TTK eyes rural market, to tie up with SHGs

The TTK group of companies is planning to tap the rural market by opening outlets in association with the women self-help groups (SHGs).

Speaking to Business Standard, M V Ashok Babu, deputy general manager, TTK Healthcare Limited (retail operations), said the company would form partnerships with SHGs to market its products.

While the SHGs would chip in with manpower, TTK will train the members in running the shop, accounting, inventory control, and after-sales services.

The company will also arrange to accomplish statutory formalities like obtaining the sales tax registration. According to Ashok Babu, each outlet is likely to cost around Rs 7 lakh. The company is in negotiations with banks and Nabard for financial support.

He said the company was planning to open 300 outlets in one year in Tamil Nadu and around 5,000 across the country.

"While SHGs will enjoy the benefit of added empowerment by making our products available even in rural areas, the company will have the advantage of enhancing its sales figures," he said.

The outlets will sell the company's products which include Prestige cookers, gas ovens, mixtures and grinders, kitchenwares and utensils, non-stick tawas, healthcare products, ayurvedic preparations, and Kiwi range of products.

The company registered a turnover of around Rs 700 crore in the financial year ended March 31, 2006.