Essar, Virgin launch one-stop mobile solution shop

Mumbai, Mar 20 (UNI) Telecom major Essar and Richard Brandson's Virgin Group annoucned the launch of 'The MobileStore' to revolutionise Indian telecom retail market through its first national chain of multi-brand and multi-service outlets in the telecom retail space here today.

'The MobileStore' will be a one-stop mobile solution shop, which will offer Telecom Products like handsets and accessories, mobile connections and recharges and other entertainment products like MP3 players, gaming devices, DTH, cameras, value added services, handset repairing, handset exchange and Bill collection.

Essar Group Vice Chairman Ravi Ruia said Essar is a key player in the ever-burgeoning retail market in India. Virgin, on the other hand is one of the most respected service brands in the world.

''Together we will gain strength and bring to the customer a new and world class experience at the 'The MobileStore' through this partnership.'' The stores will be company owned and company run and the outlets will be located to maximise convenience within neighbourhoods. The objective will be to be top of mind in the Indian consumer's mind for anything to do with a mobile phone or a service, said Ruia.

Virgin Group Chairman and CEO Richard Branson said ''Customer service has always been at the very core of Virgin and it continues to be central to our business strategy. We're very proud to be associated with 'The MobileStore' and believe together we have an opportunity to fundamentally change the face of mobile retailing in India.'' Essar Telecom Retail plans to set up over 2,500 stores in the next three years across 600 cities, thus covering virtually every major town in every state across India. Over 70 stores have already been launched and are serving customers across Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.

Another 100 stores are scheduled to come up within the next six to eight weeks. The chain would be almost 600 stores strong, spanning the top 100 cities and towns, within the next six months.

Under the agreement, Virgin Group will provide brand licensing, technical and consultancy services for 'The MobileStore' besides offering expertise in areas of branding, marketing, customer care, store operations and staff training.

Essar Group is one of India's largest conglomerates with a balanced portfolio of assets spanning the manufacturing and services sectors - Steel, Energy, Power, Communication, Shipping&Logistics, and Construction. The group has an asset base of over 6 billion USD (Rs 27,000 crores). It employs 20,000 people in 50 locations world-wide.

Whereas, Virgin is one of the world's most recognized and respected brands. Conceived in 1970 by Sir Richard Branson, the Virgin Group has gone on to grow very successful businesses in sectors ranging from mobile telephony to travel to financial services, leisure, music, holidays and retailing. Virgin has created more than 200 branded companies worldwide, employing approximately 50,000 people in 29 countries. Revenues around the world in 2006 exceeded 10 billion British pounds (approximately 20 billion USD).

UNI