Samsung plans to expand retail footprint, launches premium notebook for over Rs 1 lakh in India

NEW DELHI: Samsung today said it is aiming to capture a larger share of the consumer segment for IT products like laptops and printers as it expands its retail presence across the country to over 1,000 outlets.

"We are focussed on launching more made for India products and expanding our retail footprint. Currently, we have about 700 Plazas, IT exclusive stores and presence across large formats retail stores and multi-brand stores. We are looking at taking this to 1,000 by this year-end," Samsung India Head (Mobile and IT) Ranjit Yadav told reporters here.

Samsung, which has about nine per cent share in the consumer notebook segment, is aiming to expand it to about 12 per cent by the end of this year, he added.

Similarly, its looking at a 40 per cent share of the Indian multi-function printer segment by December 2013 from its current share of about 22 per cent, Yadav said.

Mobile and IT sales contributed about 55 per cent to the company's Rs 20,000 crore revenue registered last year.

Samsung today launched its new laptop under Series 9, priced at Rs 1,02,990, featuring a 13-inch screen, weighing 1.16 kgs and powered by Intel's i7 processor.

It has also launched Series 5 550P (15-inch screen) and Series 3 350 priced at Rs 62,990 and Rs 48,490, respectively. Both of devices feature third-generation Intel i7 processors.

"With the launch of the Samsung Note PCs, we now have a range of 32 models priced between Rs 21,990 and Rs 1.02 lakh. Based on our new launches and retail expansion, we are confident of doubling our note PC business this year," Yadav said.

The company is also looking at maintaining its leadership position in the monitor segment, he said adding that Samsung has a 27 per cent share in the segment.