Supermarkets/ Hypermarkets in Pakistan

Pages : [1] 2 3 pakpak93February 14th, 2005, 08:38 PMThe recent meetings of representatives of a global retailer, Dr Hans-Joachim Koerber, Chairman, Metro business (Germany) and his team, with top officials in Islamabad indicates the interest of German business and industrial establishment in this country's economic potentials. And more importantly, Pakistan is deemed by the German grocer to offer viable opportunities for investment in retailing sector.

Pakistan's economy is yet in its infancy when compared to the role, scope and impact of retailing giants of the developed world. Retailing is about the economies of scale. It is not the per unit profit on merchandize, but the profit on volume and the time span within which it is made; that is at the core of the retailing.

A glance through the Global 1000 business enterprises of the world should suffice to show the role and relevance of global retailers. The top world company in terms of sales, was the world's biggest grocer Wal-Mart, with sales volume of $258.68 billion. It stood fifth in the world in market value at $241.19 billion, having assets at $104.912 billion and earning 20.3 per cent annual rate of return on equity.

The reasons for retailers from the developed world to set up stores in developing countries are apparent. The home turf represents mature markets where scope for expansion is restricted.

There is a cut-throat competition with diminishing returns on equity. At the other end of the scale, developing countries over the past years have shown higher average economic growth rates than in the mature developed economies, as reflected in Asia, South America and the economies in transition in Russia and Eastern Europe.

German retailers have ventured as close as Poland and as far as east Asia. China is progressively creating an urban middle-class, estimated at 200 million, which is a bait for the global retailers. This has also spurred the local mass consumer marketing sector to organize itself on the West's big store model. Thus, local retailers have emerged with immense clout.

Shanghai Bailian with $5.86 billion sales in 2003 is topping the list, followed by Dalian Dashang and Gome with sales volume at $2.196 billion and $2.149 billion respectively.

While immensity of scale, size, space and number of products offered for sale are the salient features of modern retailing, the key to success lies in economies of scale in purchasing and selling the goods.

There is no universal retailing model promising success everywhere. No wonder that each global retailer has its own philosophy and strategies tailored to respective region and sphere of business.

With corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, USA, the multinational had a very modest start. Its founder Samuel Moore Walton, who lent his name to Wal-Mart, started his retailing adventure in 1945 at the age of 27 in tiny Newport, Ark. U.S. supported by borrowed $ 20,000, as a franchisee.

His small town focus forced him to build his own distribution and communications systems, that later on proved to be critical to gathering and analyzing the data that the company now uses to push suppliers for everything from lower prices to better packaging.

In later years, sensing that powerful new concept of discounting would be key to success, Walton jumped in with his first Wal-Mart Discount City in Rogers, Ark., in 1962, the same year that other competitors Kmart and Target launched their retailing business.

Keen on learning from competitors' strategies, in 1970 Walton took his 32-store chain public. His retailing success strategy owed to his fanatical focus on low costs and low prices that changed the way Americans shop. With slogan "everyday low prices", it operates 4900 stores world-wide with 1.4 million global workforce and 1300 stores located in 10 countries outside the US.

With its shopper-centric business model, 15 per cent current growth rate, the grocer has relentlessly wrung tens of billions of dollars in cost efficiencies out of the retail supply chain, passing part of the savings along to shoppers.

With its unparalleled size and efficiency, it has damped inflation and driven productivity gains throughout retailing and manufacturing. To quote a consultant " The 2nd worst thing a manufacturer can do is sign a contract with Wal-Mart. The worst? Not sign one."

It has in the recent past sought additional cost advantages by bypassing middlemen and buying finished goods and raw materials from foreign manufacturers directly. By following such strategy it could drive down the retail price of a particular brand of jeans it sells in Britain and Germany to $7.85 from $26.67. To quote its senior vice-president for global procurement " the mind-set around here is, we're agents for our customers."

South Africa-based 'Shop rite' is the largest retailer of the African Continent, with over 700 stores in 16 countries, employing 65000 staff, a market capitalization of $1.2 billion, with reach up to India where its hyper market in Mumbai, the commercial and financial metropolis of India, is said to be the biggest retailing complex in that country.

It has stocks of 8500 different goods and seeks to pile high, sell cheap and keep opening new stores. Its energetic Afrikaner boss would make frequent use of his personal jet to resolve problems requiring talking directly to ministers and presidents of the countries housing his company's stores.

It expects its stores outside South Africa to provide half of its group revenue eventually. Unlike most foreign supermarkets in Africa, the firm targets mostly low and middle-income shoppers, it resorts to local sourcing of most goods for its stores.

For developing countries like Pakistan, retailing in the afore-depicted sense is a matter of time. With world-wide progressive applicability of the regulations and procedures of WTO, rising incomes creating urban middle class in developing countries, emergence of mass marketing retailing outlets as entirely foreign-owned or as joint-ventures with local entrepreneurs appears to be inevitable.

Benefits of such retailing are immense for the consumer, with generally assured quality of products and competitiveness of prices. Retailing has the potential to be a boon for the consumers, provided state institutions act as regulators with imbibed sense of integrity.

Mass consumer marketing can generate massive economic benefits both for the operator, native manufacturers of the products as well as for the consumers and social benefits for the community and the economy at large.

It can be a great impetus not only for commerce but also for the manufacturing sector to observe discipline, integrity and commitment as to the standards and norms of respective products to open up foreign markets via the retailer.

http://www.urbanpakistan.com/forums/html/emoticons/pak_zindabad.gifUnitedPakistanApril 10th, 2005, 08:10 PMGerman Metro Group to open stores in Pakistan

Daily Times

LAHORE: A German trading retail company, Metro Group, will set up 20 stores in Pakistan with an investment of $5 billion, Muhammad Ajmal Cheema, Punjab minister for industries, commerce and investment, told a delegation of industrialists on Thursday.

He said that the first Metro store would open this year and either President Pervez Musharraf or Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz would inaugurate it. He said that initially two stores each would be opened in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi. He said the Metro Group had completed its survey for the acquisition of land in the cities. He said that a thousand new jobs would be created due to the company’s investment and they would also educate farmers in Pakistan on modern farming and marketing. staff reportwaleedkApril 10th, 2005, 10:17 PMThis is one of the biggest departmental stores in the world! ive been to the one in frankfurt! just watch... this is just amazing..i havent seen so many things under one roof!ZKApril 11th, 2005, 02:48 AMI m surprised that no store is initially planned for ISB. Though there is one planned for RWP.swerveutApril 11th, 2005, 08:15 AM

is it anything like walmart?waleedkApril 11th, 2005, 03:26 PMThe same if not bigger ... its like a store for everything in the world! ... the entire pace would be equal to their section on candies and gums... i just hope they are making their stores on a similar scale here and that they dont underestimate the pakistani market.pakboyApril 13th, 2005, 05:25 PM5 bill is alot.

but they dnt have any in uk.imran02feb79January 22nd, 2006, 08:55 AMGermany’s Metro Announces Plans to Start Business in Pakistan

Hans-Joachim Körber, Chaiman of Metro AG

German-based supermarket chain METRO has announced plans to start its business in Pakistan and expects its first Cash & Carry store to be operational by early 2007.

The group plans to open 10 stores in major cities with an initial investment of 150 million euros to tap the market of 154 million people.

Metro first showed its interest to do business in Pakistan in October, 2004 when the group’s Chief Executive Officer and President Dr. Hans-Joachim Koerber toured the country as part of a business delegation accompanying the then German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

A number of Metro’s top officials and experts later visited Pakistan to analyze the business prospects and prepare a feasibility study and, according to Dr. Koerber, results are “very positive and promising”.

“Pakistan’s market potential would fit very well with the business concepts of Metro Cash & Carry,” company’s chief executive Dr. Hans-Joachim Koerber told a press conference on Monday (January 16, 2006) also addressed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

He hopes to see the first Metro Cash & Carry store in Pakistan by early 2007 “if all pre-conditions are met”.

For the group, the main obstacle for its market entry in Pakistan is still the securing of land plots due to very high prices for real estate. The group’s President, however, is confident of sorting out the problem soon.

