Canon plans retail outlets  ( May '20,2004, HBL)

CANON India Pvt Ltd, a leading complete digital imaging company, has announced new distribution plans aimed at bringing digital imaging solutions directly to consumers through retail stores.

It launched its first Canon Retail Station in Bangalore and the 18th in the country. It plans to open 1,000 such stores across the country.

According to Mr Alok Bharadwaj, Director and GM, Consumer Imaging & Information Division (CIID) and Volume products, Canon India, "With the convergence of IT, consumer electronics, photo and even cell-phone industries, selling of digital devices, such as digicams, camcorders, projectors, photo printers, is a challenge. These devices can be best sold by stores which sell consumer electronics and lifestyle products."

To support and further strengthen the channel network in South India, Canon will expand its channel base from 313 dealers to 425 dealers. Canon is already present in 70 towns across the Southern region through its network of 60 retails points and 29 service centres.