IndiaRetailBiz

Amidst strident opposition across the country to entry of big corporates in retail in general and of Reliance in particular, Reliance Retail is going ahead with the opening of its innings in Mumbai and its suburbs with the launch of nine stores of its neighbourhood convenience format of food and grocery stores called Reliance ‘Fresh.’

Although, originally planned to open in August 2007, the new stores in the city where its corporate head quarters are located, will be set up among others in Vikroli, Vashi, and Thane.

Reliance has decided to keep the launch a low key affair. Like most other ‘Fresh’ stores in the country, the opening will be done by first customer entering each of the store. Reliance is expected to set up one hundred ‘Fresh’ stores in the city and its neighbourhood.

Reliance Retail, the retail arm of the Mukesh Ambani owned Reliance group, began its journey into retail in early November, 2006, when it launched the first cluster of 11 ‘Fresh’ stores in Hyderabad 11 months ago. Since than it has rolled out over 300 stores across different parts of the country. Reliance has become face of political opposition to the entry of big business in retail, which according to its opponents threatens to endanger the livelihood of millions of small traders and street vendors engaged in the business of fruits, vegetables, food, and grocery, among others.