Pantaloon gets new identity

Abir Pal / TNN / Feb 21, 2006, 00:04 IST

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Pantaloon, the country's largest retailer, is all set to don a new corporate identity.

MUMBAI: Pantaloon, the country's largest retailer, is all set to don a new corporate identity. It will now be called the Future Group, instead of Pantaloon Knowledge Group.
To be officially unveiled in two weeks, the new look shall include its swanky logo a human palm print done up in vibrant Indian colours, sporting the theme: India Tomorrow.
The Pantaloon Knowledge Group banner has also been replaced with the new Future Group and all Pantaloon group companies shall now display this new identity.
"Today, we are present in every aspect of the consumer experience from brands, property, home, leisure and entertainment to communications.

...Going forward, businesses like financial services and logistics will play vital roles. Hence, the need was felt to have a cohesive identity, which reflects the new face of the group," said Pantaloon CEO Kishore Biyani.
A privately held company Future Ideas, with its office in Nariman Point, Mumbai, will hold the Future Group brand. Future Ideas shall primarily be a think-tank which will undertake scenario planning, training and ideation for all group companies. Along with senior Pantaloon managers, industry experts and academicians are expected to be inducted.

"The basic idea is to create a centre of excellence and become a thought-leader," said Biyani.
But new look apart, the blueprint more importantly gives a glimpse into the kind of corporation Biyani wants to create. Pantaloon, which started off as an apparel retailer, today straddles nearly all segments of the consumer space ranging from food, fashion, home, general merchandise, leisure and entertainment to wellness and beauty.
...These products and services are delivered across a bewildering array of formats ranging from Big Bazaar, Food Bazaar to Home Towns and Centrals.
Alongside new lines of business have also been created: Future Capital Holdings, the holding company for its financial services foray is applying for an NBFC license and plans to distribute and market a range of financial products.
Kshitij, its retail property arm, has two real estate funds under its fold, including an international one. A $450 million consumer brand fund, Indvision, has been put into place to acquire domestic and international retail brands. Also on the cards are gigantic consumption centres, the first of which is coming up in Mumbai.
While Biyani has always set a scorching pace, of late, Pantaloon has stepped up its activities now that the threat of Reliance retail and international brands like Wal-Mart looms large.

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