In the ongoing debate over organised retailers putting kirana stores out of work, mom-and-pop storeowners can expect to find some respite in global wholesale giant Metro. The Germany-based company plans to open a warehouse and wholesale outlet in Mumbai in March. The store was earlier scheduled to open in December 2007. Metro already has three stores operational in India with 752 employees.Metro supplies a range of 18,000 products through their distribution centres. “Kirana store owners have to forego their discretionary abilities in lieu of the products supplied by conventional wholesalers. In a bid to provide a superior brand on credit, these wholesalers push not-so-popular brands. Metro will let small retailers buy products at their own free will without having to reluctantly buy any other product,” said Vishal Sehgal of Metro Cash and Carry India.The company has invested Rs 80 crore in Mumbai to set up the store, which is exclusive of the land cost. It plans to break even in 5-7 years. “We have a long-term outlook so are not driven by profit motive. Quality of the products that we supply and to consistently maintain their availability is our priority,” said Sehgal.
