BS Nagesh - MD Shoppers Stop

CNBC TV 18 covered an interview with BS Nagesh, MD Shoppers Stop and it surely was a pleasure watching Retail Tychoon from India who is now amongst the retail house of fame, which has a total of 104 professionals who have made a difference in Retail Industry.

Ganesh discussed how he moved into Shoppers after working with Carona handling 128 retails stores before given a chance to manage the 50,000 sq.ft Shoppers Stop in 1991. He was quick to accept the offer and rest is history.

When asked about governments decision on FDI, he clearly stated that Multinational retail chains are anyways entering India and hence stoping them would be only stupid as neither that would stop them nor would that help India "earn" more from the investments and also lose sheen as they enter with different brands. He also said that whether its Pantaloon or WalMart a competition is equally dangerous and hence Indian or non Indian is just a perception.

Sitting near his pool, he also discussed about the retail industry across globe mentioning how the margins between the largest retail chain and smallest chain isnt much. When asked about the rumors of Shoppers Stop being on the block, he was quick to mention that if he is there with Shoppers till his retirement i.e. 10 yrs from now, Shoppers would not be on sale. He also told about how "over taken" was wrongly heard "taken over" and since then the rumors of Shoppers being available for sale taking a fly.

He was quick to answer when asked on how these retail chains have taken business away from "mom & pop" stores. He mentioned how these kirana stores have been nimble and swift and have learnt the skills to tackle with these big retail chains. As per the latest report though the sales have reduced these mom and pop stores have managed to increase their margins and revenues.

With his wonderful tabla beats, a feat achieved only in 16 weeks of training it was a discussion with a person who knows his competition and has his plans ready to take them head on.