Reliance Retail is scheduled to launch its first consumer durables outlet in Ghaziabad on March 31, 2007. According to a reliable source, the store will be about 15,000 square feet. The company plans to open four more stores in the first quarter of 2007-08.
The specialty store will have only high-end consumer electronics and home appliances products across categories, while the hypermarkets will stock mid- and low-end products. Early last month, Reliance Retail had sought margins in the region of 30-40% from majors like LG, Godrej, Samsung, Whirlpool, Onida and Electrolux, who had rejected the demand. They were willing to give only 13-14% – the margin they give to retail associates currently.
