RPG group calls for retailers' forum

CHENNAI: Calling for an end to the conflict between organised and traditional retailers, RPG Group of Companies today said there should be a forum comprising both the segments to increase the growth of retail trade.

"Of the USD 230 billion total market size of the retail industry, the organised retail segment holds only five per cent (USD five billion) whereas in country like Thailand, the size of the organised retail segment is twice as that of ours," RPG Group of Companies CEO Pradipta K Mohapatra told reporters here at a seminar organised by Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"We need to enhance our trade in this sector and there is wide scope" he said adding in the next 30-40 years it is projected that the percentage of organised retail segment is expected to grow from the present five per cent to 33 per cent of the total retail industry.

Mohapatra said he had started an NGO titled 'Kirana First' which is aimed at enhancing the competency of unorganised traders. He also urged SICCI officials to form a forum for unorganised traders.