Retail in two outlets

RETAILING IS growing in Chennai. An indicator is the showroom opening-spree unleashed by retailers in time for the festive season. Coming from different parts of the country, they are all here hard- selling everything from groceries to furnishings.

The latest to join the bandwagon is The Home Store (THS), which opened two outlets on Friday at Spencer's Plaza and at Landmark in Nungambakkam. At both the places, the famous book- chain Landmark is its franchisee.

Explains Mr. Arif Sheikh, President, Homes Stores, ``Ours is a premier store for home products and accessories, all of them priced competitively as we have our own manufacturing facilities.'' It is a splash of colours at the outlets that are located inside Landmark. There is everything that transforms a concrete structure into a home from furnishings to dry and artificial flowers, picture frames with and without table watch, artistic lamps, golden-beaded fruit basket, scented candles, T- lite holder, design shades. The THS has something for every corner of the house from kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, dining and living room.

The Home Store follows the SK Supermart that opened shop on a 22,000 square feet area in Nungambakkam recently. Spread over three-floors, over 1.50 lakh articles in multiple categories from vegetables, fruits, grocery, processed food, pharmacy, watches, gifts, readywear, greeting cards... are available at SK.

Described as a one-stop-shop, the SK Supermart also hosts a full- fledged Food Court and a roof-top Tandoori Kabab factory restaurant.

Vying for its share of avid shoppers is the Elite Stores at 41, Cathedral Road. Offering a wide range of products including exquisite crystalware and objects of arts and desire, the division of HPC Agencies is proving to be a major attraction.

The writing instruments and accessories from S.T. Dupont of Paris, according to Elite, provides a new identity to the users, while the classic hand painted creations from Walther Glas of Germany enhance the splendour of any setting. The sparkling crystal is from CALP of Italy and the stunning `Light and Music' selection from the Italian house of Luigi Bormioli.

Pricing and product range alone, however, are not features on which the wares are pushed hard as there is something called promotion too.

Topping the list is the `Seven Wonders Festival', a 101-day festive bonanza of Shoppers' Stop. Beginning October 19, each of Shoppers' Stop stores across the country reflects the characteristics, sights, sounds and feel of the Seven Wonders of the world. And, that not all, international performers like the Arnold Schwarzenneger look-alike `visit' the store as in Chennai on Friday.

There's more to it. One lucky couple wins a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to visit all the Seven Wonders. All they have to do is to shop for Rs. 1,500 and pen a creative slogan. Different chains and different claims. Watch out customers. The stage is set for a price war in retailing.

By N. Ravi Kumar

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : Green cover