Stop aims to position itself as a global retailer. The company intends to bring the
world’s best retail technology, retail practices and sales to India. Currently, they are adding 4 to
5 new stores every year

K. Raheja Corp. Profile

Established in 1956, the Mumbai-based K. Raheja Corp. has made a successful transition from a
real estate company to a business conglomerate with a diverse product portfolio. Led by C. L.
Raheja, the K. Raheja Corp. has ventured into Retailing and Hospitality besides strengthening its
core vertical of real estate business.

The K. Raheja Corp. has been providing quality real estate solution in Mumbai and Pune. The
group has also joined hands with APIIC to develop an IT Park at Cyberabad, Hyderabad. The
upcoming facility with built up area of 4.5 million sq. ft. will house the IT and ITES industry.

In 1991, the K. Raheja Group revolutionized the retail scenario in India by launching Shoppers'
Stop in Andheri, Mumbai, their first retail venture. Shopper's Stop, India's first organized
department store, redefined the way Indian people shop with its wide range of merchandise,
exclusive shop-in-shop counters of international brands and world-class customer service. The

Page 112
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Group now operates twelve departmental stores across the country and is the most recognized
brand in the industry.

Crossword, India's premier book retailer was launched in October 15, 1992, with the vision of
revolutionizing the concept of book retailing in India. Today, Crossword is one of India's fastest
growing bookstores and is spread across seven cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune,
Vadodara, Chennai and Hyderabad.

EXECUTIVE PROFILE*

Chandru L. Raheja is a Promoter of Shoppers Stop Limited. Mr. Raheja has extensive experience
with the real estate, hospitality and retail industries across India. Mr. Raheja serves as Chairman
of K Raheja Corp. of Inorbit Mall (India) Private Ltd

Financial Performance

Page 113
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

(Rs. in millions)
Year ended
Particulars 31 March, 2008 31 March, 2007

Retail Sales (Net of taxes) 11345.69 8463.05

Other Operating Income 168.30 145.03

Other Income 88.44 132.55

Total Revenues 11602.43 8740 63

Profit before Depreciation & Tax 537.91 743.40

Less: Depreciation 392.74 256.27

Profit before Tax 145.17 487.13

Less: Provision for Tax 75.50 225.18

Profit after Tax 69.67 261.95

Add/(Less): Balance brought forward


from previous year 484.56 296.83

Proposed Dividend (incl.


Dividend Distribution Tax) 61.17 61.12

Transfer to General Reserve 3.48 13.10

Balance carried forward 489.58 484.56

Performance Review

Your Company has opened five department stores i.e one at Noida, one at Kolkata and three at
New Delhi during the year, taking its chain of department stores to 27 stores spread across India.
The revenue has touched Rs. 11,602 million (previous year Rs.8,741 million), registering a

Page 114
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
growth of 33% on y-o-y basis, whereas cash profit stood at Rs. 538 million and net profit at Rs.
70 million against Rs. 743 million and Rs. 262 million respectively last year.

Dividend

Your directors are pleased to recommend a dividend of Rs.1.50 (previous year Rs.1.50) per
equity share of Rs.10 each.

The dividend, once approved by the members in the ensuing Annual General Meeting will be
paid out of the profits of the Company for the year and will sum up to a total of Rs. 61.17
million, including dividend distribution tax, as compared to Rs. 61.12 million in the
previous year.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Shopper Stop has been conferred with the following awards and recognitions during the year
under review:

➢ Retail Destination of the Year at the Image Fashion Forum;


Page 115
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

➢ Most Admired Retailer of the Year for technology applications at


Image Retail Award, 2007;

➢ Advertisement Campaign of the year CMAI APEX Awards;

➢ Departmental Store of the year at Star Retailer Award.

Further, Mr. B. S. Nagesh, Customer Care Associate & Managing Director of Company has
been inducted in the World Retail Hall of Fame along with your company winning the Emerging
Market Retailer of the Year Award, at World Retail Congress, Barcelona, Spain.

Page 116
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Status on utilization of IPO proceeds

As you are aware, your Company had made its initial public offerings (IPO) through 100%
book building process in the year 2005 and raised Rs. 1653.16 million by issuing 6,946,033
Equity Shares of Rs.10 at a price of Rs. 238 per share inter-alia with the Object of the Issue for
setting of 11 new stores, renovating and expanding some of our existing stores.

As there was considerable delay in delivery of certain store premises which were forming part
of the Object of the Issue, the Company has modified the aforesaid Object of the Issue with the
approval of members at the last Annual General Meeting. Further, the renovation of Andheri
store as envisaged was also replaced with renovation of Malad store.

Out of the Rs. 1,653.16 million so raised, Rs. 1,578.50 million were utilized towards the objects
of the IPO. The unutilized balance have been utilized in temporarily reducing exposure to
working capital borrowings.

Page 117
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Share Capital

During the year under review, the paid up equity share capital of the Company has increased by
Rs. 0.35 million on account of allotment of equity shares pursuant to exercise of stock options
under various ESOP Schemes.

The Company has filed draft Letter of Offer with Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
for issue of equity shares and detachable warrants thereto for raising a sum upto Rs. 5000 million
by way of Right Issue to its existing equity shareholders.

Credit Rating

Fitch Ratings India Private Limited has continued its rating of F1 + (ind) [F one plus ind] for
short term debt/commercial paper programme which is now increased to Rs. 800 million,
indicating highest credit quality with strongest capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments.
We have also got rated by CRISIL for short term and long term borrowings for a sum of
Rs.500 million each. For short term, CRISIL has assigned us a rating of P1 + whereas for long
term, a rating of A+ has been assigned.

Finance

Your Company continues with various initiatives for bringing down short term instruments so as
to have an increase in cash flow, reducing interest cost and improving working capital
management.

Page 118
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Employees Stock Option Plan

Your Company has formulated and designed Employees Stock Option Plan Schemes (ESOP
Schemes) for its employees. During the year under review, the Company has allotted 35,096
Equity Shares of Rs.10 each under the said ESOP Schemes.

Under Employees Stock Option Plan Scheme V (ESOP 2005), during the year under review, the
Company has granted 400,000 Stock Options and 20,000 Stock Options on August 23, 2007 and
January 28, 2008 respectively to the specified employees.
Since Stock options issued under ESOP Scheme I and II have been fully vested and exercised
by the employees, the schemes are already over. ESOP Scheme III, IV and V are in force and
their vesting is scheduled in due course of time.
The particulars of Employees Stock Option Plan (ESOP) Schemes, as required by SERI
(Employee Stock Option Scheme and Employee Stock Purchase Scheme) Guidelines, 1999, as
amended, are appended here with and forms part of this Report.
Since, substantial portion of earlier 10,00,000 options approved by
members under Employee Stock Option Plan V (ESOP 2005) has been exhausted, it is proposed
to seek your approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, for grant of further 10,00,000
Employee Stock Options (ESOPs) to the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries under
Employee Stock Option Scheme 2008 (ESOP 2008).

Fixed Deposits

Page 119
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
During the year under review, the Company has not accepted any deposit under Section 58A of
the Companies Act, 1956, read with Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 1975. No
amount of principal or interest was outstanding as on the Balance Sheet date.

Subsidiary Companies

As required under section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956, the Audited Balance Sheet and
Profit & Loss Account along with respective Reports of the Board of Directors and Auditors
thereon of the following subsidiary companies for the year ended March 31, 2008 are attached:

a) Crossword Bookstores Ltd.

b) Upasna Trading Ltd.

c) Shoppers Stop.Com (India) Ltd.

d) Shoppers Stop Services (India) Ltd.

e) Gateway Multichannel Retail (India) Ltd.