Pakistani prime minister welcomes MetroPrime Minister Shaukat Aziz described Metro’s interest and plans to open business in Pakistan as

very important for the country. “It’s a red-letter day for foreign direct investment in Pakistan because a major wholesale company is now looking at Pakistan for opening its business.”

Mr. Aziz hoped that Metro’s presence in Pakistan would influence the country’s “inefficient” multi-layered distribution and supply chain, which relies heavily on “middle men” and contributes to increasing the cost of products combined with low quality.

Almost 70 per cent of the country’s population live in rural areas, majority of whom are illiterate and engaged in farming. These farmers have limited farm-to-market access and, with scant know-how of market operations, they have little choice but to depend on middle-men to sell their products.

With some 500 stores in 28 countries and about 83,000 employees, Metro promises much greater efficiency in the procurement system, especially for small and medium-sized retails, as well as for hotels, restaurants and caterers.

Further, as the Metro group normally starts buying local products for its world-wide distribution and store network, it will also give a boost to the country’s export. Metro is already buying Pakistani goods worth 40 million euros every year for its world-wide supply network. These include leather garments, home textiles and fruits.mirzatheMarch 4th, 2006, 02:11 AMISLAMABAD (March 03 2006): Steenkolen Handels-Vereeniging (SHV), a Netherlands-based group of companies, will make an investment of 160 million dollars to set up 12 Makro stores (cash and carry) in Pakistan,

A delegation of SHV holdings N.V called on Federal Minister for Industries, and Production Jehnagir Khan Tareen and sought the government's help in finding out suitable places in different cities for setting up these stores.

Makro is cash and carry wholesaler concern, selling in high volume food and non-food products to registered professional customers. Target customer groups are small and medium size retailers, caterers and the institutional market by providing products of quality and variety to customers. At present Makro Asia has 69 stores in different countries and its head office for Asia is in Bangkok, Thailand.

"The government is keen to attract investment in different sectors of the economy for which it provides incentives and concessions to the prospective investors" said the minister.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=393651&currPageNo=2&query=&search=&term=&supDate=swerveutMarch 4th, 2006, 03:01 AM

More details can be found on their website: http://www.makropakistan.com/

Apparently stores will open from this year.merijanpakistanMarch 4th, 2006, 07:49 AMSalam,

For some reason, I am not particularly in favour of such kind of investments. I would like an investment in infrastructure.... but for retailing or wholesaling, i would rather have Pakistani companies do that. That is a quick way of sucking up the capital, and I would'v liked Pakistanis to continue to do so.

Foreign investment sounds good only in those areas that are technically advanced or economically gigentic...! For a store chain, I don't really think so, somehow.

Peace.SaniaMarch 4th, 2006, 08:27 AMlooking good newshttp://www.makropakistan.com/jobsenglish2.htmlswerveutMarch 4th, 2006, 08:28 AMSalam,

For some reason, I am not particularly in favour of such kind of investments. I would like an investment in infrastructure.... but for retailing or wholesaling, i would rather have Pakistani companies do that. That is a quick way of sucking up the capital, and I would'v liked Pakistanis to continue to do so.

Foreign investment sounds good only in those areas that are technically advanced or economically gigentic...! For a store chain, I don't really think so, somehow.

Peace.

^^ true. I completely agree. Consumer markets should be capitalized first by Pakistanis and the government should set up funds to encourage Pakistani enterprises while allowing limited foreign investment in the sector for diversity. A classic case of big chains drowning out locally owned buisnesses could be Mr. Burger in Karachi which has been almost wiped out by Mc Donalds.

But....theres another side to the story as well. Since a lot of Pakistani enterprisers dont have a lot of resources at the moment to make big capital investments the foreign companies can make, taking up foreign franchises is a good and well tested way to launch a profitable buisness fast. And since these franchises spread faster to more areas, they bring with them more jobs and faster

development to the areas they spread to. So in the end, even if Pakistan ends up looking like an American town with walmarts all over the place, it would in the end, serve to improve the economy and bring more jobs.

Observing the case of Mc Donalds again, even though it has almost driven Mr. Burger to the brink of bankruptcy, they have introduced a new work culture where the workforce is more educated and more professional. It has taken away the stigma attached to working in a burger shop for a lot of social classes. And they have also been able to open a whole lot more outlets in various places that are employing a lot more people than Mr. Burger would have been able to do till now.merijanpakistanMarch 5th, 2006, 07:51 PMSalam,

Yes, that indeed is a valid point. But the problem lies IN the economic exploitation that goes on under the roofs of big corporations. Here in America, amongst social theorests, there is a move called "Buy Local", which is aimed at reducing the impact of huge corporations in our culture. There are great problems with this corporate culture, that needs to be looked into seriously.

All I see them doing is sucking up the financial capital of the market and move on to the next market... almost like a leech. Imagine how McDonalds all over the world is earning billions of dollars just by franchizing its "brand name", while the burger it sells is patheticly tasteless. All it has done is to bankrupt those small burger shops in the street corners around the world, and suck the money out of the blind consumers, who really don't care either way.

Point was that this store has nothing Technologically superior to offer us, no technology transfer, no huge infrastructure... all it will do is to suck up the capital that is now in circulation amongst small shopkeepers in Pakistani cities and towns.

That's why i hate corporate culture.... But I will tolerate corporations if they have a good side, like Technology Transfer. So, if Boeing comes to Pakistan, I'd be happy.

Peace.UnitedPakistanMarch 5th, 2006, 09:26 PMBoeing has already come to Pakistan and setup a huge factory to make aircraft parts.swerveutMarch 5th, 2006, 09:37 PM^^ source? any articles or links that verify that?RkhanMarch 5th, 2006, 09:41 PM^ i heard this on news a few days back as well. i think it was geo. not sure which chanel.merijanpakistanMarch 6th, 2006, 12:43 AMSalam,

He is right in the sence that Boeing has a contract with Kamra (and probably QAI airport as well??) to assemble a few parts for a specific time period.

But the company stays in US in principle. However, I am happy that some technology transfer has happened with Kamra. This, according to an article, may help us transfer JF-17 technology easily.

Such investments, or investments in Dams, or power plants, is appreciated and really needed. But a chain retail store? I dont see any thing positive about it. In fact, its negative impacts slightly overweigh its benifits.

Peace.pakboyMarch 6th, 2006, 12:52 AManythink that brings employment is good.

it can hurt other pakistani business but it would also create competition which will make them renovate there stores and expand them so they will also have to invest more money. this is good.

there really wasnt any good posh resturants in lahore except for village untill mcdonalds, kfc, pizza hut, chicargo grill came and it made all the other resturants invest more on the resturants and develop them so they could compete with the international ones, now there are many of these resturants made by pakistanis which are doing even better then the international ones.

so it is very good if international stores and chains open up in pakistan, it will give a kick up the locals backsides to make them work harder and provide a customer friendly place, which was very hard to find a few years ago.merijanpakistanMarch 6th, 2006, 02:13 AMSalam,

Before I counter your logic, I hope you follow the rules of descent argument :| and not attack the forumer you disagree with, personally.

anythink that brings employment is good.Illegal Drugs bring employment.Weapons bring employment.Nuclear poliferation brings employment.Prostitusion brings employment.Human Trafficking brings employment.Monopoly brings employment.Slavery brings employment.Smuggling brings employment.Lawlessness brings employment.Corruption brings employment.

Terrorism can bring employment.Robbery can bring employment.Bribery can bring employment.Lobbying can bring employment.

YOUR THEORY IS NOT ACCURATE and is too general. Economic exploitation by big corporates DO NOT BRING EMPOLOYMENT, it brings misery for millions who GET UNEMPLOYEED cos this big fish is taking all their jobs, and mechanizing them...!!!

it can hurt other pakistani business but it would also create competition which will make them renovate there stores and expand them so they will also have to invest more money. this is good.I dont think so. I dont think that that poor burger-maker at the end of my street will renovate his stall in competition with McDonald's infinite power and capital investment.... just so that they can better exploit an average burger-eater!

