A joint venture between India’s Bharti Enterprises and US-based Wal-Mart, Bharti Wal-Mart, will open 10-15 wholesale cash and carry stores in India’s north next year, according to India’s Financial Express.
Bharti Wal-Mart has already opened a 9,300m2 distribution centre in Banaur near Chandigarh.
The stores will employ about 5,000 people over the next seven years, the company said, and help small suppliers get financing from banks. The group is also considering an education centre to train staff for the retail business.
Bharti Wal-Mart CEO and managing director Raj Jain said 80 per cent of the group’s stock will be sourced locally, and will primarily serve small shops, resellers and restaurants.
Mr Jain says wholesale cash and carry is a new concept in India.
