Way back in 2001, Kishore Biyani tried his hand at big-box retailing. Till then, most retailers had stuck to the department store format — or opened supermarkets, particularly down South. In Kolkata, Biyani opened his first Big Bazaar, a soups-to-nuts hypermarket. Within the first week, Biyani knew that he had found the Holy Grail. In the very first week, the store pulled in one lakh customers generating a daily turnover of Rs. 1 crore on some days. “I’ve found the pan Indian model of retail,” an ecstatic Biyani told a young colleague of mine just days after that momentous launch. He was right.
Let me congratulate you and your team on your excellent magazine. I must admit I was one of many who received the news of its launch with a fair bit of skepticism but the initial fears have been completely dispelled. It comes across as a good, solid and easy to read magazine that primarily deals with business but has an ear open for interesting news. I particularly commend you on the 'Month of Melody' article in your latest issue. As a good Tam Brahm with more than a passing interest in Carnatic Music I have often wondered why there was not enough written about this significant musical event when mediocre jazz wannabes (especially, and I have heard a couple of them) hog most of the limelight. <br /> On the topic, I would love to know more details as I am planning to make a trip down to Chennai. Do let me know if there is a link or any other source.<br /> Once again well done and best wishes,<br /> Narayan
on Dec 6, 2009I do agree with you that courage of conviction is important. I also read your article in 4th dec issue making a passionate appeal to do good to society as well as part of our our business. Thank you so much for spreading such good thoughts among the youngsters.
on Dec 3, 2009Excellent article. To add more, I would like to pay attention on MTV
on Nov 13, 2009Nice article. Thanks for writing in such simple language. Often, i find myself reading such lengthy paragraphs that i wonder whether I am reading a magazine or a theory in economics. I am reminded of my first day in my economics degree when my professor said, "Economics is nothing but complicated common sense". As you have pointed out, Journalists, I feel should get out out of their fixation to complicate and get their point across in a easy way. Keep the good work going!
on Oct 30, 2009Fully Agree.<br /> Stick to conviction. Experiment on smaller scales. Decide Fast. Please consumer.<br /> <br /> Many of big Indian retailer are still struggling to find the key hole.<br /> Retailing has to be Localised no matter its an American or a Global company.<br /> <br /> B2C and B2B IS DIFFERENT !!!
on Oct 21, 2009IG - add Forbes India to that list! As Biyani says in my season's choice for a Diwali gift, "It Happened in India", you need to rewrite the rules. vsk
on Oct 15, 2009Very good article. Quite informative.
on Oct 15, 2009"I thought Wal Mart India is basically a cash & carry operation, have they started retailing directly to consumers? Any way, it's hard to see them succeed (with Bharti having no exp in retail) because their success has been mainly in the USA and it will be difficult for them to completely erase old habits. That is unless they can have Kishore Biyani managing their stores!"
on Oct 14, 2009i read this article for the first time, i found it informative as well as exemplary.
on Oct 13, 2009Most such retail stores start with a big bang --- Then they all start to hawk household provisions in loose or store packages. With so many brands and so much premium being paid by companies to retailers -- the temptation to display only a selection of goods based on ROI from the producer and the buyers. Big Bazaar is a good omen but should not given in temptation and follow the path of many other retailers is becoming narrow minded and become a niche store.
on Oct 13, 2009Only problem: Biyani continues with his vision in Pantaloon while 'Mint 'has dumped that vision after Narisetti fled. I still read Mint but can say with confidence -- and many other Mint readers echo this -- that the paper is a poor replica of its old self. Long live Biyani :)
on Oct 12, 2009IG, It would be instructive to know whether Wal-Mart actually hired any 'consultant' in its roll-out strategy or decided to go it all alone and learn ground up, like Biyani... Interesting that most of the other conglomerates that hired big name consultants for their roll-out strategy seem to be struggling with their business models.
on Oct 12, 2009Nice article! Yes, agree insights and courage / conviction is critical and there are many opportunities in India - i say far more than anywhere else in the world.
on Oct 12, 2009