Bombay Store's expansion plans

Neha Kaushik

NEW DELHI, Dec. 17

THE Bombay Store firms up expansion plans -- Bombay Swadeshi Stores-- owners of famous The Bombay Store outlets, is planning to increase its current number of outlets from the existing three to twenty.

Says Mr Asim Dalal, Managing Director, The Bombay Store, "We have divided our expansion plans into two phases. The first phase will last for 18 to 20 months, during which we will open five new stores at an investment of Rs 15 crore."

With these plans in place, the company is aiming to be present in all the major metros including Delhi. The firm may tie-up with a strategic partner in order to arrange the funds for its expansion.

The average size of the new stores will be approximately 15,000 square feet. Currently, there are four Bombay Stores, operating in Mumbai (10,000 sq.ft.), Bangalore (30,000 sq.ft.), Pune (5000 sq.ft.) and one smaller one located at the Mumbai airport to cater to travellers.

The store houses an assortment of items, including food products, ready-to-wear clothing, home furnishings, home accessories, cosmetics, healthcare, leisure and entertainment products and so on.

Interestingly, the store has been in existence for around 95 years now, with the first store opening in December 1906. It had originated as the Bombay Swadeshi Co-operative Stores at a time when national consciousness was being stirred by the likes of Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Dadabhai Naoroji (who opened the first Bombay Store).