Like I said, if it was Lockheed Martin or Boeing comming in comparison with Kamra, I would like it, because then Kamra will learn from LM or Boeing. But a retail store has nothing to offer us ... other then economic exploitation. I know its a hard concept to understand, so I won't force any body to think too deeply.

there really wasnt any good posh resturants in lahore except for village untill mcdonalds, kfc, pizza hut, chicargo grill came and it made all the other resturants invest more on the resturants and develop them so they could compete with the international ones, now there are many of these resturants made by pakistanis which are doing even better then the international ones.You are talking about short-term benifit... that now you have better seating at your favorite food place. I am talking about millions who lost their jobs cos McDonald stole their business.... and people buy an inferior McDonald product cos it shines more than your local burger-maker's sandwich.

so it is very good if international stores and chains open up in pakistan, it will give a kick up the locals backsides to make them work harder and provide a customer friendly place, which was very hard to find a few years ago.I don't think Germans will be interested in manufacturing Euro-fighter in competition with JF-17 in Kamra. They would rather open up Metro chain, so that that last bit of money that Pakistani retailers are making becomes a corporate asset... and all they have to do it is suck it and take it back to Berlin. All we would be left with is this SHINNY PLACE TO SHOP and a lot of unemployment outside the store on the streets.

Again, hard concepts to understand... so don't ponder too much.

Peace.pakboyMarch 6th, 2006, 03:00 AMIllegal Drugs bring employment.Weapons bring employment.Nuclear poliferation brings employment.

Prostitusion brings employment.Human Trafficking brings employment.Monopoly brings employment.Slavery brings employment.Smuggling brings employment.Lawlessness brings employment.Corruption brings employment.Terrorism can bring employment.Robbery can bring employment.Bribery can bring employment.Lobbying can bring employment.

YOUR THEORY IS NOT ACCURATE and is too general. Economic exploitation by big corporates DO NOT BRING EMPOLOYMENT, it brings misery for millions who GET UNEMPLOYEED cos this big fish is taking all their jobs, and mechanizing them...!!!

:eek2: :eek2: :eek2:

i thought we are talking about foreign multinational firms investing in pak.

which foreign multinational firms specialise in all that.

I dont think so. I dont think that that poor burger-maker at the end of my street will renovate his stall in competition with McDonald's infinite power and capital investment.... just so that they can better exploit an average burger-eater!

a stall and a mcdonalds obviously cater to different classes.

they both are in different leagues and have different customers, a big mcdonalds opening next to a burger stall will not affect its sales at all, the lower class will continue to go there to get a Rs.10 burger.

but if there was a posh resturant catering to the middle and upper class and mcdonalds opened next to it, then most definatly it will get renovated E.G MM Alam road, main boulevard, y block.

Like I said, if it was Lockheed Martin or Boeing comming in comparison with Kamra, I would like it, because then Kamra will learn from LM or Boeing. But a retail store has nothing to offer us ... other then economic exploitation. I know its a hard concept to understand, so I won't force any body to think too deeply.

and a retail store cant learn from the other?

if you have been to pakistan in the last few years you could see that the retail stores and resturants have got much posher and offer a better service and the main reason for this was that they learned from there international competitors who invested in pak.

You are talking about short-term benifit... that now you have better seating at your favorite food place. I am talking about millions who lost their jobs cos McDonald stole their business.... and people buy an inferior McDonald product cos it shines more than your local burger-maker's sandwich.

that is no short term benefit and no one lost there jobs, infact more jobs were created and the ones that allready existed got an increasement in salary.

once again like the examples i have given you, in the places the posh resturants opened like y block and mm alam road the local ones had to increase there employees job salarys to make sure they dont leave.

I don't think Germans will be interested in manufacturing Euro-fighter in competition with JF-17 in Kamra.

and why would a retail chain like metro be interested in manufacturing fighter jets? :weird:

They would rather open up Metro chain, so that that last bit of money that Pakistani retailers are making becomes a corporate asset... and all they have to do it is suck it and take it back to Berlin. All we would be left with is this SHINNY PLACE TO SHOP and a lot of unemployment outside the store on the streets

isnt that what the companys invest for, to take back the money?

why would someone invest, if they are not gona take there profits back. LOL

that is what business is all about.

and please explain how unemployment would be created outside the store.pakboyMarch 6th, 2006, 03:08 AManother good thing about retail chains being setup is that they urbanize the area.

if you go to any place in pak where the international chains exist you could see how posh and urban the commerical areas are wereas if you go to any place where they dont exist all you see is dirty shops, hanging sign boards, bad service, broken tiles etc.

it just shows that the internation stores have an effect on the others and as i have mentioned earlier it makes the others invest in there business. IT CREATES COMPETION AND COMPETION ALWAYS LEADS TO SOMETHING GOOD.

Examples of these places which have been urbized due to international stores opening there in Lahore are Y BLOCK and MM ALAM ROAD.

while in other areas the majority have unclean damaged shops where internation chains dont operate:

link road, model townanarkhali mall road, retail shops part (it is slowly changing is well now with a few stores opening there)hall road (one of the main commercial avenues in the city)the many other commercial zones in gulberg and DHAmain boulevard, johar town

you can see that international stores have a big effect on this and most of these areas are urban places.UnitedPakistanMarch 6th, 2006, 05:16 AMSalam,

He is right in the sence that Boeing has a contract with Kamra (and probably QAI airport as well??) to assemble a few parts for a specific time period.

But the company stays in US in principle. However, I am happy that some technology transfer has happened with Kamra. This, according to an article, may help us transfer JF-17 technology easily.

Such investments, or investments in Dams, or power plants, is appreciated and really needed. But a chain retail store? I dont see any thing positive about it. In fact, its negative impacts slightly overweigh its benifits.

Peace.Avid reader of PakDef?

Yes, I can tell when I see one!

SyedA is a good guy I always talk to him on MSN as well as Usman who is another great person.merijanpakistanMarch 6th, 2006, 10:18 AMSalam,

Yes. I am a regular at that site. Indeed the most important site I have ever visited on the net.

Usman is excellent... and full of mystery. Senior members are very patriotic and keep the "good news" to themselves untill its the proper time and proper confirmation. That way, there is no leakage... and the sources are reliable. Most of them are insiders.... the site, therefore is exciting..! :)

Peace.malpensaMarch 25th, 2006, 04:40 AM"For some reason, I am not particularly in favour of such kind of investments."

ur forgetting that this german firm will employee thousands, spend hundreds of millions, and increase the quality standards of food processingmerijanpakistanMarch 25th, 2006, 06:39 AMSalam,"For some reason, I am not particularly in favour of such kind of investments."

ur forgetting that this german firm will employee thousands, spend hundreds of millions, and increase the quality standards of food processing

Ur forgetting the impact of corporate chains on the local economy. Their cost to indegenous economies is greater than their benifit. They will employ 200 (basically low-payed) workers, while making life harder for 4000 small shopkeepers.

Besides, my point was that we are not gonna benifit any thing from a retail store chain. If it is a technology transfer (like an investment from Lockheed Martin), fine. But I wouldn't want foreigners to come, exploit our workforce and resources, make billions and take away.

If you, however, are not aware of the exploitation of corporate culture, I am unable to explain on this forum. I would rather recommend some books, documentries and links, if you are interested.

Peace.malpensaMarch 25th, 2006, 10:56 PMMetro sells wholesale only to business owners so those 4000 small shopkeepers lives are improved by getting all their supplies from one place.( example: buy 5 bottles of coke for 200 rupess then sell it at ur own shop for 250 .) a normal person cant shop at Metro without membership dues. It saves time and money for little shopkeepers and they get better products for their own stores.

"They will employ 200 (basically low-payed) workers, while making life harder for 4000 small shopkeepers." not truepakboyMarch 26th, 2006, 02:18 AMMetro sells wholesale only to business owners so those 4000 small shopkeepers lives are improved by getting all their supplies from one place.( example: buy 5 bottles of coke for 200

rupess then sell it at ur own shop for 250 .) a normal person cant shop at Metro without membership dues. It saves time and money for little shopkeepers and they get better products for their own stores.