In compliance with Clause 32 of the Listing Agreement, and Accounting Standard AS 21,
prescribed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, audited consolidated financial
statements forms part of this Annual Report.

Page 120
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Human Resources

As an organization we are committed towards achieving exponential growth in our quest to


become the leader in the department store category, delivering higher levels of sensory
experience touching the hearts and minds of our consumers, stakeholders and employees.

In continuation of our belief that people are the primary source of sustainable competitive
advantage, your Company has worked continuously towards ensuring that its people practices
are in line with being an employer of choice. As on date of the Balance Sheet, the Company had
a total of 3,754 Customer Care Associates.

Auditors

Your Companys Statutory Auditors, Deloitte Haskins & Sells, Chartered Accountants, Mumbai,
retire at the conclusion of the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Deloitte Haskins & Sells
have sought the re-appointment and have confirmed that their re-appointment, if made, shall be
within the limits laid down under Section 224(1 B) of the Companies Act, 1956.
The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors recommends the
re-appointment of Deloitte Haskins & Sells, Chartered Accountants, as the Statutory Auditors of
the Company.

Page 121
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Corporate Governance

The Company has been pro-active in following the principles and practices of good Corporate
Governance. The Company has taken adequate steps to ensure that the conditions of Corporate
Governance as stipulated in clause 49 of the listing agreement with the Stock Exchanges are
complied with. A separate section on Corporate Governance and Auditors Certificate is annexed
here to and forms part of this Report.

Compliance with the Code of Conduct

The Company had evolved and adopted a Code of Conduct for its Board of Directors and its
managerial personnels based on the principles of good corporate governance and best
management practices. The declaration of compliance with the Code of Conduct has been
received from all Board Members and the managerial personnels. The Code is available on the
website of the Company.

A certificate in this effect from Mr. Govind Shnkhande, Executive


Director and Chief Executive Officer forms part of this Report.
Conservation of Energy, Technology absorption and Foreign Exchange earnings & out go.The
particulars regarding foreign exchange earnings and expenditure are annexed here to and forms
part of this report. The other particulars
relating to conservation of energy and technology absorption stipulated in the Companies
(Disclosure of Particulars in the Report of the Board of Directors) Rules, 1988 are not applicable
to the Company.

Page 122
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING MR. RAHEJA

➢ Mumbai

Business tycoon Nusli Wadia has moved the Bombay High Court against K Raheja Corp’s
Chandru Raheja and his sons Ravi C Raheja and Neel C Raheja and nephews Rahul S Raheja
and Ashish S Raheja for violating the agreement between him and the Rahejas on developing
nearly 200 acres of land in Malad. The land is owned by late Eduljee Framroze Dinshaw and
Wadia is the sole administrator.

The agreement required the developer to sell or lease the land or any structure built by him on it
only to ‘genuine third parties’.

Wadia has alleged that CL Raheja group has fraudulently sold or leased it to their "own sister
concerns and shell companies created for the purposes of purchase of these properties.” Wadia
has alleged fraud by Rahejas and demanded damages worth Rs 350 crore from them.

Wadia has terminated the agreement with Ivory Properties and Hotels owned by Rahejas (dated
January 2, 1995) with effect from February 1, 2008, and two powers of attorney on the same date
executed by Wadia in favour of Ravi C Raheja and Neel C Raheja, Wadia’s advocates said in a
public notice.

Wadia has alleged that nearly ten properties have been illegally built by the Rahejas inlcuding
Hypercity Mall, Inorbit Malls, Infinity Towers, Intelnet on the Malad land and asked the court to
order Rahejas to demolish the structures on the land.

He has also asked the court to stop all further renewals of shop leases and any further creation of
third party rights. The next hearing is scheduled on February 16.
Page 123
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Source: Business Standard

DIFFERENT AWARDS WON BY SHOPPER STOP

Shoppers Stop won "The most admired Appeared Retailer of the year 2000" Award at the
Images Fashion Awards.

Received Retail Destination of the Year at the Images Fashion Forum in Jan, 07.

Images Retail Awards - Sep 2007


Most admired Retailer - Technology Application - Shoppers Stop
Most Admired Retailer - Leisure Category - CROSSWORD
Most Admired Retailer - Retail design & Visual merchandising – HYPERCITY

CMAI APEX Awards - Nov 2007


Received the following awards from the "Clothing Manufacturers Association of
India"(CMAI) for the year 2006-07:
- Retail Professional of the Year- Mr. B.S. Nagesh.
- Advertising Campaign of the year - Shoppers Stop.

Star Retailer Awards - Dec 2007


"Department Store of the year" - Shoppers Stop
"Value Retailer of the Year" - HyperCITY

Star Retailer Awards - Nov 2008


- "Department Store of the Year" - Shoppers Stop
- "Debutant Retailer of the Year" ? GourmetCITY

WESTSIDE
HISTORY
Page 124
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

T
ata Group (is a multinational conglomerate based in Mumbai, India. In terms of
market capitalization and revenues, Tata Group is the largest private corporate group
in India and has been recognized as one of the most respected companies in the world.
It has interests in steel, automobiles, information technology, communication, power, tea and
hospitality. The Tata Group has operations in more than 85 countries across six continents and its
companies export products and services to 80 nations. The Tata Group comprises 114 companies
and subsidiaries in seven business sectors, 27 of which are publicly listed. 65.8% of the
ownership of Tata Group is held in charitable trusts Companies which form a major part of the
group include Tata Steel, Corus Steel, Tata Motors, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata
Technologies, Tata Tea, Titan Industries, Tata Power, Tata Communications, Tata Teleservices,
Tata Auto Comp Systems Limited and the Taj Hotels

Trent is the retail arm of the Tata group. Started in 1998, Trent operates Westside, one of
the many growing retail chains in India. In 1998 Tata sold of their 50% stake in the
cosmetic products company Lakmé to HLL for Rs 200 Crore (approx. 45 million US$),
and created Trent from the money it made through the sale. All shareholders of Lakmé
were given different shares in Trent. Simone Tata, the chairperson of Lakmé, went on to
head Trent. The reason behind the sale was that Simone Tata saw a greater growth
potential in retail, and believed that it would be much more difficult for an Indian
company to release new cosmetic products in a market that had opened up to global
companies which could invest more in research.At West side their aim is to regard
customer as a most relevant retailer in the world.

This story began circa 1998 when The Tatas acquired Littlewoods – a London based retail
chain. This acquisition was followed by the establishment of Trent Ltd (a Tata enterprise
that presently operates Westside). Littlewoods was subsequently renamed Westside.

In a rapidly evolving retail scenario, Westside has carved a niche for its brand of merchandise
creating a loyal following. Currently, the company has 36 Westside stores measuring 15,000-
30,000 square feet each across 20 cities. With a variety of designs and styles, everything at
Westside is exclusively designed and the merchandise ranges from stylized clothes, footwear and
accessories for men, women and children to well-co-coordinated table linens, artifacts, home

Page 125
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
accessories and furnishings. Well-designed interiors, sprawling space, prime locations and coffee
shops enhance the customers’ shopping experience.

Trent ventured into the hypermarket business in 2004 with Star Bazaar, providing an ample
assortment of products made available at the lowest prices, aptly exemplifying its ‘Chota Budget,
Lambi Shopping’ motto. At present Star Bazaar has 4 stores in 3 cities located in Ahmedabad,
Mumbai and Bangalore. This store offers customers an eclectic array of products that include
staple foods, beverages, health and beauty products, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, consumer
electronics and household items at the most affordable prices. Star Bazaar also includes a
largerange of fashionable in-house garments for men, women and children, exclusively available
at the store.

