MobileNXT launches integrated mobile retail stores

SHASHWAT CHATURVEDI

While the Indian mobile industry is bursting at the seams — the total
subscriber base stood at 95,510,904 (GSM and CDMA, as on April 30, 2006. Source:
COAI and AUSPI) - there was not a single nationwide handset retail outlet that
catered to the populace till some time back.

The Bangalore-based company is aiming to cater to this space, and terms
itself as 'India's first mobile retail chain'. MobileNXT is all set to
launch a number of stores across India under the same brand name. Currently four
such stores are operational in Gurgaon, Kolkata, Mangalore and Ahmedabad.

“This is just the beginning, we intend to open 31 more outlets by the end
of this year and 170 in the next three years,” said Vijay Menon, CEO,
MobileNXT.

Vijay Menon: To open 31 outlets by the end of 2006, and 170 by 2009

The company is investing close to $5 million in the venture and is targeting
a turnover of Rs 48 crore in the first year and an ambitious Rs 380 crore in
three years.

Close to 70-80 mobile handsets are available at the showrooms, and all have
been club­bed under different categories like ValueNXT (for cheaper handsets),
WorkNXT, StyleNXT etc. The cheapest model starts at Rs 1,800 and goes on to Rs
42,000 for an iMate phone. MobileNXT also offers after sales-service to the
customers.

He also talked about an innovative exchange offer. “It is called NXTChange,
wherein we give a guarantee that we will purchase the used handset back at a
certain fixed value, providing it is in a good working condition,” said Menon.
He intends to launch a second-hand handset retail shop in Delhi around November
this year. MobileNXT also provides allied mobile services.

He is also bullish about the sale of CDMA handsets, which were until recently
bundled by the service provider.