Smart Retail: Reviewed: FIR

Relaince Fresh: Review:Something Fresh to Refresh

In my FIR (First Investigation Report) series, I review the newly opened shops, in the same series, here’s Reliance Fresh, Khanapur Road, Belgaum.

The frontage of the Fresh outlet is big and about 5 cars can be parked in front and about 30 odd two wheelers can be accommodated in front of the outlet it self. Others will have to find place to park cars along side of the road, which is possible as there is space after the road. However, there is no security guard on duty and hence there is a huge chance of your car being trapped in between a few others, as was mine today.

Ambience, great, with the AC was on even when there was load shedding was a plus point, presentation and layout similar to other outlets. Left to right: Vegetables, fruits, grains, toiletries, cosmetics, and confectioneries.

No much discounts or offers as seen in Big Bazaar but a few were there which is company given so they are available at your next door kirarna store also. I just overheard a announcement of a Special offer of icecream.

Now to the pricing: I was amazed with the pricing of vegetables, which I really thought were not so Fresh, all vegetables. See the image for a price comparison done on 04-11-2008. The prices were taken by me first hand at Fresh and then at the 1st Gate vegetable market. You see and decide. Only the prices of Potato and Tomatoes were less than those of Fresh prices, in all others Fresh prices were lower, in fact far lower. But to add to this the vegetables in the market were far more Fresh looking than those in Fresh outlet. Therefore, the price comparison may differ. I did not buy vegetables in Fresh outlet but bought a few at the market. Tough I spent Rs.300 at Fresh it was all Biscuits, chocolates & Cosmetics. The prices in the main market would be cheaper by about Rs.3-5 in which case those prices would be lower than those of Fresh also.
In addition, there was a variety of goods like food grains, cosmetics, blankets, towels, mats, cushion covers and of course carbonated beverages and stuff.

I was there at 6.30pm and was not so crowded as still many do not know about it. I also saw a few next-door neighbors of Fresh shop there. The 2nd outlet at Hotel Hanuman, near JNMC is also operational.

Your thoughts on this please, if anyone of you had been there your comments on the same.
Bottom line: Visit once at least, you will end up buying something that is for sure.

MORE: sort of MORE & not so MORE

I had been to the MORE store in RPD cross in the evening at around 730pm. Initially I had a problem to find place to park my two wheeler. At last I found a place, which if the police thinks could be no parking area, but parked and went in. Theresa security guard who takes the baggage and then u enter the store. First impression great looking means goods placed correctly and in good order, I meant to say food grains on one side and toiletry on the other side etc. Vegetable stall is just at the entrance and after having a look at them you can guess what is in store for you later.
This picture is not of the Belgaum store. Its a archive photo form their website.
One more thing if you think you have some time and you can spend it in here, wrong impression, this is not air-conditioned and at times especially these days you could have a nice work out with doing much.

Goods variety is great I should say when compared to Big Bazaar. But again not all brands are available. Variety in some goods was good and not so many to choose from a few like Deodorants & jams. Prices are not cheap. I mean sugar was Rs.18/kg in the market its Rs.16/Kg. And similar rates for others so you can think.

Chocolates variety is good with some great value big value packs, which you normally don’t get to see in town. The staff I did not really interact so cant tell you but they were normal I guess. NO special offers like big bazaar here. Some small offers on atta and some small products I could see.

Billing, this is a problem as of now. There are 3 billing counters and the process is very slowing even tough there are touch screen panels for billing. The guys are not so familiar with the items still and at times you will have to wait for 10 mins to get your bill. One incident happened in front of me only when a person had taken a lot of material and when he went out and checked his bill he was charged Rs.90 for 1 Cauliflower. Its should have been Rs.9. They said a billing mistake and to rectify it poor guy had to wait for 20 mins (15 mins for my bill as my bill was being made and then the refund stuff).

In all not a great experience which will induce me to go again and again. One time purchase is ok. On a scale of 5, I would rate it 3. Let you reviews also come in on this.

I have received a response from Mr. Mr.Shriniwas M Katti on the MORE store: I visited MORE today and made a shopping of more than Rs.1200/- . It is certain that the staff is untrained and speaks Marathi and Kannada very rash. Sophistication is totally absent. And most important the prices are at least 10-15% more.
So Did you go shopping for MORE.

2007 ReLoaDed