India Retail Forum 2009 from Sept 16-17

15 Sep '09

4 min read

Indian retailers are upbeat once again as consumption picks up and India tops among countries with high employment potential – indicating more money coming in to the hands of customers. How modern retail can further spur this consumption and catalyze speedier economic growth will be the broad agenda at India's mega retail convention, India Retail Forum (IRF) '09, scheduled on 16th & 17th Sep at the Renaissance, Mumbai.

“Aptly themed 'Retail for India Tomorrow',IRF intends to prepare us for a better tomorrow,” says, B. S. Nagesh,Chairman, IRF '09. Calling upon all stake holders in retail businesses and policy makers to join retailers and discuss every possibility of collaboration for growth, Nagesh says, “This probably is the best opportunity when all of us have learned to be more efficient, conserve and yet deliver more. Mall developers are looking at retailers as partners to give them revenue share options."

"There have been heavy investments in technology, telecom, infrastructure, supply chain and logistics to support retail and our Indian consumers are continuing to consume at a higher rate of growth than any other country in the world. With the new government in place and the positive steps that they are taking, we have seen uplift in consumption of all products and services. I don't remember having seen such congregation of opportunities in the last two decades. It's time to explore emerging pockets of consumption and develop new markets which can not be done by a single retailer or a mall. The two day event will be an excellent opportunity for our international guests to get a feel of Indian retailing and learn from each other as to how we can create the best retail environment in India for all stake holders. Going by past experience, we expect active participation of all top retailers from every vertical and format of retail.”

Talking about over hype and recession taking toll on retail, Nagesh agrees that the last three years saw steep rises and falls and many suffered injuries. “While individually we might have gained or lost in the run so far, but the road ahead certainly holds a 'BIG' promise for the challengers and I see a great opportunity for retailers with a long term perspective to emerge strongly and become a great force for the future,” confides the Chairman.

Supported by all major bodies including Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Retailers Association of India (RAI) and Shopping Centre Association of India (SCAI), IRF will see over 200 thought leaders from across the globe sharing their vision and views with some 1000 captains of the industry.“The 2009 edition of IRF gains special significance as it presents live learnings from the market that has the potential for growth backed with a strong consumption base and positive economic indicators”, says Amitabh Taneja, Chief Convenor, IRF.

“Experts say the worst is behind us and that the "green shoots" of recovery are visible. The budget is expected to trigger all round consumption across sectors and cities. Will it? Is the worst behind us? What do we as retailers do to capitilise on the emerging opportunity?” – Thoughts like these in the mind of Raghu Pillai, the man who leads the retail initiative of India's largest private enterprise Reliance Industries, will trigger the IRF inaugural discussion among India's prominent retailers and consumer brands.

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