Fmart, India's First Premium Specialty Convenience Store Chain, Opens in Kochi

Kochi, February 2, 2015: Fmart, a Dubai-based convenience store chain which is on a fast-paced expansion plan including opening 100 stores in Malaysia within the next 3 years, opened its first outlet in India in Kochi. Tony Chammany, Mayor, Corporation of Cochin, inaugurated the country's first F-mart at the Panampilly Nagar Junction today. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Yoonus Mohamed, Managing Director, Fmart Specialty Retail Concepts, said Fmart is a chain of contemporary convenience stores offering a wide range of FMCGs and other ethnically traditional branded foods. “We are planning to open 25 Fmart stores in Kerala alone in 2015, mostly on franchised model," he added.

Convenience stores normally operate in busy city areas supplying cookies/candies, groceries, cosmetics and household supplies. Fmart also offers a variety of high quality pantry items, including bakery, barista and other fresh as well as heat & eat eatables and a wide range of hot & cold beverages and other consumables.

Mr. Kareem Abdullah, Director, said at present Emaco Investments, the holding company of Fmart, collectively runs 11 stores in various prime locations while it continues its accelerated growth by expanding in the Middle East and Asia. "In the UAE alone, Fmart has 7 stores in Dubai, with the first outlet being a 3600 sqft shopping space at the famous Downtown Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower and 2 in Abu Dhabi, two coming up in Sharjah. We plan to have 15 such stores around premium locations in Dubai alone and at least 3 outlets each in the other 6 Emirates," he said.

In April 2015, Fmart plans to open four outlets in Malaysia and are highly ambitious to have 100 outlets in the next three years. "In India, each new Fmart outlet will require an investment of approximately Rs.30 lakhs to start a franchise model store. Fmart offers four flexible franchise models with different investment plans to cater to different segments of society," Dr. M. A. Babu, Director, said.

"Our franchise model is a low investment business opportunity along with premium margins,bBrand recognition and quality service,” Mr. Yoonus Mohamed said.