Epson to increase retail presence

Epson will increase its retail base in India this year and targets setting up
around 1,100 specialized retail stores by the end of this year. These retail
stores will be multi-branded outlets and would be set up across 140 locations as
compared to 32 last year, which include the nine metros, mini-metros and other
smaller towns and cities.

According to SM Ramprasad, Manager-Consumer Products, Epson, “We have grown
our retail market share for inkjet printers from five percent in 2004 to about
18 percent by end of 2005. Having begun our retail initiative in 2004, we now
have over 700 retail partners across the country. We would bank on this growth
and expand into areas where we are less visible now.”

Indicating that customers today would like to feel the products before
purchase, Ramprasad said that all the retail outlets would have live demo units
for the customer's convenience. He also added that Epson would give retail
partners ample branding support in order to increase the visibility of its
products, in addition to many unique schemes and promotions, to help them sell
better.

Hinting at new tie-ups with channel partners this year, Ramprasad said that
Epson would increase its focus on working with local distributors and look to
appointing more final tier partners who are in touch with the customers and also
educate them to handle customer related queries more effectively. The focus here
would again be on the partners in smaller towns and cities, he indicated.

“As regards new products, the key drivers would be entry-level all-in-ones
and photo printers for home users. Good service support, competitive pricing and
quality products with an on-site warranty would continue to be the biggest
differentiating factors for Epson against growing competition this year,” said
Ramprasad.

Subbalakshmi BM Bangalore, May 5