Dabur aims at Rs 1,000 cr rev from H&B stores by 2010

After Reliance , Bharti and Ranbaxy , Dabur is ready to jump on to the retail bandwagon. The company unveiled its retail brand identity and is targeting Rs 1,000 crore revenue by 2010, reports CNBC-TV18.

It is the new kid on the block! ‘ new-u ’ is  the brand name for Dabur's retail venture. The company's retail operations will be rolled out through a wholly-owned subsidiary called Health and Beauty Stores Limited.

Dabur India plans to invest Rs 140 crore by 2010 towards this venture. Cashing in on its century only association with health and fitness, it will launch 160 ‘new-u’ stores in three years. The first store will open in Delhi by early 2008. 20,000 products from Dabur and other FMCG players too, will be available on ‘new- u’ shelves. The company will also launch private labels in the personal care category.

According to Peter Baker , CEO, H&B Stores, "We will source from Thailand and China. Private labels will be 20-25% cheaper."

Dabur India hopes to achieve the Rs 1,000 crore revenue mark by 2010 from H&B Stores. After spreading its roots in the North, the company will expand down South as well, starting from Bangalore in the first quarter next year.

These stores will be ranging from 1,200- 6,000 square feet in size and will be company owned and operated. However, Dabur India will not invest in real estate itself, but lease out stores. With other retail players like Shoppers Stop and Reliance expected to launch specialised stores in this category, consumers can look forward to better offers and prices.