Mr Manoj Kumar
Director,
Aashiyana Group

in a discussion with the Retailer, speaks about various mall projects of the company.

Retailer: What is special about Aashiyana Group?
Manoj Kumar (MK): Aashiyana Group is fast emerging as a name synonymous with quality and value. With contemporary design, innovation, and timely completion of projects, the group seeks to offer the best services. Efficiency of an able management team of unique talents and expertise at the top level is supported and complemented by an equally able team at the middle level and a junior management that functions at the third level. To the projects executed, the core team has been able, through a mix of skilled manpower and technical resources, to add finesse and splendours.

Retailer: What does Oasis Mall at Ajmer stand for?
MK: Oasis is the first mall-cum-multiplex of Ajmer. The world-class five-storey shopping mall will usher in a retail revolution in the city. While offering the finest blend of retail, gourmet and entertainment to customers, Oasis will also offer a unique business opportunity to retailers.

Retailer: When will the mall go in operation?
MK: Well, if everything goes all right, Oasis will start its operations by December 2008.

Retailer: What is the USP of the mall?
MK: The first mall in the city, Oasis dedicates exclusive storey to unlimited fun, food and entertainment for the whole family and promises to etch one of the biggest success stories in retail history. To be precise, Oasis will have five success stories: anchor store, big brands, food court plus amusement park and floors, 3-star hotel and multiplex.

Retailer: Which are your existing malls?
MK: We do not have any existing mall. This is the first time we are coming up with a mall project. Various projects that we are involved in are as follows: Oasis at Ajmer; two plots (on either side of the road) in Jabalpur and plots in Aligarh, Bhiwani and Ujjain.

Retailer: What are the prominent brands in your malls?
MK: Since we do not have any mall at present, we have either signed up with or are in a final stage of signing up with the following brands: INOX, Hara, Baskin Robbins, Fast Trax (restaurants). As of now, we are in the process of closing down the final deal with many a big brand that includes Big Bazzar, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Barista, Café Coffee Day, Archies, Bata, Fem Shringar, PVR, Adlabs, Weekender and MTV Garments.

Retailer: What are the changes you see in Indian retail arena?
MK: There are two major changes. First, the advent of colour television, cable and satellite channels has made the consumer more aware of the brands available nationwide. Compared to the old generation, the new generation has more choices than their predecessors. Secondly, 'shopping centres boom' allows companies to launch new chains that offer consumers more choices and create, at the same time, more business. Today, companies create their infrastructure within a much shorter time than it was in the past.

Interview conducted by Pallavi Majha
Email: spallavi@franchiseindia.com