"They will employ 200 (basically low-payed) workers, while making life harder for 4000 small shopkeepers." not true

agree,

but remember its not metro opening up, its there sister company makro,

and basically they will be paying employees much higher wages then the ones at normal retailers while at the same time creating high paid employment (http://www.makropakistan.com/jobsenglish.html).

its basically just rubbish that it will affect small retailers if it does then like i said it would be good as IT CREATES COMPETITION. and competition is always good.merijanpakistanMarch 26th, 2006, 09:55 AMSalam,

I don't particularly agree with this notion that competition is always good.

Moreover, my example was supposed to be generalized as a principle, not as a specific example.

Even if it is a wholesaler, just the fact that it is a corporation, it has negative impacts for indegenous economies.

Unfortunatly, this guy (that i really dont wanna argue with) thinks that this competition is gonna create efficiency and therefore it's good. The fact is that efficiency from that prespective is not really good, since corporations are self-centered.

Again, if people dont understand the economic impact of "big-durty-business", I really can't explain. Its just a realization thing...

Peace.swerveutMarch 26th, 2006, 11:32 AM^^ effective debating requires that you should be able to state your arguments in favor or against something effectively and not get pissed off if somebody offers a differing point of view.

We are all discussing issues here. If you offer viewpoints, you should have the conviction in your arguments to be able to defend them on a logical and reasonable ground and have the courage to be able to listen to others points of view as well in order to carry the debate forward in a mature and civilized way.

merijanpakistanMarch 27th, 2006, 07:03 AMSeld Deleted: under Garbage Control Act.swerveutMarch 27th, 2006, 07:23 AMNo need to lose control of your emotions.

I had utmost respect for you and I still do for the studies you have done. But what has constantly been flicking me off so far is that in another thread you attacked somebody for agreeing with my point and made fun of them. Now you are directing an answer towards me and you are referring to me as "somebody" over and over again when obviously you are talking about me.

If indeed you are civilized and mature as you claim you are, it escapes my understanding why you have to resort to arguing in such a manner.

As far as the arguments on economic exploitation go, both of us have our points of view. You made yours clear and I very much understood it. I made mine clear as well. Every body has differring points of view and by putting them forward, we are doing a service to everybody so they can see both points of view and make up their minds. There is nothing in it to get so disgruntled about. After all, the point of this forum is to discuss and debate and present what we think is best for the nation.

I on my part was talking about Sustainable Development here in West Virginia when some of the members here were in their dipers

Other forumers here havent come out straight from the barn-house either.merijanpakistanMarch 27th, 2006, 08:30 AMSeld Deleted: under Garbage Control Act.swerveutApril 10th, 2006, 07:44 AMI saw this ad for a new GNC store opening in Islamabad. There are already two GNC stores in Lahore. Makes you wonder when they are planning on opening a store in the largest city of Pakistan. If anybody has more info on who is the franchisee of GNC in Pak, please share the information.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2585/gncpk5um.jpgFKApril 10th, 2006, 12:13 PMSadly its not in KarachiIntoxicationApril 10th, 2006, 03:50 PMI'm surprised that they didn't open a store first in Karachi as well.

Since they are more in need of these products than the people in Lahore or Islamabad. :DswerveutApril 10th, 2006, 07:23 PM^^ true that! Karachiites are not very health consious at all! they need to start watching out more for their well being. Everybody says we dont have the time. tsk tsk.UnitedPakistanApril 10th, 2006, 07:50 PMLahore needs GNC like right now!

Eating all that fatty food is not good.

Yes, I generalized Lahore but seriously open your eyes. Lahore must have the most obese people per block in Pakistan.malpensaApril 10th, 2006, 09:36 PMunitedpakistan you spoke too soon........

Swedish company to launch weight-reducing shake LAHORE (April 10 2006): A Swedish firm known as Better Life Scandinavia INTL, dealing in nutrition and weight management products, will soon launch weight-reducing shake to help fight obesity and burning extra fat in the human body. In this regard a pre-launching ceremony of food supplement was held here on Saturday night.

Addressing on the occasion, the Punjab Minister for Mines and Minerals Syed Sibtain recounted negative impact of obesity on human body that causes diabetes, hypertension, cardiac and other health problems.

He said gaining weight is a world-wide phenomenon that causes due to junk food, burgers, soft drinks, and lack of exercise and improper life-style.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2006

for all the fat aunties and uncles in Pak who cant reduce their samoosa intakeGumnaamApril 17th, 2006, 07:48 AMLahore must have the most obese people per block in Pakistan.:eat: :eat: :eat: :eat:UnitedPakistanApril 18th, 2006, 04:54 AMDiscussion Re-Opened!

Stay CivilizedshueybApril 24th, 2006, 11:54 AM

KARACHI: A French retail company - Carrefour - will start operating in Karachi by next year.

This was stated by the Consul General of France in Karachi, Pierre Seillan, while talking to APP.

He said that Carrefour has also sent its representative to make preparations in this respect.

The Consul General stated that the French company would open a huge retail facility in the metropolis.

He said that a similar facility is also planned to be set up in Lahore as well.

Pierre Seillan stated that the trade ties between France and Pakistan are on the increase.

He was of the view that there exists potential for further improvement in the economic field.

It was also informed that a team of French experts will visit here by June this year to help Pakistan in setting up a world class engineering university in Karachi to produce high quality graduates. A consortium of some of the best French universities will collaborate with Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and that this will be the first engineering university to be established with the French assistance in Pakistan.

The institution which would be ready by October 2008 would offer the disciplines of mechanical and electrical engineering, information technology, computer sciences etc. When becoming functional, the university would enrol some 5,000 students.

[The News, April 22, 2006]Red aRRowJanuary 1st, 2007, 01:59 PMhttp://epaper.dawn.com/Web/Article/2007/01/01/012/01_01_2007_012_006.jpgFKJanuary 1st, 2007, 06:58 PMAnyone know where this place is ?

My guessing is somewhere near the Port, maybe a little further away from it..moved_onJanuary 1st, 2007, 08:56 PMAnyone know where this place is ?

My guessing is somewhere near the Port, maybe a little further away from it..

Address is quoted in the ad. It is in SITE at Valika Chowrangi near Hinopak Plant.NewYork-walaJanuary 2nd, 2007, 09:19 AMWhats the differnce between a cash and carry store and an ordinary retail store line walmart etc?HopeJanuary 3rd, 2007, 01:47 AM

Whats the differnce between a cash and carry store and an ordinary retail store line walmart etc?

As I understand, Cash & carry is a whole sale store i.e. for commercial buying. where as retail store line is for consumer buying i.e store to buy our daily stuffswerveutJanuary 3rd, 2007, 02:24 AMI think a cash n carry would be more like Sam's Club or something such instead of being like a walmart, so you can buy things in bulk for very cheap.NewYork-walaJanuary 3rd, 2007, 03:30 AMOh ok like a costco...Cool..cntowerJanuary 4th, 2007, 12:36 AMNice...imran02feb79January 4th, 2007, 07:25 AMcan someone in karachi go to the "makro" and post some picsaliroxJanuary 6th, 2007, 09:21 AMits really far from defence i was going to a weding and i saw it on the way.siamu maharajJanuary 6th, 2007, 05:19 PMIt is basically a wholesale store for the retailers, it's like Carrefour, just several times bigger (and for retailers, not end-consumers like Carrefour is). But what I've seen mostly is that people have given fake names of shops and then use the cards to shop.Red aRRowJanuary 6th, 2007, 07:20 PMIt is basically a wholesale store for the retailers, it's like Carrefour, just several times bigger (and for retailers, not end-consumers like Carrefour is). But what I've seen mostly is that people have given fake names of shops and then use the cards to shop.

Yeah, but as far as I remember there was a minimum limit of Rupees which has to be spent on each trip. If people spend that everytime they go there then who cares whether they are giving fake names of shops or not.siamu maharajJanuary 7th, 2007, 02:20 PMI care, because I don't like fraud and dishonesty. That's the reason I've never been there. I'd rather buy something for twice the price than buy it at half the price through dishonesty. And no, I am not preaching, anyone is allowed to do what he/she wants, and I could care less. These are just the rules I have for myself.FKJanuary 7th, 2007, 06:29 PMI sort of agree with you on that one, I always did my shopping from Naheed Super Market & D-Mart because I dont like to argue with the "Thelay Walas" about the price of fruit or vegetables.

