Planet Retail 1 Oct 2010

Indian joint venture operation Bharti Walmart has called for the Indian government to remove restrictions allowing FDI-backed wholesale firms to sell no more than 25% of their total turnover to a group retailer. The latest relaxation in FDI rules by the government lifted restrictions on products being sold only for internal use. However, Bharti Walmart Chairman Rajan Bharti Mittal said that this was only "half the job done" and told reporters that the group had written to the finance ministry demanding the removal of the 25% cap.

Planet Retail 6 Sep 2010

The Indian government plans to allow only those retailers who first invest in back-end supply chain and infrastructure to set up multi-brand retail outlets in the country, India's Financial Express reports. The Indian Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) said that interested players will first have to set up cash & carry outlets, sourcing centres and the entire supply chain before they enter retailing.

Planet Retail 16 Aug 2010

Walmart has been forced to create a unique business model in India due to its immature supply chain, India's Business Standard reports. The supermarket chain, whose supply chain is known for its efficiency, awards marks out of 100 to all suppliers. Whereas in other countries most suppliers score around 95, in India the average is a mere 60 points.

Planet Retail 11 Aug 2010

Hypermarket operator Carrefour has called for India to allow 100% FDI in multi-brand stores, following a similar call from Walmart. Carrefour said the move would ease inflationary pressures, and promise to create a strong infrastructure and thousands of jobs in India if the change in the law came about. "Any cap or restriction on FDI in this sector may result in potential loss of opportunities and avenues of inclusive growth of the retail sector," Carrefour said.

Planet Retail 29 Jul 2010

Raj Jain, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Bharti Walmart in India has said he sees the supply chain as a major obstacle inhibiting growth for western retailers. Earlier this month the government took a tentative step towards opening the organised retail sector to foreign investors with the issue of a discussion paper on the issue. However, according to Jain the larger issue in the country is the fragmented supply chain.

Fruitnet.com 08 July 2010

The Indian government has opened debate about relaxing its laws on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the retail sector, Business Week has reported.

India Infoline News Service 18 June 2010

In a short span of three and a half years since the launch of its first store, the Retail business has rapidly grown to become one of the largest pan-India retailers, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani said in his speech at the company's 36th AGM.

Mydigitalfc.com Article By Rakesh Khar May 20 2010

DSCL, the Rs 3,523 crore diversified group, might spin off its Rs 630 crore agri-retail venture, Haryali Kissan Bazar (HKB), into a separate corporate entity.

The company plans to bring in private equity (PE) funds interested in partnering with the company, DSCL chairman Ajay S Shriram told Financial Chronicle. HKB, which blends agri products with the FMCG product line, now has 300 stores spread across eight states, primarily in northern and western India.

Press Trust of India / New Delhi April 01, 2010

DCM Shriram Consolidated (DSCL) today said it has undertaken the process of fine-tuning the business model of the company's rural retail chain 'Hariyali Kisaan Bazaar' for faster growth.

Planet Retail 1 Jun 2010

Walmart has solicited support from the US Government for entering the Indian retail market, where foreign investment rules are posing hurdles to its entry, the Indian press reported. The retailer is lobbying lawmakers in the US to help it expand in India, possibly through talks between authorities of the two companies.