In addition, Trent recently acquired a 76% stake in Landmark, one of the largest books & music
retail chains in the country. Landmark began operations in 1987 with its first store in Chennai
with a floor space of 5500 sq. ft. At present Landmark have 10 stores, varying in size from
12,000 sq. ft. to 45,000 sq. ft, 3 in Chennai and 1 each in Bangalore, Gurgaon, Mumbai,
Vadodara, Gurgaon, Pune, Lucknow and Ahmedabad. Until 1996, Landmark’s product portfolio
comprised books, stationery, and greeting cards. It was later that music was added to it.
Landmark also sparked the trend of stocking curios, toys and other gift items. What separates
Landmark from other stores of its kind is the range and depth of its stock

FOUNDERS PROFILE

Simone Tata, currently the Chairperson of the Trent Limited, is an Indian businesswoman.
French by birth and educated in Switzerland, she came to India in 1955, and joined Lakmé as
Managing Director in 1961, rising to become its Chairperson in 1982. The small subsidiary of

Page 126
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Tata Oil Mills went on to become one of the leading cosmetic companies of India. As the
Chairperson of Lakmé, she was referred in the Indian media as the Cosmetic Czarina of India
She was appointed to the board of Tata Industries in 1989.

Eyeing growth in the retails sector, in 1996 Tata sold off Lakmé to Hindustan Lever Limited
(HLL), and created Trent from the money it made through the sale. All shareholders of Lakmé
were given, equivalent share in Trent. The Westside brand and stores belongs to Trent.
Simone Tata was the wife of late Naval H. Tata and is stepmother to current Tata group
chairman Sri Ratan Naval Tata.

MISSION

• At Westside the mission is to be regarded by their customers as the most relevant retailer in the
country.
• In order to achieve this goal, they shall develop a comprehensive understanding of their needs,
strive to win their confidence, and offer them best-in-class products and services at affordable
prices.
• They shall always be in the forefront of fashion and services by anticipating and exceeding the
expectations of their customers.
• Their leadership will be the product of their styling, quality and service consciousness.hey will
continue to scale new heights of excellence through teamwork, in an atmosphere that encourages
creativity and innovativeness.
• It is their policy to satisfy their customers with the range, quality and value of the products we
offer. However, if they are dissatisfied with any item that they might have purchased they would
take the necessary measures to assist them.
• They expect their customers to return unused merchandise along with its receipt within 30
days; they would exchange the returned items or give the customers a complete refund.
• In the event that the customers do not have the receipt they would offer them an exchange or
provide them a gift voucher to the current or last known selling price.

Page 127
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
• They have complete confidence in the quality of their merchandise however should the
customers have any grievances, they would be happy to address them once they are brought to
their attention.

PRODUCT PROFILE

Style, affordable prices, quality: these are the factors that have shaped Westside’s success story
in the retail fashion stores business. Launched in 1998 in Bangalore, the Westside chain has, ever
since, been setting the standards for other fashion retailers to follow.Westside stands out from the
competition for a variety of reasons. One is that a majority of the brands the chain stocks and
sells are its own, unlike retailers who store multiple labels. About 90 per cent of
Westside’s offerings are home-grown, and they cater to different customer segments. The other
10 per cent includes toys, cosmetics and lingerie. Westside has recently expanded its range of
merchandise by offering outfits from some of India’s best-known fashion designers, among
them Wendell Rodericks, Anita Dongre, Krishna Mehta and Mona Pali. This is an interesting
marketing shift, since it means moving away from the chains only-our-own-brands concept.

Westside is a departmental store having several product line & according to ET 500 list out of
top four retail companies Trent ranked 3rd as

• Pantaloon retail
• Shoppers shop
• Trent
• Provogue India

ARRANGEMENT

1. Ground Floor
• Cosmetics

Page 128
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
• Jewellery
• Watches
• Bags

2. Ist Floor
• Women Section
• Children Section
• Household items

3. IInd Floor (Men Section)


• Casual Clothing
• Formal Wear
• Ethnic Wear
• Shoes

Private Brands in Westside

• 2F4U
• SRC
• Gia
• Urban angel
• Intima
• David Jones
• Ascot

To irrigate the space better Westside have the entrance on the ground floor and exit on the first
floor. In case of visual merchandising all the category of clothes of all sizes and varieties
are displayed and hence the consumption of space for shelves is reduced. And it is convenient for
customers to choose and for the attendants to support buying. Profitability of Westside Delhi is

Page 129
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
more than that in Pune and Bangalore because youth here have much spending power. It is also
driven from strong demand backed by quality products and latest fashion.

The trendy household section has a complete new range of bed linen in elephant motifs, floral
motifs and paisley design. The color palette for the festive collection includes flaming orange,
royal blue and other vibrant colors to depict festivity.

The gift section has a plethora of gifts — terracotta pots, urns, knick-knacks and diyas in
beautiful colors, shapes and sizes. The store has also introduced a new range of furniture and
other household goods, including cabinets, butler trays and mirrors in wood with an antique
finish. An innovative range in wrought iron and rope has been introduced in utility items which
include magazine racks, folding stools, jam pots on trays and Ganesha in brass and terracotta.

SERVICES & STORE ATMOSPHERE IN WESTSIDE

➢ Pre-purchase services include accepting telephone & mail orders, advertising, window &
interior display, fitting rooms, fashion shows
➢ It provides post purchase service including shipping & delivery, gift wrapping,
adjustments & returns, alteration & tailoring
➢ It also provides ancillary services including general information, check cashing, parking,
restaurants, repairs, interior decorating, credit etc.

The Westside stores wear a bright, festive look and, in keep with the mood of the season, hosting
a festival bright.

With the sole objective of rewarding its loyal customers for their patronage, Westside has lined
up a bonanza of surprise gifts. Every shopper gets a scratch-and-win card which entitles them
entry into a contest. Those making purchases above Rs 1,500 are also entitled to receive other
pleasant surprises.

MARKETING MIX
Page 130
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

1. PRODUCT

The Westside stores have numerous departments to meet the varied shopping needs
of customers. These include Menswear, Women’s wear, Kid’s wear, Footwear,
Cosmetics, Perfumes and Handbags, Household Accessories, lingerie, and Gifts.
Some of them are as follows;

2. PRICE

• Menswear: For men at work and at play, Westside’s menswear range extends from
formal to casual to sporty. There is also a wide price range starting from value and
extending into premium.

• Womens wear: For women there are western casual, western formals & very classy
ethnic wear with a look unique to Westside. The range does not end with clothes
but extends right into accessories with a great range of jewelry, scarves & other
accessories. Also available are comfortable lingerie at affordable prices.

• Kidswear: With a dash of attitude and a sprinkle of playfulness, Westside’s


Kidswear has a huge range to select from. Catering to a wide age band – starting
from infants to early teens the garments sport a look that is hip, trendy and very
international.

• Footwear: The range encapsulates footwear for the entire family with a wide
variety of choice, great styles and colours to charm everyone.
Cosmetic, Perfumes and Handbags: The Westside store has a separate section for
cosmetics and perfumes in some stores. The handbags are tastefully crafted and
range from casual to formal wear.

Page 131
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
• Household Accessories: The Westside motto is -‘Your Dreams Our Vision’-which
translates into a Household section that caters to every taste. This section is one ofthe most
contemporary with every item being exclusive & unique. The merchandise is well coordinated &
allows customers to mix & match and to create their own look. The range extends from bed
linen, towels, table linens to coordinated crockery, a cook shop, glassware and much more to set
up an entire home. The range also includes high quality home accessories and décor product.

