Prem Group to expand retail network

T-Mart, the retailing arm of Tirupur-based textiles exporting firm Prem Group, is further driving its two-pronged approach to the retail market this year.

The group has firmed up plans to increase the number of its flagship stores besides ramping up its shop-in-shop network via leading retailers like RPG Retail's Spencer's Daily and Aditya Birla Group-owned Trinethra Super Stores.

To start with, T-Mart will retail its 'Value' line of apparel this year with 'More', the new retail brand of hypermarkets and supermarkets being promoted by the Aditya Birla Group. 'More' was launched in May this year, and the AV Birla Group is believed to be planning 'More' outlets across 200 locations in the first year of its operations.

Naveen Chander, chief operating officer of T-Mart, said that from just over 40 points of sale, the retail brand would expand to 300 locations by the end of this year.

The Rs 150-crore Prem Group is in talks with RPG Retail, the Aditya Birla Group and Hyderabad-based Magna Retail, all of which have earmarked huge capex funds for expansion this year.

"As these groups expand, we see ideal opportunities for tie-ups with them for garment retailing via shop-in-shop route," Chander said. He, however, did not specify the investments involved in the retail activities ahead.

At present, T-Mart operates outlets in 40 locations in Tamil Nadu, Bangalore and Mysore. Of these, at least 10 are shop-in-shops within the premises of Spencer's Daily and Trinethra stores in Salem, Coimbatore, Kodaikanal, Tirupur and Chennai.

"We have over five stores in Chennai, and might start 27 more in the city soon, depending on the response. The idea is to offer not just a brand, but a niche retailing space for the customer," Prem Group chairman Aadith D Vikram said.

Chander said that by the middle of next year, T-Mart plans to expand its retail operations out of five flagship stores in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Kodaikanal and Salem. These stores will stock merchandise solely from the Prem Group, and will be built on the 'ultra' model (10,000 square feet and above).

T-Mart's first flagship store in Chennai will open in Avadi by April or May next year. The company is scouting for an ideal location for its second flagship store in Chennai, Chander said.

Leading Tamil Nadu apparel exporters like SP Apparels, Eastman Exports, SCM Group, Regency Garments and Tubeknit Fashions are planning to amplify their retail pushes over the coming year.