Dubai-based Fmart opens first store in India at Kochi

Fmart, a Dubai-based convenience store chain, today opened its first outlet in India in the city.

Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany inaugurated the country's first F-mart at Panampilly Nagar.

Yoonus Mohamed, Managing Director, Fmart Specialty Retail Concepts, said Fmart is a chain of contemporary convenience stores offering a wide range of FMCGs and other ethnically traditional branded foods.

"We are planning to open 25 Fmart stores in Kerala alone in 2015, mostly on franchised model," he added.

Kareem Abdullah, Director, said at present Emaco Investments, the holding company of Fmart, collectively runs 11 stores in various prime locations while it continues its accelerated growth by expanding in the Middle East and Asia.

"In India, each new Fmart outlet will require an investment of approximately Rs 30 lakh to start a franchise model store. Fmart offers four flexible franchise models with different investment plans to cater to different segments of society', Dr M A Babu, Director, said.

"Our franchise model is a low investment business opportunity along with premium margins, brand recognition and quality service', Yoonus Mohamed said.