• Gifts : A wonderful gift section with the trendiest of collections that will leave one
spoilt for choice. This section matches every requirement and suits every occasion.
Westside’s gift section is vast and includes gifts ranging from photo frames, candle
stands, candles, vases, ceramic mugs, lanterns, lamps and more.

1. PLACE

The company has 36 Westside departmental stores up till now (measuring 15,000 -
30,000 square feet each) in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chennai, Pune,
Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Kolkata, Nagpur, Indore, Ahmedabad,
Lucknow, Ludhiana, Surat, Mysore & Rajkot. The company hopes to expand
rapidly with similar format stores that offer a fine balance between style and price
retailing.
2. PROMOTION
Westside does its regular brand building through advertisement in the mediawith
brand ambassador Yuvraj Singh and other young models. More importants its inhouse
promotions which peak during main festive seasons, summer, diwali and
Christmas. The promotion are mostly them based, with decorations to match, live
bands and other attractions.

CUSTOMERS

MEN

Page 132
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

· While guys tend to prioritize fashion to a lesser degree than girls, “right-look” and
the “dude” image is still important to them.
· Boys tend to spend more money on electronic gadgets, food, sports goods and music.

WOMEN

· “Teen” girls represent a lucrative opportunity for retailers. They are going to become
the future buyers.
· “Teen” girls are more trend savvy. It’s not just the clothes and accessories, but the
whole look that the teen girls aspire to define.
· ‘Post teen” girls spend more on jewellery and household items and thus they contribute
a lot more in terms of revenue.

FACING THE CHALLENGE

Page 133
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
The greatest challenge for Westside in its quest for a place in the retail sun is not the
competition from similar organized players, but from the unorganized sector (98 per cent
of India’s retail garment industry operates in the unorganized sector).The other challenge
for Westside is that the retail fashion business in the country is becoming increasingly
crowded with new players, Indian and foreign. Among the new entrants have been Wills
Sport, Lifestyle, Raymond’s (Be), Primus Globus, Nike, Crocodile, Mango
and the latest, Marks & Spencer.

PROMOTIONS

1. CLUB WEST CARD PROGRAM

An assured return-and-exchange policy reinforces customer confidence in the chain.


Another winning Westside idea is Club West, a customer loyalty programme launched in
May 2001. The 30,000- plus members of this club get rebates at restaurants and on
holiday packages from the Taj Group of Hotels, home delivery of alterations, and best of
all, special shopping hours on the first day of any discount sales event organized by the
chain.

Important benefits of club west card


· Most attractive rewards shopping
· Instant use of the card
· Easy to operate
· Extra convenience
· Validity at all stores

Westside does its regular brand building through advertisements in the media with brand
Page 134
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
ambassador Yuvraj Singh and other young models; more important are its in-house
promotions, which peak during the three main festive seasons: summer, Diwali and
Christmas. The promotions are mostly theme based, with decorations to match, live
bands and other attractions.

2. FASHION LOGY

Westside has launched a new ad campaign titled 'Fashion Logy'. The campaign is
designed to provide the buyer with not just clothing, but also guides and aid on dressing
smart, styling and accessorizing. The campaign sees on-ground activities and promotions
designed to interact with the consumer about their style It includes women’s corporate
wear, girls wear, and glam denim.

3.HSBC WESTSIDE CREDIT CARD:


• More Rewards points for Westside shopping.
• Special offer on International spends.
• Complimentary Gift Voucher worth Rs 150/- on Joining.
• Other benefits on shopping at Westside stores.
• 24x7 customer access through Phone Banking

THE THREE C’s

Corporate clothing is a major component of Westside merchandise. The emphasis here is


on the three Cs: Comfort, Crispness and Coordination, and the goal is to provide the
complete corporate look, where color, clothes and accessories are mixed and matched in a
manner that creates harmony between the person and the clothes he or she wears.
Westside employees are given regular training for better interaction.Some things may take
Page 135
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
longer. The wish list, a tool for customers to let Westside know their preferences, cannot
be realized immediately.Only if there is an optimum demand can the store look at
fulfilling it. Gia, Westside’s brand for larger-sized requirements, was the outcome
of one such need. The company identifies star employees in each store and designates
them as coaches responsible for the training of their own store staff. Today, each store has
three kinds of coaches — a customer service coach, an IT skills coach and a product
knowledge coach. The success of this programme has made it a benchmark for all Tata
Group companies.

WESTSIDE PROVIDES FOUR LEVELS OF SERVICE

• Self service- Self service is the corner stone of all discount operations. Many
customers are willing to carry out their own locate compare select process to save
money.
• Self selection- Customer find own goods, although they can ask for assistance
• Limited Service- Westside also offers services like credit, merchandizing etc.
• Full Service- Sales people are ready to assist to any phase of the locate compare
select process. Customers who like to be waited own prefer these types of stores.

CONSUMER PULL FACTORS

• A critical factor in Westside’s success has been its strategy to attract shoppers & keep
them in stores- the amount of time shoppers spend in a store is perhaps the single most
important factor in determining how much they will buy.In having understood the pulse
of the customers in India,Westside has clearly established itself as a brand with an Indian
heart.

Page 136
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

• Over the years Westside has also developed and successfully introduced a range of new
brands especially suited to the Indian palate. These brands like 2F 4U have been a
tremendous success amongst the new generation.What has also given Westside a
competitive edge is that in addition to an extensive range of internationally renowned
brands like Spykar, Lee and Fast Track they also offer the option of a less known brands
for low budget customers.

• All the three floors are carefully structured. Ist floor and IInd floor caters exclusively to
Women and Men respectively. Thus giving them privacy and more freedom to look into
their products.

• Women’s need more space and look for comfort. They are less likely to buy if the place
is congested and makes them feel uncomfortable. At Westside sofas have been placed in
the women section so as to make the females more comfortable.

• Westside has been able to create a brand image and is consistently maintaining its brand
identity by new additions in products and catering to the market need.

• They are catering to different age groups under one roof. For ex. On the IInd floor which
is men’s section both formal and college wear is available. This way they are able to
build a huge customer loyal base.

• Westside caters to not only the clothing needs and desires of its customers. They have
bed sheets, kitchenware, jewellery, perfumes, baby products, household items, etc. This
way a customer who enters Westside just to buy one or two items usually ends up buying
a lot more.

• The in-store experience in Westside is very delightful. Their fully skilled and trained staff
caters to the needs of the public in the right way. They don’t pounce upon the customer as
soon as he enters the store. They wait till the time a customer starts selecting and then

Page 137
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
they come and help. This way the customer gets acclimatize with the store and the
environment.

• Price of brands available at Westside is not too high as compared to its competitor’s
brands. This is due to their cost effective supply chain management. They directly pick
up the goods from the manufacturer thus ensuring low price tag at their store.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

INCOME STATEMENT

(Rs in Cr.)

