Modern Bazaar Evaluating Self-check-out in Some Stores

Modern Bazaar's phoenix-like rise after the family's first store in Vasant Kunj was gutted in a major fire in 2004. The brand is endeavored to be a one-stop-shop for the customers for all their essential and exclusive grocery and food products requirements, including an in-house bakery and a well-stocked meat shop

- Sanya Arora

The story of Modern Bazaar is akin to a phoenix-like rise. Modern Bazaar was among the pioneers of India's organized supermarket chain when it was founded in 1971. But the lone store in New Delhi's Vasant Kunj neighborhood, that was founded by Late Vishwant Kumar, was gutted in a devastating fire in 2004.

In 2005, Kunaal Kumar, Managing Director & Founder, (who had joined the family business in 1991), with an aim not just to revive the business but to grow it, picked up a tony location for his comeback innings.

Modern Bazaar opened its first store in South Delhi's Basant Lok market - an upscale and popular market in pre and early 2000s, that was home to the first PVR cinema and McDonald's made its India entry in 1996 with a family restaurant in that market.

Over the years, the younger Kumar has taken the brand to new heights and created a niche for himself in the gourmet food business targeting South Delhi's well-heeled clientele. His business grew even as competitions in the mid-2000s increased from corporate entry into the business, from Future Group's Foodhall and Nature's Basket (then owned by Godrej).

From a single outlet it has now grown to 16 large format stores in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and Chandigarh and the Delhi-based supermarket chain also sells through its e-commerce platform. Modern Bazaar is popular for its shopping experience and range of products including live bakery, fresh foods counter and a café has become a household name in the Delhi NCR.

In an exclusive interaction with IMAGES Retail, Kumar talks on a range of topics including the brand's journey, services, loyalty programs, changing consumer behaviour and expansion plans.