RCom to expand retail reach, revamp 100 outlets

Eyes more than 1,000 retail outlets by end of current fiscal, mostly franchisee owned

Reliance Communications (RCom), the Anil Ambani-controlled cellular operator, plans to revamp its company-owned 100 retail outlets, known as Reliance World Store to experience zones, and will continue expanding its retail presence through franchisees.

By the end of this fiscal year, it will have more than 1,000 retail outlets, most of which will be franchisee owned, according to a spokesperson.

The company will continue to own about 80 per cent of the company-owned stores (Reliance World Store) after these are upgraded to consumer experience zones as Reliance Mobile Stores, said the spokesperson. The remaining will be owned by the franchisees.

"At RCom, we recognise the potential of exclusive retail touch points and serving our customers in a controlled and sustainable manner. We are leveraging our retail channel to maximise sales potential and enhance our service reach. RCom's retail presence through our Reliance Mobile Stories is a true customer touch point where we offer our entire bouquet of product and services, empowering our customers to make informed choices," said the RCom spokesperson.

The company has opened more than 500 Reliance Mobile Stores in the past three months and now has more than 800 outlets across India. "Going forward, we will continue to grow our retail touch points," added the spokesperson.