Big Bazaar aims to have 300 hypermarket stores in next three quarters.

Big Bazaar, one of the leading hypermarket chains in India, is planning to open 16 new stores over the next three quarter.

Big Bazaar aims to have 300 hypermarket stores in next three quarters.

Big Bazaar, one of the leading hypermarket chains in India, is planning to open 16 new stores over the next three quarter. With this, the popular brand aims to touch 300 stores in the country. Following its expansion strategy, the Future Group firm is expanding into the smaller tier-II cities in India, which are less impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The emerging consumption class in those areas have attracted the hypermarket chain. Big Bazaar operates multiple stores in several tier-II cities. It has six stores in Bhubaneswar, five in Patna, four in Nagpur and Jaipur, three stores each in cities such as Baroda, Ranchi Nasik. The company had opened its new store in Lucknow, which is the seventh in the city.With the 300 stores, the company would be reaching in almost across all the states.

Coronavirus pandemic and nationwide lockdown hit the business of Big Bazaar. However, the footfalls at the stores have increased, especially during the festive season. Commenting on the recovery of the business post lockdown, the company mentioned all sections including the apparels and garments also recorded good sales during festive seasons.

The company are still on path to recovery, the company has not fully recovered to normal state. Even company stated that there are some behaviour changes on part of consumers also.People have started to consume again, which is a good sign and the people need to be price conscious and promotion conscious and that has not gone away. People are checking the price and promotions, the company stated.Another behaviour change is that the people have started to check the source of the origin of the productsmentioned the company.Chains such as Big Bazaar are needed not only for providing daily essentials at affordable prices but also to stroke consumption, the company added.

To sustain during pandemic, Big Bazar has also adopted digital modes of shopping. Customers can get also avail doorstep delivery option using shopping app, WhatsApp and even phone. The company has also introduced 'pick up at stores' options for all. On being asked about the contribution of these new channels in Big Bazaar total sales, the company said that different markets have different behaviour& the company has hit the catchments of cities and towns, where the order from delivery have hit 15 per cent of the store sale.

In August, the Future group had announced to sell its retail, wholesale, logistics and warehousing business to billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries' firm Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL) for an aggregate consideration of24,713 crore. According to the deal, RRVL would acquire the popular Future brand stores such as Big Bazaar, Fbb, Foodhall, Easyday, Nilgiris, Central and Brand Factory.