The MobileStore to Connect North-East People

The MobileStore, a one stop mobile solution shop, has planned to follow the franchise path to expand further. The brand is already present in more than 125 Indian cities with 800 outlets selling multi-brand handsets and accessories.

The centres are categorised as large – covering an area of 1000-1500 sq ft, medium i.e. 800-1000 sq ft and small i.e. 150-200 sq ft.

Having plans to further open its centres in the seven northeastern states of India, the company currently owns 110 franchisee-owned outlets. The modern trade mobile phone seller has selected the franchise model to tap the new territory, with nearly 50-70 franchise stores in the pipeline to be launched this fiscal year.

Chief executive Himanshu Chakravarti said, “Northeast is one of the biggest opportunity areas, but it’s a troublesome territory to approach. We will have several franchisees and master franchisees for some of the states.”

According to Chakravarti, nearly 100 of the existing outlets of The MobileStore would be upgraded into lounges over next 12 months. Around 40 stores each year are being planned to be added to the brand’s set-up.

The Essar Group-owned brand was hesitant earlier to take the franchise route, owing to the challenges regarding logistics management and supply chain. Now around 10% of its stores are based on the franchise module.