Mumbai : Crossword, the Rs 23-crore books retailing major, has launched its second store at Shoppers' Stop, Ghatkopar, and plans to launch a cafeteria within the store next week with a total investment of Rs 1 crore. Film personalities Ms Shabana Azmi and Mr Javed Akhtar inaugurated the event. Mr Akhtar put life into the event when he recited poems from his book-Tarkash.Says Crossword marketing head Mr Naresh Sharma: "In order to expand the number of Crossword outlets in Mumbai, we are also looking for more properties with a 5,000 to 6,000 sq ft area in Borivili, South Mumbai, and the suburbs. For the purpose, we plan to invest Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1 crore on one store."According to Mr Sharma: "The ninth in the series of Crossword outlets in India and the second store will provide over 4,200 sq ft of shopping pleasure to the entire family. With product-mix like CD-ROMs, music, stationary and toys, Crossword caters to a wide audience."
Adds Mr Sharma: "Crossword Ghatkopar which is company-owned has introduced a range of Gujarati books too". "A cafe within the store tempts browsers to sit comfortably, making the whole process of purchasing books a pleasurable experience. Additionally, the store offers services like dial-a-book, fax-a-book and email-a-book," says Mr Sharma.
Says Crossword customer Ms Kamala Rajaraman: "On the purchase of 20 volumes of Britannica Encyclopedia worth Rs 2,300 last month, Crossword offered a discount of Rs 800. My kids spend most Saturdays browsing through various children's books." Crossword is reciprocating customer loyalty by rewarding them through the `Crossword Book Award 2000' scheduled to be held this month with points, discounts and promotional offers.
Spread across eight cities, Crossword is investing over Rs 30 crore in setting up 30 more retail stores across the country in three years.
Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