And not to mention their quality sucks, while Naheed and D-Mart, although expensive, still carry

better quality products.

But it'll be interesting to see how Makro turns out ..Fighter786January 8th, 2007, 05:17 AMIs this cash and carry like 'check into cash' ?FKJanuary 8th, 2007, 07:49 AMCash and carryFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cash and carry wholesale represents a type of operation within the wholesale sector. Its main features are summarized best by the following definitions:

Cash and carry is a form of trade in which goods are sold from a wholesale warehouse operated either on a self-service basis, or on the basis of samples (with the customer selecting from specimen articles using a manual or computerized ordering system but not serving himself) or a combination of the two. Customers (retailers, professional users, caterers, institutional buyers, etc.) settle the invoice on the spot and in cash, and carry the goods away themselves. (Eurostat, the European statistics authority).

Though wholesalers buy primarily from manufacturers and sell mostly to retailers, industrial users and other wholesalers, they also perform many value added functions, including selling and promoting, buying and assortment building, bulk-breaking, warehousing, transporting, financing, risk-bearing, supplying market information, and providing management services. (OECD -Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development).

There are significant differences between "classical" sales at the wholesale stage and the cash and carry wholesaler: These differences are based in particular on the fact that customers of the cash and carry wholesaler arrange the transport of the goods themselves and pay the goods in cash and not on credit. (EU Commission Decision (Kesko/Tuko) of November 20, 1996 (97/277/EC)). In a retail context, the term has a similar meaning: customers pay cash for the goods they purchase (the retailer does not offer credit accounts) and carry them away themselves (the retailer does not offer delivery service).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cash_and_carrysiamu maharajJanuary 8th, 2007, 06:30 PMThanks Fahad!imran02feb79January 13th, 2007, 10:37 AMAn image showing a little view of interiors & exterior of 1st MAKRO karachi Out Let

http://www.urbanpk.com/forums/uploads/uploadsystem/U28-1168677313.jpgMetropole

January 19th, 2007, 06:57 AMhttp://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/357215340_f1c6930675_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/357215371_8e4fcfcb47_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/357215358_4ca41cdbcf_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/47/357224276_9aaf2e2e72.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/357215345_9ecfb6a1bb.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/165/357215376_5a32ff9b45.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/123/357224267_0df8aba3af.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/357224270_920a28166b.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/357215353_4326c506b6.jpg?v=0FKJanuary 19th, 2007, 08:41 AMLooks good!imran02feb79January 19th, 2007, 09:23 AM^^ Cool man :banana: :banana: ... thanks for the picssingaporeanJanuary 19th, 2007, 09:39 AMNice looks better than carrfore.KBJanuary 19th, 2007, 03:48 PMits Carrefour

And their store are very big and quite modern at least here in france but none the less Makro looks OK.

Remember carrefour draws reveneues as huge as €74 billion a year. Thier net income is like €1.5billion/yr.Dallas1January 19th, 2007, 04:09 PMVery similar to Sam’s club, hopefully Makro will revolutionize the way Pakistanis shop, any one knows when its coming to Lahore??singaporeanJanuary 20th, 2007, 07:56 AMits Carrefour

And their store are very big and quite modern at least here in france but none the less Makro

looks OK.

Remember carrefour draws reveneues as huge as €74 billion a year. Thier net income is like €1.5billion/yr.

I don't know how they are in france? but im taking about Carrfour in KL and some other countries.KhanrakJanuary 20th, 2007, 08:55 AMIs the produce Pakistani or imported from elsewhere?FKJanuary 20th, 2007, 09:03 AMUmais: Mind the language ..siamu maharajJanuary 20th, 2007, 07:38 PMYou could've just edited the post, you know... rather than deleting that whole thing. It has a very valid point! You have no idea how much confusion it has created in here. People who shop at Naheed are thinking of going to shop there.MetropoleFebruary 15th, 2007, 07:57 AMArticle from http://lahore.metblogs.com/

Makro arrives in Lahore (http://lahore.metblogs.com/archives/2007/02/makro_arrives_i.phtml)

After its recent Karachi launch, the first wholesale supermarket chain of its kind in Pakistan, MAKRO, opens its doors to customers in Lahore. Their first store in the city opened yesterday at Ravi Road, where interestingly I've never been to.

MAKRO is a Dutch chain of large-scale wholesale supermarkets having a strong presence in many countries around the world. In Pakistan, it entered the market as a joint venture between its parent company SVH and one of the biggest business establishments of the country, the House of Habib to launch as Makro Habib Pakistan Limited.

I long to visit the place myself. It would be great if someone could have a round and send us some live pics of it.

http://www.makropakistan.com.pk/http://www.hoh.net/khanbhai1February 15th, 2007, 08:23 AMit looks like walmart in US wownot exactly heheh but it is great no doubtMercenaryFebruary 15th, 2007, 11:01 PMOne small step for Karachi one giant leap for PakistanisFK

February 16th, 2007, 08:11 AMMCB and Makro have reached an agreement through which shoppers would be able to use MCB cards at Makro.

But shouldnt they generally accept all forms of cards from all banks?siamu maharajFebruary 16th, 2007, 02:53 PMIs that a debit or a credit card?

Reason this might be a deal is that credit cards (and probably debit cards, too, but I am not sure) charge a 3% fee. These wholesale centers work at razor-thin margins and make money on volume, not margins. A 3% fee may actually make them sell a lot of items at a loss. This deal would probably be at a very very low fee, something like .5% or so, hence a deal with the bank and not Visa or MasterCard.shueybApril 9th, 2007, 02:10 PMWednesday, 04 April 2007

LAHORE, April 4 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has said Pakistan has become favourite country for foreign companies, which are in large number investing here due to better trade opportunities.

He stated this while addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of country headquarters of ‘Metro Cash and Carry’, an international company in self-service wholesale, here at Thokar Niaz Beg on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister said the Metro would bring a great revolution in the economic sector of Pakistan and thanked the company for selecting Lahore as its headquarters in Pakistan.

He said Metro is the third leading company of the world and its operations here would create thousands of job opportunities, which would ultimately help reduce the menace of poverty from the province.

Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi further said the Metro has promised to provide edibles and other items to the masses at a cheaper rate through its distribution centres.

In his address, the Chief Operating Officer Metro International Asia Pacific Region, Mr. James Scoot said the company is present in over 29 countries worldwide, with sales of over Euro 30.0 billion last year.

He said the company intends to invest over Euro 150 million in wholesale centres in all major cities around the country over the next 10 years.

“Each store would occupy a space of around 10,000 square meters and an assortment of over 20,000 products under one roof including both food and non-food articles, especially focusing on fresh food products,” he added.

He said only commercial customers are allowed to purchase at Metro Cash and Carry, all of them duly registered and provided with a customer card and the core customers are small and medium-sized retailers as well as the hotel, restaurant and catering business and other companies and institutions.

For them the Metro distribution network, they could purchase goods more flexibly and at more favourable prices compared with the traditional procurement sources.

Each store would employ over 300 local personnel and another 150 persons for auxiliary services as well as 200 individuals at the company’s headquarters in Lahore, he maintained.

The company also plans to run a farmer training programme intended to build the capacity of farmers by improvements in marketing and supply chain, he said and added this would help Pakistani farmers produce export quality fruit and vegetables.

[APP]safe_bloodApril 10th, 2007, 01:20 AMwhats the difference between metro and makroFKApril 10th, 2007, 01:22 AMI think its Makro that hes talking about.imran02feb79April 10th, 2007, 11:59 AM^^ no both are different chains .... there is already a MAKRO both in Karachi and Lahore...There is one METRO opend in Lahore, while it is in progress in Karachi on an empty plot adjacent to FTC (near Gora Qabristan).

So, we have two different chains in Pakistan ..... I also heard that Carrefour is opening their first Outlet in Karachi .... in DOLMEN CITY..Also, there is another big hyper market under construction on the land of CAA near to Jinnah Terminal ..... and another one at Mai Colachi by Pass....

Lets us see when these news get mature .....Also .any one in Karachi plz check it out, and confirm the status...shueybApril 10th, 2007, 06:19 PMI think its Makro that hes talking about.

