Consumerfed to start 175 outlets to meet retail challenge

KOCHI: Unfazed by the retail outlets of multinational companies cropping up in Kerala,the Kerala State Cooperative Consumers Federation Ltd (Consumerfed) plans to meet the challenge by setting up about 175 outlets, including 100 in villages at an estimated cost of rs 175 crore within three years.

Counsumerfed will provide quality products at lesser price at these outlets which will draw consumers to the Triveni outlets, Dr Riji G Nair, Managing Director, told the media.

The villages will have Little Triveni super stores having a plinth area of 800-1000 square feet, which would be fully equipped with about 2000-2500 items, including essential products, consumer durables and cosmetics,Consumerfed Managing Director, Nair said. Internet facilties will also be provided.

The ambience in the stores has also been taken care of. Vitrified tiling on the floor and paintings will adorn the walls to make it attractive. Already 10 such stores have been set up. The central government has sanctioned Rs six crore assistance for the same.

This experiment is based on the Chinese model, which has successfully kept at bay monopoly companies in retail, he said.

Fifty Triveni super marts would be set up in towns in a 1000-2000 square feet area. Five have come up already.
Triveni Mega Marts, totalling 25, would be set up in a 2000-5000 square feet area, he said. The biggest is coming up at Punalur in Kollam in a 5000 square feet in two months time, he said. Mega marts will have bakeries, book stalls and gaming areas, he said.