2010; Here we come!

Phew, 2009 is almost through and what a year it has been. I am sure everyone would be looking forward to 2010 with a lot of hope and wishes for positive things to happen and hear about.

Although personally 2009 was not too bad and is the year which saw the start of “An Indian and A Retailer” as also its rapid acceptance and widespread popularity as seen from the 10K plus walkins in less than a year. Thanks to all of you for that.

2010 is awaited and everyone might have a wish list or two. May as many wishes as possible come true for everyone. The coming year is expected to be a milestone in terms of how economies manage the recovery, how companies leverage opportunities that are sure to emerge in the recovery phase. Indian Retail is also expected to have an exciting journey and a few things that I expect to happen are –

• Consolidation - either by collaboration or purchase. There is not enough of aggregation of volumes for a true retail play and this might change with either collaboration in the back end or simple M&A.
• Coming of age of the conventional outlets: The humble Kirana proved that their business model is not only sustainable but also recession proof and robust. With increasing awareness and education I am sure that this hardy tribe would leverage their business model to become better and more competitive.
• Beyond ERP: Post the scramble to implement the big bucks ERP everyone was struggling to get it right and in no mood to look at any other IT initiative. A whole host of tactical and strategic IT solutions exists and now is the time for Retailers to start exploring and exploiting such solutions.
• GST? I am not brave enough to predict that GST would come in and change the way trade happens in India. But, I definitely hope that this happens soon and in 2010 itself. As also, I wish that the government starts recognizing Retail as an important industry segment and accords it due recognition and support.

Will sign off 2009 with my Best Wishes to all of you for a Very Happy New Year and hope that all your wishes and plans come true.