Epson to increase retail presence

Epson will increase its retail base in India this year and
targets setting up around 1,100 specialized retail stores by the end of this
year. These retail stores will be multi-branded outlets and would be set up
across 140 locations as compared to 32 last year, which include nine metros,
mini metros and other smaller towns and cities.

RAMPRASAD: Retail outlets will have live demo units for customer's convenience

According to Ramprasad, Manager-Consumer Products, Epson,
"We have grown our retail market share for inkjet printers from five
percent in 2004 to about 18 percent by end of 2005. Having begun our retail
initiative in 2004, we now have over 700 retail partners across the country. We
would bank on this growth and expand into areas where we are less visible
now."

Indicating that customers today would like to feel the
products before purchase, Ramprasad said that all the retail outlets would have
live demo units for the customer's convenience. He also added that Epson would
give retail partners ample branding support in order to increase the visibility
of its products, in addition to many unique schemes and promotions, to help them
sell better.

Hinting at new tie-ups with channel partners this year,
Ramprasad said that Epson would increase its focus on working with local
distributors and look to appointing more final tier partners who are in touch
with the customers and also educate them to handle customer related queries more
effectively. The focus here would again be on the partners in smaller towns and
cities, he indicated.

As regards new products, the key drivers would be entry-level
all-in-ones and photo printers for home users, felt Ramprasad who added that
good service support, competitive pricing and quality products with an on-site
warranty would continue to be the biggest differentiating factors for Epson
against growing competition this year.

SUBBALAKSHMI BM