News: Pantaloon Retail plans more Brand Factory outlets

(BL 02/12/2006) Hyderabad - Pantaloon Retail, which promotes retail formats such as Pantaloon, Big Bazaar and Central, is planning to open a total of 55 Brand Factory outlets by 2010.

The company recently opened a new segment in the form of Brand Factory to address the space between the premium and value segments. After opening the first such outlet in Bangalore two months ago, the company has announced the launch of its second outlet in Hyderabad.

"We will open Brand Factory stores in all metros and 35 cities with over one million population," Vishnu Prasad, President (South) and Chief Executive Officer of Central and Brand Factory, said. Addressing a press conference here, he said the new format of retailing would cater to people who were brand conscious but who could not afford them.

Consumers in this bracket usually would go to outlets that sell seconds. "They do aspire for branded products. But it doesn't mean that they should compromise for the looks of the outlet. In sharp contrast, we offer them these products - be it apparel, footwear or travel accessories - in a nice ambience," Rajesh Seth, Chief of Marketing (Central and Brand Factory), said.