Jalandhar entreprenurs to compete with Reliance Retail

Anticipating huge potential in retail sector, four local entrepreneurs in Jalandhar have joined hands to compete with corporate retail joints Reliance Fresh and Subhiksha stores.

Initially, in the first phase, they plan to set up four stores under brand name "Veggie Wonder" that would store vegetables, fruits fresh juices etc across the city.

Speaking to Business Standard, one of the partners Manmohan Singh said, " There is huge demand in this sector and a significant potential in Jalandhar. So, in order to encash on the burgeoning demand, we decided to foray into this sector. We have opened one store in Jalandhar and will open the second store on Saturday, so far the other two stores is concerned we have finalised the place."

Recently, Reliance has opened 5 Reliance Fresh stores, while Subhiksha has 2 stores. Singh along with his three partners created own brand "Veggie Wonder" under which they would be selling vegetables, fruits and fresh juices, moreover they have plans to add on later on organic pulses staples in their stores.

Prior to this new venture, Singh was into restaurant business in partnership with two popular outlets in Jalandhar, Glassy junction (pub and bar) and Jalebi junction (a family restaurant).

Commeting upon the size of the stores, he added, " Our store size would be 800 sq ft and investment worth Rs 15-17 lakh is needed to open up a single store."

When asked about how his store would be different from the Reliance Fresh or Subhiksha, he said, "Unlike these store which offer non perishable foods also, initially, we would offer vegetables, fruits, fresh juices, frozen chips etc. Later on we would think of adding organic foods also."

"Secondly, our vegetables and fruits would be cheaper and fresh as everyday we would procure from the farmers rather than purchasing at one go and storing at the cold storage facilities. Only the fruits would be stored as it would be procurred from Delhi, "he added.