Page 138
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Mar ' 09 Mar ' 08 Mar ' 07 Mar ' 06 Mar ' 05

Income :

Operating Income 511.73 514.16 452.00 346.44 234.31

Expenses

Material Consumed 256.59 272.50 240.41 177.80 117.04

Manufacturing Expenses 23.43 21.09 15.92 12.37 9.68

Personnel Expenses 39.47 36.96 28.80 20.60 14.86

Selling Expenses 77.20 72.27 64.49 47.71 32.34

Adminstrative Expenses 106.27 93.03 69.30 52.74 40.55

Expenses Capitalised 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Cost Of Sales 502.97 495.86 418.93 311.22 214.47

Operating Profit 8.76 18.30 33.07 35.22 19.83

Other Recurring Income 25.97 23.61 14.31 9.42 6.47

Adjusted PBDIT 34.73 41.90 47.38 44.64 26.30

Page 139
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Financial Expenses 4.33 4.29 3.98 2.94 1.34

Depreciation 9.23 8.85 7.91 8.00 4.54

Other Write offs 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.35 1.01

Adjusted PBT 21.17 28.76 35.49 33.34 19.40

Tax Charges 3.07 4.74 9.41 9.91 5.31

Adjusted PAT 18.10 24.02 26.09 23.43 14.09

Non Recurring Items 6.61 8.56 5.49 0.95 5.08

Other Non Cash adjustments 2.05 0.29 0.83 0.00 (0.11)

Reported Net Profit 25.21 32.58 31.58 24.38 19.06

Earnigs Before Appropriation 50.78 47.58 45.87 39.65 34.27

Equity Dividend 10.74 13.67 11.03 9.38 7.87

Preference Dividend 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Dividend Tax 1.82 1.58 1.88 1.32 1.12

Retained Earnings 38.22 32.33 32.96 28.96 25.27

Page 140
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

BALANCE SHEET

(Rs in Cr.)

Mar ' 09 Mar ' 08 Mar ' 07 Mar ' 06 Mar ' 05

SOURCES OF FUNDS

Owner's Fund

Equity Share Capital 19.53 19.53 15.76 14.43 13.12

Share Application Money 0.00 0.00 5.01 0.00 0.00

Preference Share Capital 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Reserves & Surplus 587.23 586.30 371.73 255.17 204.02

Loan Funds

Page 141
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Secured Loans 165.50 65.50 65.50 65.50 0.00

Unsecured Loans 0.05 0.10 0.17 0.22 0.26

Total 772.31 671.43 458.17 335.32 217.40

USES OF FUNDS

Fixed Assets

Gross Block 137.31 143.53 104.70 91.54 76.52

Less : Revaluation Reserve 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Less : Accumulated Depreciation 42.45 40.95 32.19 25.01 17.66

Net Block 94.86 102.57 72.51 66.53 58.86

Capital Work-in-progress 17.81 26.53 14.59 5.92 4.47

Investments 395.85 469.34 308.22 232.97 113.13

Net Current Assets

Current Assets, Loans & Advances 414.60 216.62 172.70 142.80 107.47

Less : Current Liabilities & Provisions 150.80 143.63 109.85 112.89 66.95

Total Net Current Assets 263.80 73.00 62.85 29.91 40.52

Miscellaneous expenses not written 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.41

Total 772.32 671.44 458.17 335.33 217.39

Page 142
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Note :

Book Value of Unquoted Investments 386.94 453.36 305.51 228.87 107.83

Market Value of Quoted Investments 4.76 14.97 5.55 8.00 2.03

Contingent liabilities 16.53 118.57 124.85 117.51 74.26

Number of Equity shares outstanding (in Lacs) 195.33 195.33 157.61 144.28 131.18

Page 143
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

QUARTERLY RESULTS
(Rs in Cr.)

Jun ' 09 Mar ' 09 Dec ' 08 Sep ' 08 Jun ' 08

Sales 122.30 120.89 126.19 133.49 133.43

Other Income 6.62 6.23 7.32 7.73 11.33

Stock Adjustment (2.43) 0.11 (6.24) (8.13) (14.37)

Raw Material 0.22 0.56 0.29 0.64 0.62

Power And Fuel 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Employee Expenses 8.98 7.51 10.43 9.69 11.63

Excise 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Admin And Selling Expenses 11.01 9.49 12.15 13.18 10.58

Research And Devlopment Expenses 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Expenses Capitalised 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Other Expeses 100.67 101.08 105.69 118.82 124.07

Provisions Made 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Operating Profit 3.83 2.14 3.88 (0.70) 0.90

Interest 0.51 0.32 0.33 0.33 0.33

Gross Profit 9.95 8.05 10.87 6.70 11.90

Page 144
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Depreciation 2.19 1.41 3.04 2.51 2.28

Taxation 2.64 (2.48) 1.95 0.65 1.40

Net Profit / Loss 5.11 9.13 5.87 3.53 8.23

Extra Ordinary Item 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Prior Year Adjustments 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Equity Capital 19.53 19.53 19.53 19.53 19.53

Equity Dividend Rate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Agg.Of Non-Prom. Shares (in lacs) 132.52 132.52 132.52 132.52 132.52

Agg.Of Non PromotoHolding(%) 67.84 67.84 67.84 67.84 67.84

OPM(%) 3.13 1.77 3.07 (0.52) 0.67

GPM(%) 7.71 6.33 8.13 4.74 8.22

NPM(%) 3.96 7.17 4.39 2.50 5.68

EPS (in Rs.) 2.62 4.67 3.01 1.81 4.21

Page 145
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

SHARE PRICES

Listings BSE , NSE


Price 550.00
BSE code 500251

NSE code TRENTEQ

ISIN INE849A01012

Face value 10

Market lot 1

Stock Data: Recent Stock Performance:


Current Price (8/31/2009): 561.45 1 Week 0.9% 13 Weeks 11.9%
4 Weeks 11.0% 52 Weeks 8.8%
(Figures in Indian Rupees)

Trent Limited Key Data:

Ticker: 500251 Country: INDIA

Exchanges: BOM Major Industry: Retailers

Sub Industry: Miscellaneous Retailers

7,845,275,000
2009 Sales Employees: 550
(Year Ending Jan 2010).

Currency: Indian Rupees Market Cap: 10,865,173,400

Fiscal Yr Ends: March Shares Outstanding: 19,532,896

Page 146
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
Share Type: Ordinary Closely Held Shares: 6,281,192

MARKET SHARE
The Company’s flagship brand Westside, operates 36 stores across the country, and is set to open
additional stores in the current year. Certain stores are expected to widen their offerings by the
introduction of brands for the youth, attractive footwear, bakery outlets, stationery and exclusive
fast moving furniture items during the current year. The Company expects that all these
measures would help increase the footfalls in these stores.

2003- 23%
2008-28%

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

Page 147
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

➢ F K Kavarana – Chairman
➢ B S Bhesania – Director
➢ N A Soonawala – Director
➢ K N Suntook – Director
➢ A D Cooper – Director
➢ N N Tata - Managing Director
➢ Surti, Mehernosh- Company Secretary

OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE

Page 148
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

ORGANISATION STRUCTURE

FUTURE STRATEGIES OF WESTSIDE

• Westside, one of largest and fastest growing chains of retail stores in India, is on an expansion
path these days. The retail chain has just launched KIDSWEST, a kids program that incorporates
learning with playing, in its stores operating in Delhi, Bangalore and Pune.

• Westside, Tata’s leading chain of stores, is planning to adopt the franchisee route to expand its
presence in tier-II and tier-III cities. Through this model, 25-30 franchisee-operated stores of
across 8,000-12,000 sqft and with an initial investment of Rs 1.2 crore, per store would be set up
in the next five years. With this move, it plans to reach out to consumers across 37 cities.

Page 149
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
• Trent-controlled retail chain Westside is planning to open 18 flagship stores in calendar year
2010. Market sources said that Westside, one of India’s fastest growing retail store chains, will
target mostly tier II and III cities as part of its expansion plans for 2010, with flagship stores in
the 40,000-50,000 square feet range. At least 80 per cent of the property acquisitions required for
Westside’s next phase of expansion have been wrapped up.

