From the pages of Images Retail (September 2009)

Top 10 Retail Concepts of the Year
By Ananya Saha

The tougher it gets, the better we get! At least that was the mantra this year. As the markets went spiraling down, innovations kept the spirits up. It was a year when Subhiksha got into troubled waters and every retailer since then has been announcing how they are in good shape or how they have taken necessary measures to not end up like Subhiksha. Inflation, low market sentiment, delayed and abandoned projects were routine. But it was also a year of reduced rents that helped the retailers to scale up their store count while not straying away from their consolidation targets.

The year also saw the debut of newer and improved formats, alliances and joint ventures, strengthening of supply chains and HR policies. The year, in true sense, acted as a retail filter. Varied as India is, retailers do have a tough time figuring out a new format or a new concept that can surpass the geographical boundaries. But as success becomes a question of survival, retailers and the design consultants are leaving no stone unturned to create varied and interesting proposition. It is not about opening a store in high footfall area with bright lights and eclectic interiors anymore. It is more about creating a unique and inviting offering.

Automated shopping carts, e-coupons, self-scanning systems, vending machines, mobile units did help the retailers to offer convenience to the always harried consumers but the innovative formats and concepts, trespassing the slowdown, helped them win footfalls and repeat customers. From high streets to malls, from kiosks to food court, from specialty retailers to mass merchandisers — retail spaces in India saw interesting innovations. Though not enough, these innovations kept the market abuzz and the competition on toes.


For entire report please read IMAGES Retail magazine of Sept' 09.