Big Bazaar to grow in east India

Kishore Biyani’s Future Group has decided to invest more than Rs 125 crores over the

next six months to expand the Big Bazaar chain of hypermarts in the east. The group intends to double the number of Big Bazaar outlets from 22, at present, to 40 by October in the region.

The latest thrust on expansion comes at a time when the group is betting on community retailing as the new business model for Big Bazaar. It has also created a sub-brand Big Bazaar Family Centre that is completely focused on community retailing and is spread over 60,000 to 70,000 sq. ft. as compared to a Big Bazaar store spread over 35,000 to 40,000 sq. ft.

The Future Group also plans to reorient all the existing Big Bazaar stores in the region as per this new business model. It has plans to convert two existing Big Bazaar stores, in Ranchi and Guwahati, into Big Bazaar Family Centers.

At present, Big Bazaar is spread over 10 lakh sq. ft. in the east. The company will add another 6 lakh sq. ft. as a part of the expansion process. As part of the expansion plan, Future Group will also enter into several newer markets in the east. While the group already operates seven Big Bazaar stores in Kolkata, it plans to add another seven by October.