• Trent is also set to launch its second Star One Global hypermarket (under the Star
India Bazaar initiative) after Ahmedabad, at Vashi in sub-urban Mumbai.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Westside has garnered numerous accolades -


Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame
India Brand Summit – Brand Leadership Retail
IFA Visionary of the Year Award, 2002 – Mrs. Simone N. Tata
Most Admired Large Format Retail Chain of the Year - Lycra Images Fashion Awards 2005
NDTV Profit Business Leadership Awards 2006 - Retail Category

Page 150
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

PRESS RELEASE

Westside opens 37th store in Nashik; plans 10 new stores this fiscal

DATE: 14/05/09
http://www.business- standard.com/india/search_news.php?search=
%20Westside&select=keyword

Westside, the flagship department store format, lifestyle retail chain of Noel N Tata-led
Trent Ltd, one of the two retail arms of Tata group, which currently operates 36 stores,
recently opened its new store at Nashik in Maharashtra. The new store occupying a retail
space of 24,000 sq ft is located in the Untwadi area of the growing commercial city.

“We are very proud to bring the Westside experience to the discerning customers of Nashik.
The residents have been exposed to fashion and we hope to enhance this with our superior
merchandise, service and an international shopping experience,” said Smeeta Neogi, Head-

Page 151
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Marketing, Westside, on the occasion.

Westside, which specialises in deriving most of its business from private labels, is present in
21 cities across India. Of the 37 stores being operated by the company across the country as
many as 6 are located in Mumbai alone.The company, which achieved a sales turnover of Rs
499 crore ding 2007-08, is planning to expand operations of Westside retail chain
by opening 10 new stores during the current financial year 2009-10. The new stores are
likely to come up in the metro and growing cities of Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochin,
Faridabad, and Guwhati, among othe

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

India is a youthful country where a large percentage of the population is in the younger
age brackets. We believe that these young people shall be the backbone of the nation in
the coming years. It is therefore our intention to focus on socially underprivileged
children in order to provide them with a chance to have a better life tomorrow.

We shall dedicate resources commensurate with our business requirements to community


activities that work towards improving the future of socially underprivileged children. We
shall also use our assets and our expertise in the retail business to further the cause of such
communities.

Were it not for the active participation of our customers, our social policy might never
have been activated. We are truly grateful for their generosity in supporting our socially
conscious endeavours.

Page 152
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

LEND A HAND
Light a Diya, Help a Child – Purchase a diya and light it at Westside
during the Diwali Promotion. Funds collected will be donated to NGOs
to help bringing smiles to the faces of underprivileged children.

Angels Tree – Purchase a “Silver Star” or a “Gold Star” during our


Christmas Promotion, and decorate our Angels Tree. The money
collected will be donated to various NGOs across the country working
with underprivileged children.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

• In 1998 Tata sold of their 50% stake in the cosmetic products company Lakme to HLL for Rs
200 Crore (approx. 45 million US$), and created Trent from the money it made through the sale.
All shareholders of Lakmé were given different shares in Trent. SIMON TATA, the chairperson
of Lakmé, went on to head Trent.

• Trent Ltd. operates Westside, one of India’s largest and fastest growing chains of retail stores
that currently operate 29 stores in the major metros and mini metros in India.

• Westside, Tata’s leading chain of retail stores has launched its Designer Development
Programme (DDP) to encourage Emerging Talent of the fashion industry and provide them a
mass retailing platform. A concept pioneered by Westside; this is a significant step to bridge the
gap between exclusive designer wear and the fashion conscious Indian consumers.

Page 153
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
• It is significant that Trent had in April this year entered into an agreement with The Xander
Group Inc, a global private equity firm, to develop and manage an institutional retail real estate
portfolio in India in partnership with Indian developers.

• The flagship stores planned next year will substantially improve possibilities for cross
promotion between Westside and Landmark, the south-based books and music retail chain in
which Trent had acquired 76 per cent stake in 2005.

CHAPTER - III

R ESEARCH M ETHODOLOGY

Page 154
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Objectives
Scope
Methodology of Data
Collection
Limitations

Page 155
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

A
s stated by Bruce W.Tuckman(1978), research is a systematic attempt to provide
answers to the questions. Research is the original contribution to existing stock of
knowledge for its advancement. It is a systematic method consisting of enunciating
the problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting of factors or data and reaching to certain
findings and conclusion. It is more of a formal, systematic and intensive procedure being carried
on the scientific method of analysis.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

• The main objective is to find out the hidden facts and to invent new facts to the existing
stock which gives a scope for advancement.
• To have an in-depth knowledge about the industries as well as various companies which
belong to a particular industry.
• To enhance our knowledge about their market share, growth rate and do a comparative
analysis.
• To come to a common conclusion and analysis the best company in a particular industry .
• To serve as a book of knowledge for the readers and to make it very simpler and easier to
understand.
• In order to induce the creative work and give a scope for others to do research.
• To discover the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of various companies.

Page 156
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

SCOPE
• This may lead to a get a professionals degree in research.
• May create an enjoyment to the researcher to solve a problem.
• Would help in order to have a better knowledge and understanding about the corporate in
near future.
• It may lead to get respectability to the researcher from the society.
• Motivation in research reciprocates the inventions and discoveries by one another.
• Motivation in research also to do research.

DATA COLLECTION METHOD

There can be various methods adopted for data collection. On the broader terms it can be
classified as the primary data collection and the secondary data collection methods. The primary
data collection methods include interview, having direct meets with the company officials or a
questionnaire method and is considered as the first time investigation. Whereas the secondary
data collection focuses on the collection of information from various sources like magazines,
newspapers and website and are considered to be already collected. There are its own merits and
demerits in various data collection method. In our study we have collected our data through the
secondary means of data collection. We have referred various business magazines in order to do
our comparative analysis and the main source of our information is through website, which
helped us in getting a clear understanding of the company profiles, its history and other various
information. We also have referred many other thesis on various companies which gave us an
idea how exactly to about our research on our industry and other statistical data published in
various newspaper which helped us to keep a track on the recent development and the future
strategies adopted by the company as well as the present market share of the company.

Page 157
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

LIMITATIONS IN DATA COLLECTION

We could stick on only to the secondary data collections as we couldn’t interact with the
company officials due to their busy schedule. Being the it companies they don’t reveal all the
information on the websites but as per the requirements we have managed to get all the possible
information.

Page 158
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

CHAPTER - IV

C OMPARATIVE A NALYSIS

Introduction

SWOT Analysis

Page 159
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

COMPARATIVE ANANLYSIS

INTRODUCTION

T he companies which we all have received for industrial review project in retail sector are as
follows’ :

• Big Bazaar
• Shopper Stop
• Marks & Spencer
• Westside

The comparatively analysis of all these four companies in not possible as they are not
completely comparative to each other except SHOPPER STOP and WESTSIDE. Shopper Stop
and Westside are giving tough competition to each other in ready-made garments sectors.
Although Westside carries the brand name of TATA GROUPS but still Shopper Stop provides
them a tough competition.
Now- a- days Big Bazaar has also entered by introducing there brand DJ&C. It provides
the clothes at a very cheap price, which is slowly becoming a tough competitor in the market.
Big Bazaar slowly and steadily increasing its market share in this sector.
Marks & Spencer are really not a competitor for companies mentioned above. It is an
international brand. It was most affected by recession among others. It mainly deals with ready-
made garments and accessories. The company is trying hard to survive in the market After its JV
with Reliance Retail its has strengthen its position its place in India but is still lacking behind its
competitors as it has hardly opened a store in each major city of India. It is still yet to strengthen
its place in the Indian market .

