Big retail has been growing bigger in Kerala, considered a consumerist State. With the competition in the sector getting fierce, retailers have been adding new products to retain the consumer base. With stylish modern outlets at key locations, the business of retailers such as Reliance, Big Bazaar, and More has been thriving. Certain local chains failed to make a mark, apparently due to mismanagement.
The successful operation of the Lulu mall at Edapally, Kochi, is an indicator of the times to come. A new era in retail culture had begun with the arrival of the big retail shop of the Lulu Group in Kochi over a year ago. The mall, with an investment of Rs.1,600 crore, has been attracting huge crowds. On an average, about 50,000 people visit the mall daily.
The crowds had posed problems in traffic management. The mall managers were finding it difficult to accommodate cars. The parking facility which could accommodate 2,500 cars was found inadequate within a year of the mall’s operation.
Multilevel parking
A multilevel parking was added recently to accommodate 1,000 more cars. This apart, the mall has a parking facility for about 1800 two-wheelers, according to a senior official . “The mall has become Kerala’s most preferred shopping destination. Within a year of operations, the mall witnessed the entry of 28 lakh vehicles and was visited by 2 crore people. It provides direct employment to 4,600 people and indirect employment to 6,000,” the mall managers say.
Interestingly, the arrival of branded retail shops in Kerala a few years ago was opposed by certain sections of society. Some of the organisations which spearheaded the struggle have taken up the issue of e-commerce, said to be intruding into the conventional retailer’s market.
