HP posts 75% growth in Gujarat

Hewlett-Packard (HP) registered a high growth in Gujarat compared to other states in western region.

HP witnessed 75 per cent growth in Gujarat, while 53 per cent growth was recorded in Maharashtra in sales in third quarter of 2005-06 in Western region.

"The B and C category cities in Gujarat have tremendous potential for HP and we are now targeting this class of cites for expansion," said Pavan Kareti, regional manager for Western Region, HP India.

During the inauguration of fourth experience zone "" a dedicated HP shop in Ahmedabad, Kareti said people in India now prefer branded items.

"As compared to last year, the market share of assembled computers has gone down by around 30 per cent and our shop wherein the customers will be able to feel the products which is not possible in the assembled ones," explained Kareti.

Talking about the market share Kareti said, "According to IDC, we have a market share of 85 per cent in printers like All in One , in single function printers it is about 66 per cent and in laser printers it is about 65 per cent. Our market share in notebooks has increased to 42 per cent and in desktop PCs it is around 14 per cent."

He informed that the prices of their products have also gone 10 to 15 per cent down recently. "The low end desktop PC, Pressario, is available at Rs 18,000 and any other assemble PC cost equal or around Rs 500 less. So now people prefer branded PCs," said Kareti.

Currently, company has around 10 experience zone shop in Gujarat and is looking for more retail partners in other cities and towns.

"There are four experience zone in Ahmedabad, two each in Baroda and Surat and one each in Rajkot and Jamnagar. The company is still seeking retail partners to expand the chain of experience zone in Gujarat." he added.