Comparing all the above companies the largest market share in current scenario is held by Big
Bazaar , it not only holds a great market share but also demands its authority in the retail sector

Page 160
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
due its strong presence . Big Bazaar also with its brand ambassador as M S Dhoni has shown
tremendous change in market selling ability. In places it has also been touted as India’s Wal-mart
Shopper Stop on the other hand has improved its place in the market with a great re-branding
which has seen the revival of this brand value that it held in its initial days.
But after Re-branding the brands founder have seen sunlight again. They have improved from
their sales and have got new brands with them , who sell their products in their store. They have
also changed their logo with their re –branding affects. All of this has gained them greater
respect and a better positioned market which they want to have from many years . Their Home
city which is Mumbai has also seen a great change in their sales. Whereas going to Bangalore ,
their second largest sales return , they have added new brands , changed their location and all of
this has resulted in better sales .

Westside, India’s fastest growing retail chain has done a lot to improve their market share .
Unlike the above brands they don’t focus on a particular target market on a particular market,
they have something to focus for everything which is their USP. They have improved their
market share from the day they have started. Unlike the above brands they have always looked to
diversify their holdings in the market. They have a policy of opening a store in a particular
location according to their customer wants .And all of this is done to increase the foot movement
in their stores.

Coming on to Marks & Spencer, a big international player hasn’t shown such great movement in
the market share in India from the time it has opened in India. It always target people walking
into big malls , basically opening their market only to a smaller lot of people unlike the above
brands who cater to all the people . But due to its great experience it has in the retail sector , it
has recently joined hands with Reliance Retail , which gives it a great future. Thus this is one
brand which NEEDS TO BE LOOKED ON IN THE FUTURE.

Page 161
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

SWOT ANANLYSIS

BIG BAZAAR

Strength:

High Brand Equity in evolving retails markets


State-of-art infrastructure of Big Bazaar outlets
POP to increase the purchase
One stop shop for variety of products, increasing customer time and available choices

Weakness:

Unable to meet store opening target so far


Falling revenue per square feet

Opportunity:

Organized retail is just 4.15%of total pie of Indian retail market


Evolving Customer preferences in recent years.

Threat:

Competitors, global big players planning to foray into market


Government policies are not well-defined in India
Unorganized retail market of India

Page 162
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

MARKS & SPENCER

Strengths
M&S were renowned for their attention to detail in terms of supplier control,
merchandise and store layout

The success of M&S under Simon Marks was often attributed his understanding of
customer preferences and trends

Provide highest standards of quality

Suppliers use the most modern and efficient production techniques.

Weaknesses
Stocked generic clothing range with wide appeal to the public: buyers often had to make
choices, which would outlast the fashion and trends seen in other high street retailers

This lagging behind in case of introducing up-to-dated fashionable clothing to keep pace
with the environment actually made them vulnerable to their competitors

They always used British suppliers believing that it would give them highest quality with
low costs but actually sometimes made them weak to challenge its competitors

Some competitors are using overseas suppliers to keep the costs down

Opportunities
To survive in today’s world globalization is important. M&S have a wide opportunity to
go more global to improve and expand its business.

They also have the opportunity to consider more overseas supplier which will actually
give them cost advantage, rather than suppliers available on a local level.

They also have the opportunity to maximize the use of available technology to improve
their functioning and to gain competitive advantage.

Page 163
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Threats
They are in strong competition with Gap, Oasis and Next, who are offering similarly
priced products yet more fashionable.

M&S is also in competition from discount stores like Matalan, and “George” range at
Asda.

M&S is also in threat from Tesco and Seinsbury’s who moved into offering added value
foods, which had been pioneered by M&S.

Page 164
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

SHOPPER STOP

Strengths:
Pioneer in departmental format.
Loyal customer base.
Low risk and sturdy business model.
Healthy financial position, low gear.
Presence across retail segment, lifestyle, value and specialty retailing.

Weakness:
Competition from standalone specialty stores.
Late foray into value retailing with 51% stake in promoter owned company.
High spend on store makeovers and interiors to ensure pleasant shopping
experience.

Opportunities:
Expected 30% CAGR in organized retail to result in better footfall and
conversion rates.
Entry into tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
Collaboration with foreign players because of national brand.

Threats:
Employee shortage and attrition due to rapid growth in retail industry.
Impact of slowdown on consumer spending in felt on retail stores.
Opening up of economy for free entry foreign players.

Page 165
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

WESTSIDE

Strengths:

High quality,
latest in-style products,
international shopping experience
value for money pricing
loyal following
Own brand of merchandise, which is both trendy and individualistic.
new introductions every week
variety of designs and styles
exciting mix with a range extending from stylized clothes, footwear and accessories for
men, women and children to well-co-coordinated table linens, artifacts, home accessories
and furnishings.
Well-designed interiors, sprawling space, prime locations, lovely coffee shops add to the
customers’ shopping experience.

Weakness:

Needs to expand faster to maintain market share


Size of the stores should be increased to stock more products.
Targets the middle-class segment. Higher class customers do not prefer west side.
Trent limited may not be able operate west side efficiently due to its other operations.

Page 166
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Opportunity:

1. The Indian middle class is already 30 Crore & is projected to grow to over 60
Crore by 2010 making India one of the largest consumer markets of the world. The
IMAGES-KSA projections indicate that by 2015, India will have over 55 Crore people
under the age of 20 - reflecting the enormous opportunities possible in the kids and
teens retailing segment.

2. Organized retail is only 3% of the total retailing market in India. It is estimated to grow
at the rate of 25-30% p.a. and reach INR 1,00,000 Crore by 2010.

3. Percolating down : In India it has been found out that the top 6 cities contribute for
66% of total organized retailing. While the metros have already been exploited, the focus
Has now been shifted towards the tier-II cities. The 'retail boom', 85% of which has so far
been concentrated in the metros is beginning to percolate down to these smaller cities and
towns. The contribution of these tier-II cities to total organized retailing sales is expected
to grow to 20-25%.

4. Rural Retailing: India's huge rural population has caught the eye of the retailers
looking for new areas of growth. ITC launched India's first rural mall "Chaupal Saga"
offering a diverse range of products from FMCG to electronic goods to automobiles,
attempting to provide farmers a one-stop destination for all their needs." Hariyali Bazar"
is started by DCM Sriram group which provides farm related inputs & services. The
Godrej group has launched the concept of 'agri-stores' named "Adhaar" which offers
agricultural products such as fertilizers & animal feed along with the required knowledge
for effective use of the same to the farmers. Pepsi on the other hand is experimenting with
the farmers of Punjab for growing the right quality of tomato for its tomato purees &
pastes.

Page 167
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Threats:

1. If the unorganized retailers are put together, they are parallel to a large supermarket
with no or little overheads, high degree of flexibility in merchandise, display, prices and
turnover.
2. Shopping Culture: Shopping culture has not developed in India as yet. Even now
malls are just a place to hang around with family and friends and largely confined to
window-shopping.
3. Cultural Variation leads to variation in merchandise in India at different geographical
locations.
4. Competition from future group and various other retail stores which are growing rapidly.

