Essar Steel is planning to expand its retail distribution network in Andhra Pradesh by 50 per cent over the next one year. Essar Hypermart currently has five hypermarts and 21 Expressmarts in the state, which will be increased to six hypermarts and 35 Expressmarts by 2010.
Essar Hypermart has revolutionised steel marketing in the country. It has set up over 300 retail outlets across the country.
Commenting on the plan, Vikram Amin, executive director (Sales & Marketing), Essar Steel, said, “It’s a win-win situation for everybody, especially SMEs. Customers will have direct access to the company’s products, without the intervention of any intermediaries, and without any restrictive terms and conditions. Essar Hypermart offers complete transparency in its dealings.” Essar Hypermarts have a strong pan-India presence. Sales from the Essar Hypermart currently account for 25 per cent of Essar Steel’s annual revenues.
Girish Rao, CEO, Essar Hypermart said, “The rapid industrialisation of Andhra Pradesh, offers great potential for growth of SME segment. We are happy to be a part of this growth through providing quality steel to this segment. We plan to further expand our retail network in the State.”
Essar Steel has plans to further expand its distribution network through Expressmarts and the Expresspoints. Expressmarts and Expresspoints are dealer-owned-dealer-operated outlets and will offer Essar Hypermart products across all key steel consumption centres.
The distribution model is backed by world-class service centre facilities and supply chain management of Essar Steel and make available customised products to customers at their door step. Customers can now buy steel as per their requirement with a guarantee for right price, excellent quality and timely delivery from within their town/city limits.
— IndiaRetailing Bureau
