Philips to kicks off retail initative from Mumbai

Philips has put in place a new retail plan for its monitor sales in India. The plan includes setting up 200 retail counters across the country in three months' time. These retail counters will not be exclusive counters, but will have a wall displaying the whole range of Philips monitors in selected retail showrooms. The first display wall will be opened shortly in Real Time Computers' new retail outlet in Mumbai called IT Concept. Real Time is one of the six star partners that Philips have for distribution monitors in different areas.

"By end of May 2003, we hope to have at least the major cities covered with such retail outlets," says Sanjay Maheshwari, Manager-Distribution, PC Peripherals, Philips India.

According to Sanjay, with such retail outlets, the company intends to provide a demonstration platform for end-users to feel the products. "This will in no way disturb the regular distribution channel and will only add to the benefit of the channels," he adds.

Philips will also hold Cyber Challenge campagin on an ongoing basis at these counters. The Cyber Challenge is a campaign in which customers are made to vote for the best monitor after witnessing the performance of three or more masked monitors.

Meanwhile, Philips also announced that it has added Aarvee Computers as its sixth star partner to distribute the entire range of Philips monitors in
Mumbai.

NELSON JOHNY

MUMBAI