IndiaRetailBiz

“We have increased productivity of the venture and added new categories such as consumer durables, fashion, mobile phones, food and grocery and so on.” — Kishore Biyani, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Future Group.

Aadhar, the erstwhile food retail and general merchandise chain owned by Godrejs, 70% stake of which recently was acquired by Kishore Biyani-led Future Group, is ready to grow and generate higher business for its new owners.

Aadhar, according to a Business Standard report, based on an interview with Kishore Biyani, will double its network from 65 stores at present to 130 stores by the end of the next year. While, 15 stores will be set up this year, the balance 50 are slated to come up in the next year. The expansion will require an investment of Rs 30 crore.

Apart from expansion, the group has improved operational efficiency and added new product categories, so as to make this rural retail venture increase its annual revenue from Rs 70 crore (FY 2007) to Rs. 400 crore (FY 2010). Aadhar is expected garner a business of Rs. 200 crore in 2009.

E-choupal and Choupal Sagar (ITC), Triveni Khushali Bazar (Triveni Engineering), Hariyali Kisaan Bazaar (DCM Shriram), and Kisan Seva Kendras (IOC) are other major retail formats operating across rural India, which besides meeting consumption requirements of rural consumers also offer extension and credit services to farmers.

Focussing on selling products at reasonable rates, Aadhar is expanding its footprint in several new areas including Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka among others. Currently, it has presence in 2,200 villages and works with 6,000 farmers, says the report.