Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Retail: A lot is expected in this sector in the coming months. As players get more aggressive and the Indian consumer loosens her purse strings, organised retail is expected to touch Rs 90,000 crore in the next 5 years. But the big question remains:
Will the government open up the sector?
Buzz in the sector
8226; Partial opening up of the sector is expected by allowing FDI in luxury retail segment
8226; Bulk of the sector still remains a holy cow and no major changes are expected as far as foreign investment is concerned.
8226; Deemed exports status for all foreign exchange transactions and benefits of EPCG scheme for capex.
BUDGET RECAP 2004
Nothing significant. But VAT implementation in 2005 will have major implications.
WHAT I DON8217;T EXPECT IN BUDGET 2005
8226; I do not expect this Budget to give our current business to outsiders.
8212; Kishore Biyani, MD, Pantaloon
8226; I do not expect any increase in excise duty, particularly in the apparel segment.
8212; KN Iyer, CEO retail, Crossroads
8226; I do not expect a complete opening up of the sector to FDI as this can negatively impact existing large retailers in the country.
8212; Amit Tandon, MD, Fitch Ratings India Pvt Ltd.
PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT
Operational malls in 2004: 28
Malls in the making: 20
Total retail market: Rs 9,68,000 crore
Organised retail: Rs 26,400 crore
Organised potential: 10 of retail market
