Lifestyle to invest Rs 100 cr in next two years, to open third outlet in Bangalore  ( February '5,2001, FE)

As part of its expansion plans throughout India, Lifestyle, part of the Dubai-based Landmark group, is planning to invest Rs 100-crore in the next two years. The group has already invested Rs 40 crore in India to set up outlets in Chennai and Hyderabad. A third store is expected to be opened in Bangalore by March 2001, according to Mr V Muralidharan, vice-president (operations) India. The Landmark group operates 150 showrooms mainly in the Gulf and Middle East. The group also operates one of the well-known malls in Dubai called the Oasis Centre.

The group, with its core competency in retail business, has benchmarked its development and service according to international standards,he said. Lifestyle also has an exclusive tie-up with the Chimayo Chains Pvt Ltd, the owners of the Qwicky's Coffee Pub to create a coffee island within the store.Lifestyle offers the latest products in garments, toys, infant basics, nursery furniture, cosmetics, footwear and other household products, across all brands and segments.

To have customer satisfaction and comfort, the group has invested in the latest software and technology across all its stores. Last year, the total group turnover was about Rs 1,000 crore. From Chennai and Hyderabad, the group is closing this fiscal with a Rs 55 crore turnover-Hyderabad alone forms a big chunk of Rs 32 crore. By 2002, the group is planning to set up seven stores. Of this three stores would set up by mid-March this year, Mr Muralidharan added.