Trent enters into exclusive franchise agreement with Tesco

12 Aug '08

2 min read

Trent Limited, the retail arm of the Tata Group, announces an association with Tesco Plc, the UK's leading retailer and one of the world's top three leading international retailers.

Trent is entering into an exclusive franchise agreement with Tesco. This arrangement will allow Trent access to Tesco's extensive retail expertise and technical capability including world class IT systems, processes and best practices in functions like marketing, stock management, retail information systems, cold-chain infrastructure and front-end services to drive the growth of Trent's hypermarket business, which is operated under the name Star Bazaar.

Star Bazaar is an established player in the hypermarket business in the country having four stores located in Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Mumbai (2 stores). Star Bazaar is a one stop shop offering a wide range of products including beauty products, apparel, home décor, gifts and household items etc. Trent plans to expand its footprint across the country to 50 Star Bazaar stores in the next 5 years.

Trent will also source merchandise for Star Bazaar from Tesco's planned wholesale cash-and-carry business in India, benefiting from Tesco's sourcing capability and supply chain expertise.

Commenting on the development, Noel N. Tata, Managing Director of Trent Ltd said:
“We are extremely excited about our association with Tesco. The franchise agreement will enable us to access Tesco's retail knowledge and expertise and will play an important role in our endeavour to offer a world class shopping experience to customers across the country.

Tesco's wholesale cash-and-carry business will provide us with the opportunity to tap into a highly efficient supply chain thereby delivering more choices at even better prices to our customers.”

Commenting on the tie-up with Trent, Sir Terry Leahy, CEO of Tesco PLC, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Tata, one of India's largest and most respected business houses which has now become a global name. Our agreement will enable us to share our international retail expertise, supporting Trent in the development of their Star Bazaar hypermarket business and benefiting Indian consumers.”

“Having Trent as a customer of our wholesale cash-and-carry business will enable us to rapidly develop supply chain infrastructure and processes which will also benefit farmers, small manufacturers and other suppliers.” added the CEO.

Trent Limited

More Trent News... More Textiles News - India...