PRL plans to increase its chain of hypermarket stores

Udupi, Aug 3 (UNI) The Pantaloon Retail (India) Limited (PRL), a part of the Future Group, is embarking on an ambitious plans to increase its chain of hypermarket stores -Big Bazaars from the present 63 to 100 across the country including about 35 stores in South India by the end of the end of 2008.

Talking to newsmen after the launch of fourth Big Bazaar of Karnataka in the temple town of Udupi here, Rohit Malhotra, Head Operation, South Zone of PRL. said here today with the opening of Big Bazaar store in Udupi, fourth town in the state , the total number of stores in Karnataka has touched 10 which was highest in South India. The PRL also plans to open four more stores one each in Belgaum, Gulburga, Davanagere Shimoga and Bellary, besides in Bangalore, Mangalore and Hubli, he said.

He said that with the launch of Big Bazaar store here, the PRL now had a total of 63 Big Bazaar and 94 Food Bazaar stores across the country selling 1.5 lakh products to the customers. The Big Bazaar in Udupi was the 19th store in South India.

Big Bazaar,trusted by millions of family across the country not only brought value to the customers shopping but also fulfilling the needs of the entire household under one roof, he said. It had also maintained stringent procurement norms and quality control measures to ensure quality products and competitive pricing, he added.

Mr Malhotra said that the investment in Big Bazaar here was around Rs 11 crore and expecting an annual business turnover of around Rs 25 crore to Rs. 30 crore. The Big Bazaar store in Belgaum would be opened during the current month, he said.

He said that the average investment in each Big Bazaar store was around Rs 15 crore. The Big Bazaar in Mangalore which was opened last year was amongst the full pledged first stand alone store which had an annual turnover business of about Rs 25 crore during last year. The PRL had also plans to open one more Big Bazaar store in Mangalore, he added.

UNI