No, I am not talking about Makro...

Metro is a German company, whereas Makro is Dutch. Although Metro owns the the Makro stores in Europe, but outside Europe, Makro and Metro are in competition with each other.

Makro is owned by the Dutch oil and gas company SHV. It runs stores in Asia and South America only. In 1998, Makro sold their European stores to Metro, a German based retail and wholesale company. Metro is still running the European stores under the Makro brand.

Pakistan is the sixth country in Asia where they started their operations.

Check their websites:www.metro-cc.comwww.makro.comshueybApril 10th, 2007, 06:32 PMATKearney is a US based management consultancy firm which published the annual Global Retail Development Index of 30 countries, most attractive for investment in retail sector. In 2005, Pakistan entered the index for the first time on the 30th position. This is what they had to say about Pakistan's retail sector in their 2005 report:

Pakistan enters the ranking. Kazakhstan may be next.

Pakistan makes its first appearance on the GRDI and rounds out this year’s index in the number 30 spot. Pakistan’s high market saturation score reflects one of the least concentrated retail sectors in the world. In fact, the only identifiable chain is state-owned Utility Stores Corporation, which holds just 0.3 percent of the market. With strong GDP growth averaging just over 6 percent for the past three years, and a government determined to attract foreign investment, up-and-coming Pakistan is beginning to capture retailers’ attention. SHV Makro plans to open 30 stores, and Spinneys expects to open six to eight. In addition, Metro will open its first Cash & Carry outlet by the end of this year, with plans to build 20 more outlets in the longer term. While Pakistan holds significant promise, questions about political stability and geopolitical tensions will likely make foreign entrants cautious.shueybApril 10th, 2007, 06:37 PMHere's the link for the above news:

http://www.atkearney.com/main.taf?p=5,3,1,110,4

By the way, how are images attached with posts?safe_bloodApril 10th, 2007, 07:27 PMi thought metro and makro were owned by the same companyshueybApril 21st, 2007, 09:46 AMAfter Makro and Metro, Spinneys of Dubai is the third chain of supermarkets which has announced to enter the Pakistani market. Their first supermarket will be located in the Sofitel Tower Karachi.EdwardesApril 22nd, 2007, 12:19 AM

Good news we need more supermarkets in PakistandopekhorApril 22nd, 2007, 11:48 AMwith so many supermarkets coming up dont u think it will drive out the local dukandars out of business?EdwardesApril 22nd, 2007, 10:18 PMNo actually. They make plenty of money actually. It will force them to modernize and diversify.

Competition always makes things better in Pakistan...always.FKApril 22nd, 2007, 10:25 PMA good example is Naheed Supermarket in Bahadurabad, its a local company which came out of its shell from a small shop into a large one near the same area.

Theres also D-Mart.safe_bloodApril 23rd, 2007, 07:52 AMhttp://www.lahorerealestate.com/ads/public/img-1177158492.jpgmoved_onApril 25th, 2007, 06:02 PMCash N carry HO, what so great about this news.silalApril 26th, 2007, 09:57 AMThe following was the press release issued by METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan on the occasion of its groundbreaking ceremony.

METRO Cash & Carry lays foundation for its first distribution centre in Pakistan

German self-service wholesaler to have first distribution centre on Multan Road near Thokar Niaz Beg, Lahore

Lahore, 4th April 2007 – METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan inaugurated its first distribution centre’s construction here at Multan Road near Thokar Niaz Beg with the presence of the Chief Minister of Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and the Lahore City District Nazim Mian Amer Mehmood. Also present at the ground breaking ceremony were the executive board of METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan, Mr. James Scott, Chief Operating Officer METRO Cash & Carry International Asia Pacific Region and Mr. Henry Birr, METRO Group’s Vice President International Affairs.

With its opening in Pakistan, the international market leader in self-service wholesale would be expanding its presence in Asia after China, Japan, Vietnam and India. The company is present in over 29 countries worldwide, with sales of over € 30.0 billion in 2006. It announced its operations in Pakistan in January 2006 after positive feasibility findings – with a population of over 160 million people, an improving infrastructure and a progressing economy; Pakistan was identified as a very promising market. The company intends to invest over € 150 million in

wholesale centres in all major cities around the country over the next 10 years. Each store will occupy a space of around 10,000 square meters and an assortment of over 20,000 products under one roof including both food and non-food articles, especially focusing on fresh food products.

Cash & Carry wholesale is characterized and defined through its customer base: only commercial customers are allowed to purchase at METRO Cash & Carry, all of them duly registered and provided with a customer card. This means that METRO Cash & Carry does not sell to private end consumers. The core customers are small and medium-sized retailers as well as the hotel, restaurant and catering business and other companies and institutions. For them the METRO Cash & Carry distribution network promises much greater efficiency than the multilayered supply chain. They can purchase the goods more flexibly and at more favourable prices compared with the traditional procurement sources. As a result, METRO Cash & Carry strengthens the competitiveness of its professional customers.

METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan’s first distribution centre will herald a new era of wholesale in the Pakistan. The company’s unique business model focuses on the provision of quality products for its customers at low prices making METRO Cash & Carry the most efficient procurement facility for professionals and businesses (B2B). Furthermore, the company’s business concept complements and enhances the existing consumer goods distribution structures in a country. METRO Cash & Carry strengthens local suppliers by building their capabilities and providing them with marketing opportunities – most of the products offered at METRO Cash & Carry will be produced locally. Therefore, METRO Cash & Carry will benefit the country and strengthen local supply chains as well as the market. In terms of employment, each store would employ over 300 local personnel. A further 150 persons will be employed for auxiliary services as well as 200 people at the company’s country headquarters in Lahore.

METRO Cash & Carry has committed itself to a long term partnership with Pakistan and its people which was echoed in its donations of €200,000 for both the President’s Earthquake Relief Fund and the Chief Minister’s Family Relief Project for Earthquake Victims. METRO Cash & Carry also plans to run a farmer training program intended to build the capacity of farmers by improvements in marketing and supply chain. This will help Pakistani farmers produce export quality fruits and vegetables that will be able to compete in the international market.

Mr. Scott said that the company was highly grateful to the people and Government of Pakistan as well as the Government of the Punjab for their hospitality and support. The governments’ policies on attracting foreign investment have done wonders for the country’s economy. Current economic trends show potential and coupled with the Government’s sound policies, Pakistani people will benefit over the long term. He emphasized that the partnership between METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan and the Government was strong and together the two can bring prosperity to the region and the whole country.

METRO Cash & Carry is represented in 28 countries with more than 580 self-service wholesale stores. With more than 100,000 employees worldwide, the company achieved sales of € 29.9 billion in 2006. METRO Cash & Carry is a sales division of the METRO Group, one of the most important international retailing and trading companies. In 2006, the group reached sales of about € 60 billion. The company has a headcount of some 270,000 employees and operates about

2,400 outlets in 30 countries. The operating business is performed by the sales brands which operate independently in the market: Metro/Makro Cash & Carry, Real hypermarkets and Extra supermarkets, Media Markt and Saturn – market leader in consumer electronics centers in Europe, and Galeria Kaufhof department stores.More information at: www.metrogroup.de.silalApril 26th, 2007, 10:01 AMAnd for those asking, the groundbreaking ceremony was held for METRO's first distribution centre AND Head Office. The head office will be located above the distribution centre.silalApril 26th, 2007, 11:10 AMImages from the Groundbreaking Ceremony

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/7448/Metro253.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/565/Metro234.jpg[from left to right:]Atila Yenisen (Merchandising & Procurement Director Food), Geoffrey Griffiths (Administration Director), Henry Birr (METRO Group’s Vice President International Affairs), James Scott (Chief Operating Officer METRO Cash & Carry International Asia Pacific Region) and Rein Vervoort (Director Operations) and Giovanni Soranzo (Procurement & Merchandising Director Non Food)

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/747/Metro78.jpgChief Minister Punjab, Ch. Pervaiz Elahi unveiling the plaque

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/616/Metro92.jpg[from left to right, front:]James Scott (Chief Operating Officer METRO Cash & Carry International Asia Pacific Region), Muhammad Ajmal Cheema (Minister for Industries, Punjab), Henry Birr (METRO Group’s Vice President International Affairs) and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi (Chief Minister Punjab)

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2443/Metro117.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8025/Metro120.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9861/Metro211.jpgsilalApril 26th, 2007, 11:17 AM

Images from METRO Cash & Carry centres from around the world:

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6605/mcc-news-images-mcc-11.jpgMETRO Cash & Carry International HQ, Duesseldorf, Germany

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6259/300dpijapanfrontstore1.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2600/72dpiitalianfrontview1.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2971/300dpiitalIstituzfront.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2741/300dpiitalfruitshelves4.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/944/300dpi20indian20shelve_custs.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9526/mcc-news-images-products-9.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/470/300dpichinesestoreindoor.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9413/300dpiitalianfish.jpg

website: http://www.metro-cc.com/malpensaApril 26th, 2007, 01:11 PMany body have renders? pics? and whats the area like?( location )silalApril 26th, 2007, 02:45 PMMETRO Cash & Carry stores almost always look the same everywhere around the world. It will look very similar to the following store situated in Bangalore, India.

