Kishore Biyani-controlled, Future Group which is also India's largest retailer is all set to make a marked expansion soiree in West Bengal over the next three years."We are looking at increasing the number of Big Bazaar stores from the present 18 to 30 and the number of Pantaloons stores to eight from the current five", said Manish Agarwal, general manager, sales and merchandising, Future Group.
The group is also looking at expanding presence across formats and stores in the eastern region overall, given that the region has always figured high on the Future list of priorities, said Agarwal.
"Overall in the eastern region, the idea would be expand the number of Big Bazaar stores from the present 30 to over 50 and Pantaloon stores from the present 7 to at least 14 in the next three years", said Agarwal.
Bengal remains the major thrust areas for this expansion followed by Orissa and Jharkhand. Future is also planning a foray to Bihar soon, a state marked by a resurgence of political stability, Agarwal said.
Kolkata, which has remained a priority centre for Future Group is also all set to get three more Pantaloon stores by the festive season in 2011. The group has finalised locations for Madhyamgram, Lake Mall
and Jessore Road.
The group's flagship company, Pantaloon Retail (India) Limited operates over 5 million square feet through 400 stores in 40 cities.
Expansion of 'Fashion at Big Bazaar' Format
The country's largest retailer which plans of containing its expansion to opening outlets within malls more than standalone stores, is also looking at expanding the 'Fashion at Big Bazaar' format in the city.
At present, only one such store exists in Mani Square. This will be trebled to 3 stores by the end the next fiscal said, Agarwal.
"The format has seen a lot of success in the city, and we see a scope for further expansion on the back of this success. Two new fashion specialty Big Bazaar stores will be opened in Kolkata by the end of March 2011", Agarwal said.
Some of the Future Group's formats are inclusive of Pantaloons, Big Bazaar, Food Bazaar, Home Town, EZone, Depot, Health & Beauty Malls and online retail format, futurebazaar.com.
