Agrani makes a headstart with IT retailing

Agrani Convergence Ltd, a part of the Essel group, has ambitious plans to change the IT retail landscape. It is positioning Agrani, the 'Technology Superstore' for 'TIME', standing for Telecom, Information Technology, Media and Entertainment. With stores already operational in Delhi, Bangalore, NOIDA and Jaipur, Agrani is looking at over 20 stores by March 2002.

Pankaj Mohindroo, CEO, Agrani said, "We plan to touch 2,500 stores by 2006." A number that will give the company a nationwide footprint covering 80 percent of the GDP producing areas of the country. It is in this period that the company is also looking at touching Rs 900 crore in revenues. To ensure that it gets to the numbers in time, Agrani has adopted the franchisee model for its stores. It is scouting for partners with a capability to invest Rs 10 lakhs and minimum available floor space of 650 square feet. "Another quality that we will look for in our partners is the enthusiasm towards technology," added
Mohindroo.

Addressing apprehensions that the superstore format has traditionally not been successful in the country, Mohindroo said, "We will offer the customer the best of prices consistently in a pleasing environment." At the backend to ensure that their partners get the best of prices, Agrani will also venture into distribution. "We are already distributing Philips mobile phones nationally and are exploring other distribution avenues," added a visibly excited Mohindroo. Another avenue that the company is exploring to build mindshare and develop market is the direct mailing catalogs targeted at the business establishments.

To address the after-sales service issues, TechnoAid, the service arm of Agrani, has also become operational. TechnoAid will look at repairs and AMCs apart from networking and cabling projects, corporate and home training for buyers, facilities management and advisory services in the near future.

(CNS)