Eby Mathews, COO, Foodworld Supermarkets (P) Ltd, a chain of supermarket stores in Bangalore speaks to Progressive Grocer about the retail journey of the chain and its current focus and positioning. With over twenty years of retailing experience, Foodworld has come to establish itself as a strong community store chain, and is looking to expand and strengthen its positioning by operating from smaller spaces within communities such as clubs, offices, campuses, apartment complexes, etc, in order to better meet the needs of these specific segments.
Describe the journey of your store chain and how it has grown over the years.
Food world (FW) is a chain of supermarket stores in Bangalore. The first store was launched in 1996 in Bangalore as a neighbourhood convenience store of 3,000 sq. ft. to cater to the daily needs of a family. Over the years, it has positioned itself as a strong community store chain, focusing and expanding within communities like clubs, offices, campuses, apartment complexes, etc.
Currently, Food world operates 37 stores in four store formats – Supermarket; Gourmet; Superstore; Express. Food world Supermarket store is the main format store with 3,000-5,000 sq. ft. size and it operates as a regular supermarket. Food world Gourmet store is a new concept store with 2,800 sq. ft. size in Bangalore. The store caters to customers seeking a selection of gourmet products. Available in-store are produce and a selection of international food and beverage items sourced both from domestic and international suppliers. We also operate in smaller formats - Food world Express is a convenience store of 750 - 1,500 sq. ft. It carries basic fresh range offers, wider ranges in drinks, snacks bakery, confectionery and impulse products.
What kind of people frequent your stores and in which age group? Has the customer profile been changing in any way over the years?
The customer profile at our stores comprises all age groups. About 60% of the customers are women and 40% are men. About 70% of our customers are in the age group 25–45 years and 30% belong to 45+ age bracket. We find that shoppers today know what they want to buy due social media awareness and general exposure. Also, customers don’t mind paying more for buying quality products and healthy food.
What do you feel are the marked differentiators for your stores that put you apart from the other F&G retail players?
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