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/1401/72dpi20indian20frontviefl6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/1226/copyof72dpi20parking2yb4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Here's the location:http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/7645/untitledlr9.th.jpg (http://img295.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitledlr9.jpg)

You can access it at wikimapia using the following link:http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=31466520&x=74234962&z=16&l=0&m=a&v=2shueybMay 3rd, 2007, 03:01 PMThanks for the pics, silal. But the Metro CnC would only allow registered shoppers to shop at their stores. Only businesses can become registered shoppers. :(FKMay 4th, 2007, 01:49 AMThey should have some sort of a deal to distribute their membership though?

Its ONLY for businesses :?SSCMay 4th, 2007, 06:40 AMWhat are these 'Metro Cash and Carry'? I have never heard of them before. Do we have'em in North America? anybody?malpensaMay 4th, 2007, 05:52 PMyeh in america people call them " costco" "bj's club " and "sams club". pretty much similar to these stores.huitMay 4th, 2007, 07:20 PMAnother Makro's construction would begin soon on Model Town Link Road.silalMay 4th, 2007, 09:35 PMYeah, METRO Cash & Carry is only for businesses. The company operates on very low margins. Selling in bulk (large quantities) allows them to make a profit on those low margins. Even the packaging is in bulk hence end consumers would not find it useful to shop there.SSCMay 5th, 2007, 01:45 AMThanks for your input ^^ So if these guys open up in Pakistan, a lot of small-businesses will roll out of businessPakiDoperzMay 6th, 2007, 03:49 AMthese store do sell to nomal consumers other than buisnesses , as makro also said it will only entertain stores but its not so they do entertain daily consumers by giving them daily sale ticket to carry out there shoppingmalpensaMay 6th, 2007, 03:56 AMyeh regular shoppers have to pay 10 percent extra usuallysilalMay 6th, 2007, 11:43 AMNo, METRO Cash & Carry will cater to small businesses, not provide competition. Their wholesale centers, as mentioned earlier, will serve businesses - the company is NOT into retailing. These small businesses will be able to purchase high quality products from METRO at competitive prices. In fact METRO Cash & Carry's core customers include small and medium retailers.

The company is also very systematic especially when it comes down to its business model. METRO Cash & Carry has a simple and effective business-to-business model which it will follow in Pakistan, just as it has in its 28 other countries.

And I've shopped at Makro myself, there is absolutely no surcharge if you are not a member.huitMay 6th, 2007, 01:19 PMMakro to come to Model Town: The Makro Habib Cash And Carry Group will sign an agreement with the Model Town Society on Monday to open its second outlet of the city in Model Town. The Holland-based Makro Group deals in edibles and items of daily use. The group is investing about $150 million in Pakistan on the invitation of President Pervez Musharraf. Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi inaugurated the city’s first Makro store on Ravi Road a few weeks ago. The group plans to open five stores in Lahore. staff report

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\05\06\story_6-5-2007_pg7_39imran02feb79June 6th, 2007, 07:06 AMhttp://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3716/page1zm7.gif (http://imageshack.us)transistorizedJune 6th, 2007, 07:23 AMok, i am not one to complain but this is just ridiculous. CM was there for "inauguration ceremony" of a freaking bulk grocery store. Doesnt he have anything better to do!!!siamu maharajJune 6th, 2007, 10:18 AMok, i am not one to complain but this is just ridiculous. CM was there for "inauguration ceremony" of a freaking bulk grocery store. Doesnt he have anything better to do!!!Dude, I know. They inaugurate things like flyovers...oogaboogaJune 6th, 2007, 12:43 PMBeta, it is Pakistan! These things are new in Pakistan so people treat it as if it is a real blessing being conferred on them. The whole family probably dresses up real nice to go to Makro. :laugh:malpensaJune 6th, 2007, 01:38 PM150 million dollars in investment. some govn official better show up....siamu maharajJune 6th, 2007, 01:50 PMBeta, it is Pakistan! These things are new in Pakistan so people treat it as if it is a real blessing being conferred on them. The whole family probably dresses up real nice to go to Makro. :laugh:You're actually not too far from the truth. I was just telling me friend that Pakistan's the only place where girls actually dress to go to malls. It's like a place they go out to. They way people say "I was at Park Towers", you'd think it's a freaking restaurant.IntoxicationJune 6th, 2007, 03:53 PMI've noticed the same thing with desis in the UK!

transistorizedJune 6th, 2007, 04:03 PMOut of place this question, but can anyone tell me if walmart is planing about coming to Pakistan?siamu maharajJune 6th, 2007, 04:46 PMOut of place this question, but can anyone tell me if walmart is planing about coming to Pakistan?Not that I've heard of. And given their business model, not anytime soon.

There are other big ones coming to Paksitan. Carrefour, this another German giant I can't recall. And a couple of others.FKJune 6th, 2007, 06:07 PMIts actually a funny store but I heard that a fake Wal-Mart had opened up in Gulistan-e-Jauhar where that ARY Cash & Carry is now.

They later closed down though.shueybJune 6th, 2007, 08:20 PMThere are other big ones coming to Paksitan. Carrefour, this another German giant I can't recall. And a couple of others.

Carrefour is not certain to come to Pak, but Spinneys is definitely coming. Also, we are starting to have our home-grown supermarket chains, ARY Cash n' Carry, D-Mart...siamu maharajJune 6th, 2007, 08:20 PMTrue. They also claimed that they are the real WalMart! Funny thing is that they didn't copy any of the logos or look-n-feel of WalMart.siamu maharajJune 6th, 2007, 08:25 PMCarrefour is not certain to come to Pak, but Spinneys is definitely coming. Also, we are starting to have our home-grown supermarket chains, ARY Cash n' Carry, D-Mart...Carrefour certainly is! Unless you got this piece of news recently. This another German chain is supposed to be investing $100+ million in here.

As for the **** chains, they are actally very small. And their business model isn't the same. Carrefour, etc. like to have huge stores and earn through economies of scale and hi turnover, low margin.

ARY Cash-n-Carry is a joke really. Dmart hardly has any stuff, half of the times you don't seem to find what you want. Naheed's (not a chain, a single store) is really really good though, but very very small. I went there once and would never again. At the checkout you get to smell all the variants of sweat. Freaking disgusting. I just left what I'd bought and left.malpensaJune 7th, 2007, 08:30 PM

Carrefour is pure rumormalpensaJune 7th, 2007, 08:32 PMCarrefour builds in developed countries.siamu maharajJune 8th, 2007, 09:20 AMCarrefour is pure rumorI'll try and find some more info on it.shueybJune 9th, 2007, 10:50 AMThe news of Carrefour coming to Pakistan did make rounds few months back, but it was perhaps a statement by French ambassador in a meeting with some Paksitani minister. I haven't heard any news of any representative from Carrefour coming to Pakistan. Pakistani minister's statements regarding international corporations coming to Pakistan are least reliable. Remember a minister claiming that DaimlerChrysler was going to invest US$ 5.5 billion for making their cars and trucks in Pakistan? Later DaimlerChrysler announced that they didn't have any such plans. Also US$ 5.5 billion is too huge an amount for an auto assembly plant. Small scale plants cost around US$ 10 to 50 million to erect. Also they have been claiming for long that Volkswagen and Renault are coming, but no signs yet.shueybJune 9th, 2007, 10:52 AMCarrefour certainly is! Unless you got this piece of news recently. This another German chain is supposed to be investing $100+ million in here.

