Micro Star International (MSI), company specialising in design and manufacturers of main boards, graphics card and notebooks, has opened one store each in Bengaluru and Kottayam with an individual size of 200 sq.ft and 350 sq.ft respectively.
“With these new outlets, we offer our customers the touch and feel for MSI branded netbooks and notebooks within a unique shopping experience,” says Tony Yang, managing director, MSI India. He further says, “We will be investing around USD 50,000 to promote these stores in Bengaluru and Kottayam. Since a large chunk of consumers still prefer to buy the notebooks from small to medium-sized outlets, we are adopting this strategy of opening new storefronts in locations that are already known IT centres or prominently located. We have also tied-up with some large format retailers – Reliance Digital, Croma and Big Bazaar."
"In India, consumers still prefer a personalised approach with a salesperson explaining product features and benefits. They want to have a first hand experience before making a purchase decision. The MSI retail initiative is our effort to get closer to our customers and provide them an opportunity to see the entire range of MSI notebooks and try out different models when buying," says Yang.
As part of its retail expansion, MSI India plans to open around 80 exclusive brand-shops in metros across the country within 2010, confirms Yang. He has announced the opening first branded retail access point within a store in Nehru Place, Delhi.
"We find that while the market in metro cities continues to be strong, it is the second and third tier locations that are driving growth," concludes Yang.
— Diwakar Kumar