Page 168
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Big Bazaar

• Google.com

• Wikepedia.org
• Hinduonline.com
• Futurebazaar.com
• Bigbazaar.com
• business.outlookindia.com
• Frontline magazine vol: 24, issue: 13
• Fmcg-marketingblogspot.com
• Investopedia.com
• Busniessstanard.com
• Scribd.com
• Netashare.com
• Slideshare.net
• Indiatoday.com
• . www.ibef.org/industry/retail
• retailindustry.com

Page 169
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Marks & Spencer

• http://www.marksandspencer.com/
• http://www.marksandspencerindia.com/index.php
• Google.com
• Wikepedia.org
• Busniessstanard.com
• News.cnet.com
• business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry.../article3430556.ece
• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/2788498/Marks-
and-Spencer-joins-with-Reliance-to-open-50-stores-in-India.html
• http://news.stv.tv/uk/88167-ms-lost-clothing-market-share-in-feb/
• http://tutor2u.net/business/marketing/market_analysis_marketshare_intro.asp

Page 170
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Shopper Stop

• www.shoppersstop.com

• wikepedia.com

• religare.com

• Busniessstanard.com

Page 171
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

Westside

• http://www.mywestside.com/
• http://www.contentlinks.asiancerc.com/tata/FundaReports.asp?
ReportType=PL&Companycode=12520005&TickerName=Trent&CompanyName=Trent%20Ltd
• http://www.google.com/finance?client=ob&q=BOM:500251
• http://www.naukrihub.com/india/retail/top-companies/westside/
• http://www.noeltata.com/about-westside.html
• http://markets.ft.com/ft/tearsheets/businessProfile.asp?s=271813
• http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/photo.cms?msid=3911091
• http://www.corporateinformation.com/Company-Snapshot.aspx?cusip=C356FP730
• http://www.tata.com/company/Media/inside.aspx?artid=DJEi6XE/ewk=
• http://www.business- standard.com/india/search_news.php?search=
%20Westside&select=keyword
• http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/company-news/westside/
• www.hindubusinessline.com
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trent_(Westside)
• http://info.shine.com/company/Trent-Ltd/334.aspx
• http://www.rupeetimes.com/credit_cards/hsbc_bank/westside_credit_card.html
matt haig.pdf

Page 172
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

CONCLUSION

W
hat, How and In this report we have analyzed in detail the retail industry in India.
We had initially started with the evolution of the retail sector in India, then moved
onto its size, distribution and the growth of the retail sector.

We have also covered issues like the Foreign Direct Investment in the retail sector, the
untapped opportunities that exist in the retail industry in India. We have also discussed about
the bottlenecks that the retail industry is facing in India, online retailing in India and the role of
Information Technology in the retail sector in India.
In this section we have coined down the major findings of our research.
Major Findings

1. The Retail Sector in India can be split up into two, the organised and the unorganized. The
organized sector whose size is expected to triple by 2010 can be further split up into
departmental stores, supermarkets, shopping malls etc.
2. In terms of value the size of the retail sector in India is $300 billion. The organised sector
contributes about 4.6% to the total trade.
3. The retail sector in India contributes 10% to the Gross Domestic Product and 8% to the
employment of the country.
4. In terms of growth the FMCG retail sector is the fastest growing unit and the retail relating
to household care, confectionery etc, have lagged behind.
5. The foreign retail giants were initially restricted from making investments in India. But now
FDI of 51% is permitted in India only through single branded retail outlets. Multi brand outlets
are still beyond their reach. Again they can only enter the market through franchisees,. This
was how Wal-Mart had entered joining hands with Bharati Enterprises.
6. On line retailing is still to leave a mark on the customers due to lacunae that we have
already mentioned.

Page 173
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9

CHALLENGES BEFORE INDIAN RETAIL INDUSTRY

Retailing in India:

A challenging opportunity

“... I will say that if you're alive you've got to flap your arms and legs, you've got to jump around
a lot, for life is the very opposite of death....”. Every game is a knife-edge balance between
reward and risk. Rewards are received at the end of the game if one has borne all the risk and are
alive and kicking till the end. Indian retailing industry has been looked upon as a dream come
true but for many entrepreneurs it has become a nightmare.

In this study we make an attempt to jot down the various problems concerning the Indian retail
sector. Since a boon from one's viewpoint may be a curse from another's, so we have tried to
ignore all types of biases. In some cases suggestive measures are also suggested. These measures
are surely not mutually exclusive but may be (informally) collectively exhaustive.

Conspicuousness and eccentricity of Challenges

Major Challenges
1. Amalgamation or Confusion- According to Tata Strategic Management Group, India has
a high density retail structure of 1 retail outlet per 90 people and is the 9th largest retail market in
the world. But the structure of the retail industry in India is in utter jumble. The parallel
operation of convenience stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets and specialty stores in the economy
is bewildering. According to the 'Wheel of Retailing Theory', certain loopholes in one of the
forms of marketing can get communicated to other forms also.

2. What to sell- Another bemusement is the category of items to be offered. According to

Page 174
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
researches, 41 percent of total consumption expenditure goes to the segment of food and
groceries and it accounts for 77 percent of total retail sales. So it is obvious that this is the most
preferred section of retailers. But unfortunately the foible taste bias for 'wet market' (i.e. fresh
food available through hawkers) has marred this prospect also. Therefore supply chain
management, storage of fresh perishable foods and persuading the customers that the food is
inexpensive despite being fresh are genuine challenges to the newcomers. Diversifying the
product base to consumer products such as readymade garments, furnitures, mobiles and
computers can mitigate the losses, if any from food marketing and also broaden the reach to
consumers.

3. Nostalgia- Indian shopping habits are no different. People tend to attach qualities like
honesty, fair price, good behaviour etc. to shopkeepers with whom they have been dealing right
from childhood. They find no reason to go to a distant megastore without any genuine reason.
This problem is difficult to deal with as it demands a change in long-formed mindset. Organised
retail outlets can overcome this problem by employing eligible local peoples who can interact in
vernacular language and win the confidence of people.

4. Information Technology- This is a major problem and India must act fast if it wishes to
create a smooth field for organized retailing. Digitization of services will make transfer of goods
easy and an improvement in supply chain management will definitely play a significant role in
attracting more consumers and less consumer grievances. Besides, it will generate easier
payments option for customer and easier money movement for the CEOs of these highly
diversified malls.

Minor Challenges

1. Human resource crunch- the concern for insufficient manpower in the industry has been
in news for the last few months. This fear is somehow unfounded. The retail industry according
to recent reports is growing at a rate of 100 percent. Kishore Biyani's Future Group i.e. the Big
Bazaar chain of retail outlet alone provides employment to more than 18,000 people and is

Page 175
[INDUSTRIAL REVIEW PROJECT] 200
9
planning to expand its employment base to 34,000 by June 2008. If we add to this the foray by
mega players like Reliance and Bharti-Walmart then the fear can surely turn into a
misperception. Retailing mainly deals with hard-selling of space, trade of stocks and building of
relationships. Since most of the openings are for front line shop people, a graduation will suffice.
Nowadays many institutes also provide post-HSC and post-graduate retail-specific courses.

2. Hindrances from government- Some political parties want the government to amend
laws and improve curbs so that the mega players can't openly decimate the unorganized retail
sector. This is a conclusion based on a myopic outlook and must be amended for a long term
strategy. The fear is baseless because of the reasons mentioned above. The megastores will no
doubt provide employment to the less educated masses. Also taking business away specially
from small food vendors is more easily said than done. Instead the limiting move will send
wrong signals to the investors and will ward off investments when the states need it most.
Allowing 51 percent retail FDI in single brand retailing is a welcome move in this direction. It is
expected that the government will create further opportunities for the organized retail to come up
as home grown investment is always sweeter than foreign investment.

The advent of organised retailing in an economy where spending power is growing fast and Tier
II as well as Tier III town dwellers are becoming brand conscious is sure to bring a revolution in
the retail sector.

Page 176

You might also like