News: Pantaloon to focus on health business

(BS 29/06/2006) Mumbai - Pantaloon Retail is looking to expand into health and beauty sector with large outlets comprising pharmacies, beauty salons and fitness centres, according to Sanjeev Agrawal, president-marketing, Pantaloon Retail.

This expansion will be in both product and services. Called Health Village, the first such outlet is scheduled to opened in Ahmedabad next month and will be spread across 8,000 square feet.

The second outlet will open in Bangalore in three months and will be spread across 10,000 square feet. Pantaloon is planning to open three more outlets by July 2007. Agrawal, however, did not disclose the other locations or investment details.

The pharmacy, which will sell prescription drugs as well as homeopathy and ayurvedic medicines, will be called Tulsi. At present, Tulsi operates out of Big Bazaar in Mumbai. Pantaloon is also looking at having in-house doctors in Tulsi.

Having entered a joint venture with upmarket fitness centres, Talwalkars, Health Village will sell fitness related equipment and products. There will also be provision for gyms, yoga and spas.

Pantaloon's Tumeric brand will sell beauty products such as cosmetics, skin care, fragrances and aroma therapy. Beauty salons will be called Star and Sitara.

The company is also considering the option of opening standalone pharmacies and beauty salons with the same brand name.