"The exercise, which has already been initiated, is aimed at making `Planet M' a national super-brand," Times Entertainment chief executive officer and BCCL director Arun Arora said.

However, there are no immediate plans to hive off `Planet M' in to a separate company. "We are in the process of building a brand now and want to concentrate on that. It is a division of Bennet, Coleman and Co, and will remain so for the present," he said.

The company is in the process of beta-testing the online store. "The business-to-consumer portal - planetmonline.com - will offer the entire collection available on Planet M on-line. This will also mark the start of e-commerce activities with Planet M," he added.

In order to provide the logistic support to the music portal, the company is extending the chain across the country. "We are in the process of acquiring properties for setting up this stores in other cities. Chandigarh and Ahmedabad have been finalised as the next locations for Planet M. Over the next 12 to 15 months, we will take it across the country." Planet M currently has stores in Mumbai and Delhi.

However, Mr Arora refused to divulge details on the investment being planned for the purpose. "We have dynamic investment plans and money would be put in as and when required."

After establishing itself as a leading entertainment store in Mumbai and Delhi, Planet M Was recently chosen as the best in commercial interior design category by the Indian Institute of Interior Designers.