ITC Plans Retail Foray In Urban, Semi-Urban Mkts

Mumbai: ITC is eyeing at new retailing opportunities in the semi-urban and urban markets. As it has got a foothold into rural retail, there is a possibility that we could also look at urban retail. This will be at the mass-end and they will be stocking products from other companies as well. Considering ITC has already made an entry at the top-end of the retailing spectrum with its Wills Lifestyle stores, scaling it down with more mass products especially in the FMCG space in urban and semi-urban markets is a possibility currently being explored by the retail and consumer products company. ITC is waiting to look how it performs in the personal products segment. It has made a entry into the personal care segment with Fiama Di Wills shampoos, soaps and shower gels, Vivel Di Wills and Vivel soaps, as well as Superia shampoos and soaps.

Currently, it is FMCG stalwarts such as P&G and HUL who have an advantage with their wide portfolio and market share. However, ITC believes it now has more negotiating power in modern trade with its extended product portfolio. Getting shelf space in modern trade outlets is linked to market share. Convincing modern day retailers with the track record of its existing brands in the foods business, ITC is leveraging the strength of its food brands to gain a foothold with its new personal products range. Besides partnering with retailers to give them added incentives will also be initiated by the company.