RETAIL SECTOR WITNESSING WINDS OF CHANGE

A palpable improvement in economic conditions and low inflation have helped the retail sector stage a recovery in the recent past. After two bad quarters, same store sales (SSS) have again turned positive. While discretionary spending remained low, value retail has been the show stealer during this recovery.

This trend is expected to continue into the coming quarter, as monsoon sales would start soon. This will boost revenue growth for lifestyle retailers. However, despite growing sales, profit margins will continue to be under stress on account of increasing share of value retailing.

The Economic Times

TESCO TIES UP WITH TATA, TO INVEST $115 MN

UK's largest retailer Tesco Plc on Tuesday announced plans to enter the wholesale cash-and-carry business in India with an initial investment of up to 60 million pounds in the first two years. The company has also entered into an exclusive franchise agreement with Tata group's retail venture Trent, which will help in driving the latter's hypermarket format Star Bazaar.

The Financial Express