Now, mom & pop align with Reliance tag

Your neighbourhood store may soon flaunt the Reliance tag. As part of its retail venture, Reliance’s new initiative aims at marrying the mom and pop stores with organised retail. If retailers are waking up to the phenomenon now, FMCG major Hindustan Lever Limited has already launched ‘Super Value’ concept wherein the mom and pop stores are rebranded as super value stores. The company is helping in revamping these stores. Reliance, which has already launched around 60 Reliance Fresh outlets in the country is now inviting small retailers as well as individuals to become a franchisee. “Reliance will revamp these outlets. But, they will be run by the small retailers on a revenue sharing model,” a senior Reliance executive told ET. The company will also encourage individuals who own land at strategic locations to opt for the franchisee. “While we are encouraging entrepreneurship, we are also open to buying out the store or taking it on lease,” he said. Reliance plans to go for the franchisee model in almost all product categories including cosmetics, jewellery, furnishing, watches, optical, luggage, books, toys, sporting goods amongst others. The first franchisee outlet in the non-food segment will be launched after two-three months. Reliance is mainly looking at outlets spread over 5000-20,000 square feet space. At a time when several big players such as Bharti-Walmart and Wadia group are set to enter retail sector, the move will give Reliance an edge-such tie-ups will provide ready infrastructure. On the other hand, it will also give small retailers an opportunity to upgrade their stores and also increase their businesses by stocking more brands. “We will invest in upgradation of these stores and also help these outlets stock newer and better brands and improve business,” he says. The franchisee outlets will house Reliance brands and also other premium brands. At present, Reliance operates Reliance Fresh outlets that sell fresh fruits and vegetables, staples, top-up grocery, dairy products in Hyderabad, Chennai, Ghaziabad, Jaipur, Faridabad, Noida and Gurgaon. These outlets also offer ‘Reliance Select’ its own brand of offering. courtesy:economictimes
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