DHL plans to have 1,000 outlets in next two yrs

Logistic firm DHL is planning to have around 1,000 outlets in the country in next two years time, as part of its retail expansion move.

"We are planning to have around 1,000 outlets in the next two years as there is a need to be present in lot new locations in the country," DHL Express Head of Marketing - South Asia Chandrashekhar Pitre said.

After the DHL- Blue Dart mega co-branding spree, there are 350 retail outlets and we plan to take the number to 1,000 through various formats such as tie ups, alliances and partnerships, he said.

Pitre further said: "At present, our retail segment contributes 8-10 per cent of our total business and in next 3-5 years we expect out retail segment to contribute as much as 20 per cent."

DHL has recently collaborated with Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) for a Retail Alliance with their In & Out convenience stores across India.

Similar tie-ups have also been initiated with 24/7 departmental stores in Delhi, Office Linc and others.

"Besides, we have also introduced various innovations in our product line such as University Express, University Express Pre Paid, SME Pre Paid, Jumbo Box, Rakhi Express, Mango Express, Apex Surface (documents & parcels), Smart Box (Blue Dart products) etc, to strengthen our presence in the retail segment," Pitre said.