Future Group, Bharti Retail merger, birth of an Indian retail giant

As speculated earlier, Kishore Biyani-led Future Group’s arm Future Retail that operates Big Bazaar is all set to merge its operations with Bharti Retail under Bharti Enterprises stable that runs 'Easyday' supermarkets and convenience stores. The deal will lead to the creation of India’s largest retail chain having 570 stores in 243 cities.

As global retail giants and brands eye a pie of India’s lucrative market and upbeat consumer sentiment, ecommerce majors too are working on ways to turn profitable. And in the midst of all, home-grown physical retailers are quietly chalking out strategies to pace ahead of the competition.