The Hindu Business Line : `Modern format stores witness sizeable growth'

Supermarket stores grew by only 5 per cent during 2005 and now less than 20 per cent of household shoppers in key cities are regular supermarket shoppers. However, hypermarket has posted better growth with the number growing by 57 per cent from 2004 to 2005.

"When compared to China, India is 36 times less developed. But with one modern store for every 400,000 population, there is adequate scope of expansion in the country. With a lot of companies intending to invest in the Indian retail sector, we are likely to witness a retail boom. So it would be an interesting time to monitor the retail space in India," said Mr Sujit Das Munshi, Executive Director, Retail Management Service, ACNielsen South Asia.

Another trend when it comes to price sensitive Indian buyers is that it is convenience that takes them to a store rather than pricing. The other key factors that drive store preference are store accessibility, quality of products, loyalty programmes and product assortment. "The numbers of stores visited by consumers have not increased in the metros. This clearly shows that Indian consumers are evolving and are likely to settle for their favourite branded store instead of experimenting. The task that now lies ahead for marketers is to ensure that they manage to retain their customers with availability of good quality products, innovative promotions and world-class service within a store. A satisfied consumer can be a great brand ambassador and can help win new/loyal customers," said Mr Das Munshi.

More Stories on : Retailing | Shopping | Marketing Research

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Airtel to launch mall service soon

Sony plans reality show Big Boss

Mother Dairy: Clarification

O&M plans hires from tier-II centres

`Modern format stores witness sizeable growth'

Rajesh Exports opens more outlets

`Innovative promotions register top-of-mind recall'

United Spirits to check counterfeit brands with super cap

`Market for home theatres growing'

Sterilox tech unveiled in India