II YEAR - ANUCDE

A Pioner of the concept of shopping under one roof.Akbarally Ebrahimji set up a 300 sq ft drug storein 1897 that today has metamorphosed into asprawling retail chain. There are five departmentstores at different locations in Mumbai generatingsale of more than Rs. 50 crore. The 32 countersstock more than 20,000 products ranging fromelectronic goods to garments.The strong points of the ratail chain are the rangeof products offered and convenient locations thatare over-shadowed by its cramped and shoddyinteriors and poor service. But recent make over indecor and managerial actions at enhancingemployee skills and merchandising offer scope forimproving the profitability. Focus is on stockingproducts like garments that have a highermargins as compared to food and drugs thatdo not. Competition is imminent from local retailbrands and international chains contemplatingentry into India. A strategic option is to go in forfranchisee arrangements in major metropolitancities. The aim is to establish a mall as an anchorstore surrounded by well-known retailers. Anotherproject is to set up the Akbarally institute ofretailing affiliated to the University of Bombay.3(DBUS 26)