PRL to expand chain of hypermarket stores

Udupi, Aug 3 (UNI) 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 63 to 100 across the country, including about 35 stores in South India by the end of 2008.

Talking to newspersons here after the launch of the fourth Big Bazaar in Karnataka in this temple town, Head Operations, South Zone of PRL Rohit Malhotra said with the opening of Big Bazaar store in Udupi, the total number of stores in Karnataka has touched ten, the highest in South India.

PRL also plans to open a store each in Belgaum, Gulburga, Davanagere Shimoga and Bellary, Bangalore, Mangalore and Hubli, he said.

He said with the launch of Big Bazaar store here, PRL now had 63 Big Bazaars and 94 Food Bazaar stores across the country selling 1.5 lakh products.

Big Bazaars are trusted by millions of family across the country and brought value to customers besides catering to the needs of the entire household, he said.

It had also maintained stringent procurement norms and quality control measures to ensure quality and competitive pricing, he added.

UNI