http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=44890



Canadian chain coming to Pakistan



By our correspondent

KARACHI: A Canadian company is planning to set up a new chain of mini-departmental stores under the banner of “Value Bazaar” all over Pakistan.

At a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday, CE0 Bazaar Anjum Laiq said the departmental stores would introduce a new concept of retail market in the country, which will facilitate the masses and create multiple business and job opportunities for Pakistani citizens.

The company would invest Rs200 million to establish regional corporate stores in Sindh in the first designed project, which could facilitate 30 outlets, to be established next year. Meanwhile, the first outlet of departmental store would start its operation by upcoming July in Karachi.

Detailing the features of Value Bazaar, he said the departmental stores will provide all the basic necessities of the people under one roof besides groceries which includes meat and dairy products, house ware, glassware and hardware, health and beauty products, paper and plastic products, cleaning supplies, confectioneries, audio and video, gift items and toy, party items and craft, stationary and greeting cards, fashion accessories and many other items.

He said the merchandise would be brought in the outlets from various countries on competitive rates.

The company is currently working under the banner of “Dollar Bazaar” in 176 stores of Canada. This would be first ever investment outside the Canada.

Anjum Laiq mentioned that Pakistan is very lucrative market for foreign investors with its large population, investment friendly policies and a demography that speaks of potentially higher consumer spending.

He said the interested entrepreneurs could seek franchise outlets with an investment of Rs15 million while the company would share 25 per cent investment in franchise.

Canadian firm to open retail stores



KARACHI, March 2: Yet another foreign retail network company seeks business opportunities in Karachi and other parts of Sindh to offer a variety of consumer items — including imported — to the general public in all localities of the city at affordable prices.

After about a half a dozen foreign outlets have already opened their business in Pakistan, a Canada-based retail outlet network — Convenience 2 U Inc. and Dollar Bazar — headed by a Pakistani businessman Laiq Anjum explores opportunities of local businessmen to offer them master franchise.

Mr Anjum met Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim and Chairman of Chief Minister Investment Cell Muslim Abbasi to inform them that his company operates 173 stores in Canada and intends to open 30 stores in Karachi and other parts of the province.

Besides grocery, the stores will offer a variety of consumer items to the public at all places that may include Nazimabad, Gulshan, Landhi, Model Town, Guru Mandir, Lasbela and many other parts.

http://www.dawn.com/2007/03/03/ebr8.htm

Although it is good that we would be able to have quality products and these stores would bring FDI, but personally I am in in favour of giving our consumer market to foreign companiese, it is batter if we have home grown companies which can expand, frenchise and keep retail sector.

Bringing retailers blindly is not a good thing for long term, this is time GOP must do some comprehensive legislation for these companies to ensure the intrests of our SME's and share of local made products.

yaar,whats the point of these foreign investment when they are limited to consumerism.I mean imagine how hard it will hit ur "around the corner dukaanwala" we literally have 100000s of them.I know they might not have everything,but we dont have the industrial base and job opportunities lke the developed countries do and these ppl can easily switch jobs or professions.

If we can provide alternatives though,departmental stores are great,findning everything u need at one place rocks.

finally i see canada doing something good for pakistan other then sendin mackay (defence minister) to go ###### at pakistan