Reliance Retail finds out spots for cash-and-carry format outlets

Reliance Retail has sensed a big opportunity in cash-and-carry, or wholesale retailing. From just one store in March this year, Reliance Market (the wholesale format) has 12 outlets now and hopes to add eight more by June. The aggressive expansion is aimed at garnering a significant share of the $300-billion wholesale market in India. Typically, cash-and-carry outlets cater to small retailers or kirana stores, hotels, restaurants, caterers and other bulk buyers. End consumers can’t buy from these outlets. Reliance Retail has already bought real estate for opening eight more stores in the next six months to tap the tremendous opportunity in this space. Such aggressive move of the company will bring in a fresh business opportunity for those signage companies dealing in in-shop displays, designs and other related activities.