Pantaloon outlets to undergo makeover

Company to invest Rs 150 crore in expanding retail space

The Rs 444.83 crore (June 2003) Pantaloon Retailing (India)'s retail brand, Pantaloon, is all set for rebirth.

From the first week of December 2004, 20 Pantaloon outlets will undergo a complete makeover. Pantaloon will also be re-christened.

Confirms Kishore Biyani, managing director, Pantaloon Retailing, "Since we are looking at an all-new identity for Pantaloon, it makes sense to change the name as well. However, we have not zeroed in on any brand name as yet."

The plan is to attain a complete new personality which would comprise new merchandise and new format stores, among other things.

Says Biyani: "Everything will change. All Pantaloon stores will be redesigned from scratch. The revamped stores will be more contemporary in nature and will talk the language of the youth."

While Biyani declined to divulge the total investment being made for the entire revamping exercise, he said that Rs 150 crore would be invested in expanding retail space from the current 1.1 million square feet to 3 million square feet by 2005.

Asked if this would be an on-going strategy for the company, Biyani said, "The new model should last us for the next seven years at least. And then, we will need to keep changing with times as the fashion industry is maturing very fast."

The company also plans to launch its private labels soon for the two new business categories it is venturing into "" beverages and homes. Says Biyani, "Just like Coke, we are also looking at launching a new brand altogether for our beverages business."

He says that he is already in talks with some players on an alliance for the beverages business. The beverages category would fall under the umbrella of Food Bazaar (the company's other retail brand).

The new look

• From the first week of December 2004, 20 Pantaloon outlets will undergo a complete makeover
• The re-christened brand would include new format stores and merchandise displays
• Retail space would be expanded from the current 1.1 million square feet to 3 million square feet by 2005
• Pantaloon expects new model to last for seven years
• Private labels for two new business categories, beverages and homes, will be launched shortly
• Beverages to fall under the umbrella of Food Bazaar