Bharti Walmart Private Limited, the joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and Walmart Stores Inc for wholesale operations in India, has recently opened its fourth Best Price Modern Wholesale cash-and-carry store in Ludhiana, Punjab. With this, the total investment of the joint venture in Punjab has crossed $30 mn.
Speaking on the launch, Raj Jain, MD & CEO, Bharti Walmart, said, “Best Price Modern Wholesale stores have been well received in Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. We have over 100,000 members registered with our stores. Our investment in Punjab has crossed $30 mn.”
He further said, “It is where we started our Direct Farm Programme and opened our first training centre in partnership with the Punjab government, both in 2008.”
The Best Price Modern Wholesale store at Ludhiana, spread across 53,000 sq.ft, will stock over 5,600 items.
Rajan Bharti Mittal, chairman, Bharti Walmart, said, “The opening of the store underscores the importance of Ludhiana in Punjab’s economy. We believe Ludhiana’s kirana stores, small businesses, offices and institutions would benefit immensely from the availability of quality products at best prices.”
A typical Best Price Modern Wholesale store stands between 50,000 and 100,000 sq.ft and sells a wide range of fresh, frozen and chilled foods, fruits and vegetables, dry groceries, personal and home care, hotel and restaurant supplies, clothing, office supplies and other general merchandise items.
Bharti Walmart is expected to open 10-12 Best Price Modern Wholesale stores in India by the year-end, and expand its presence in South and Central India. Currently, these outlets are present in Amritsar, Zirakpur, Jalandhar, Kota, Bhopal and Ludhiana.
–IndiaRetailing Bureau
