Reliance Retail to Titan, retailers defy pandemic woes to add new stores

Top firms setting up outlets even as consumers remain cautious

Some of the country's top retailers such as Starbucks, Reliance Retail, DMart, and Titan are looking to add new stores at a time when shopping and eating out remain largely constrained due to the pandemic.

While India has unlocked almost fully as part of the fifth phase of guidelines, aimed at kick-starting economic activity, consumers remain cautious, said market research agency Nielsen in a survey released last week, adding that safety, hygiene and value were attributes that many were seeking as they sought to override challenges induced by Covid-19.

Trust is also an important attribute that consumers are seeking, said Arvind Singhal,