From distribution to importing to retail

Mumbai-based VR Infotech, earlier an importer and
distributor, has decided to get into the retail business. The main reason behind
this decision is to have a direct interface with the end-customers. “We wanted
to have a place where our customers could walk in for a real time touch and feel
of the products we sell. At our retail outlet, they can take their time to
browse through various mobility products and other accessories and then make the
right purchase decision,” said Dilip Mehta, one of the three brothers who are
promoters of VR Infotech.

The new retail outlet 'Best Buy Technology' is located
at the heart of the channel business area of Lamington Road and was inaugurated
on Gudi Padawa, which also signals the start of a new year for Maharashtrians.
This outlet will showcase laptops and various accessories, including cabinets,
input devices, add-on cards, USB and networking products.

The thrust of the retail venture will be on laptops, which
has seen an increasing adoption among the SOHO and home users. And rather than
restrict itself to one brand, the outlet will display most of the MNC laptop
brands available in the market. “This will help the customers in making
comparisons of the features offered by different laptop brands and then make the
right choice, based on their needs,” added Mehta. Besides laptops, networking
is another focus area for VR Infotech.

The company started operations in 1997 as an importer of
headphones, CPU fans and add-on cards of China-based Startech brand. It then
added other products like cabinet, keyboard and mice to their portfolio.
Currently, VR Infotech is an importer for Techmatrix USB products and the sole
distributor for Zebronics and Perx brands. Vikram Mehta and Girish Mehta manage
the company, which is headquartered in Mumbai. They also have a branch office in
Chennai.

DQW News Bureau Mumbai, April 1