Umais, please find out any news link for this another German chain.So far we have the following confirmed:

1. Makro - Netherlands - 2 stores open - 3rd opening soon - Land for 4th leased.2. Metro - Germany - Headquarters inaugurated3. Spinneys - First store announced to be opened in Sofitel Tower, Karachi.shueybJune 9th, 2007, 10:55 AMCarrefour builds in developed countries.

No. Carrefour does have stores in developing countries. They are present in Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey etc. There's no reason why they can't be successful in Pakistan.vadvaroJune 9th, 2007, 03:02 PMwent to the makro on ravi rd in lahore about 2 months ago and found the prices to be within 1-3 rupees of what I pay in other shops. they did have a few loss leaders (e.g. philips 21" tv for 8,900; minced beef for 95/kg) but otherwise I didn't see any compelling reason to shop there. either the small shops are not gouging us, or makro is gouging us. my experience in business tells me that the smaller shops are gouging us and makro has chosen to take the low road and gouge us well (albeit only slightly less so).

my conclusion: don't waste your time going to makro more than once. if you do go, please do

some price comparisons on staple goods (vegetables, pulses, grains, cooking oils, meats etc.) and then tell the rest of us whether makro is competitive on price, or not. i predict that metro and spinneys or what-have-you will also have prices that are within 10 rupees of the smaller shops on any given item (other than the advertised loss-leaders). with such a small price differential you would have to spend a few thousand rupees to "save" up to a hundred rupees or so.

as the great philosopher alfred e. neuman used to say: "ecchh!"

regards,vadvaroEdwardesJune 9th, 2007, 03:13 PMhmmsiamu maharajJune 9th, 2007, 08:28 PMUmais, please find out any news link for this another German chain.So far we have the following confirmed:

1. Makro - Netherlands - 2 stores open - 3rd opening soon - Land for 4th leased.2. Metro - Germany - Headquarters inaugurated3. Spinneys - First store announced to be opened in Sofitel Tower, Karachi.I'll try to, it's also in one of these threads. They also had an ad in the Careers section in Dawn sometime back. About half a year or so.silalJune 10th, 2007, 08:11 AMI think we should create another thread for these new MNCs entering the wholesale/retail market. But while we're on the topic:

Umais, malpensa & shueyb:Carrefour is definitely coming to Pakistan and will start hiring by late this year oe early next year. According to my source of information in the Punjab Government, they have leased the Fortress Expo Center in Lahore. There was even a news peice on this which I will try to find. Carrefour is a French chain, not a German one. It is the second largest retail company in the world after Wal-mart. You can visit their website at http://www.carrefour.com/

transistorized:Wal-mart & TESCO: There were rumors regarding these, but these companies are just entering India at the moment, and as per my information, they will wait some time to enter the Pakistani market, if they do.

Umais & shueyb:Rumors regarding "another" German chain: There are no other German chains entering the market at the moment. There has been news about German investment in the dairy sector, which could be the basis of this news.

transistorized & malpensa:

METRO Cash & Carry's investment is about 150 million euros (which, if you calculate, is a lot more than $150 million!) Other than this monetary investment, there will be investment in improving the supply chain, providing employment and improvements in quality. Companies like METRO are also indicators for other MNCs to enter the market since it provides the impression that the country's economy is progressing. To top it all off, METRO Group (METRO Cash & Carry's parent company) was until very recently the third largest retail/trading company in the world. Hence the CM's presence! :)

vadvaro:Perhaps a price difference of Rs. 1-3 isn't as attractive to you, but imagine yourself buying in bulk. These Rs. 1-3 could make a lot of difference if you were buying large quantities numbering in about hundreds or even thousands. That is the wholesale model even though Makro is allowing retail at the moment. Everything about Makro (it's location, prices, setup) is geared towards wholesaling e.g. you can't purchase shoes until you purchase at least 3 and a normal consumer would spend more on petrol getting to its location than it would save by shopping there. You must realize that Makro and METRO will be distinguished from regular wholesale on aspects such as quality, reliability and transparency which you cannot get at regular wholesale markets. Makro is not supposed to be a retail outlet like Spinneys or Carrefour or even Wal-mart. It is targeted towards a very segmented market niche and that is what it caters. The fact that you and I can go shop there is a mere allowance in order to get more customers.EdwardesJune 10th, 2007, 09:34 AMI do think Wal-Mart will eventually enter the Pakistani market.They are using india as a testing base for asia. If it suceeds (which I think it will), expect wal-mart in your area very soon.transistorizedJune 10th, 2007, 09:47 AMI do think Wal-Mart will eventually enter the Pakistani market.They are using india as a testing base for asia. If it suceeds (which I think it will), expect wal-mart in your area very soon.

They most certainly will be here in the next 7 years or so considering that they will be in India very soon.

But I really really hope that they rather not. Walmart is one truly evil company. They are already paying below poverty level, making employees work off clock, even locking up employees in stores overnight - and thats here in US. Just think what they would do when they come to Pakistan.

PS: silal, thanks for answering our questionsvadvaroJune 10th, 2007, 10:06 AMI think we should create another thread for these new MNCs entering the wholesale/retail market. But while we're on the topic:

Umais, malpensa & shueyb:Carrefour is definitely coming to Pakistan and will start hiring by late this year oe early next year. According to my source of information in the Punjab Government, they have leased the

Fortress Expo Center in Lahore. There was even a news peice on this which I will try to find. Carrefour is a French chain, not a German one. It is the second largest retail company in the world after Wal-mart. You can visit their website at http://www.carrefour.com/

transistorized:Wal-mart & TESCO: There were rumors regarding these, but these companies are just entering India at the moment, and as per my information, they will wait some time to enter the Pakistani market, if they do.

Umais & shueyb:Rumors regarding "another" German chain: There are no other German chains entering the market at the moment. There has been news about German investment in the dairy sector, which could be the basis of this news.

transistorized & malpensa:METRO Cash & Carry's investment is about 150 million euros (which, if you calculate, is a lot more than $150 million!) Other than this monetary investment, there will be investment in improving the supply chain, providing employment and improvements in quality. Companies like METRO are also indicators for other MNCs to enter the market since it provides the impression that the country's economy is progressing. To top it all off, METRO Group (METRO Cash & Carry's parent company) was until very recently the third largest retail/trading company in the world. Hence the CM's presence! :)

vadvaro:Perhaps a price difference of Rs. 1-3 isn't as attractive to you, but imagine yourself buying in bulk. These Rs. 1-3 could make a lot of difference if you were buying large quantities numbering in about hundreds or even thousands. That is the wholesale model even though Makro is allowing retail at the moment. Everything about Makro (it's location, prices, setup) is geared towards wholesaling e.g. you can't purchase shoes until you purchase at least 3 and a normal consumer would spend more on petrol getting to its location than it would save by shopping there. You must realize that Makro and METRO will be distinguished from regular wholesale on aspects such as quality, reliability and transparency which you cannot get at regular wholesale markets. Makro is not supposed to be a retail outlet like Spinneys or Carrefour or even Wal-mart. It is targeted towards a very segmented market niche and that is what it caters. The fact that you and I can go shop there is a mere allowance in order to get more customers.

agreed, b2b is the only model that makes business sense; unless they're going into the real estate business (think mcdonald's in the 1980's in the US). if they're catering primarily to other businesses, then why don't these types of chains locate away from the high-density urban areas? case in point, metro trying to locate in model town. model town is populated mostly by residential homes, why should a large business serving mostly other businesses be allowed to locate on an amenity plot? why don't they locate somewhere along multan road or on ferozepur rd past the bridge towards kanay kacchay village? quality, reliability and transparency? my fear is that the business administration of the foreign companies will become co-opted and indeginized to become like the pakistani based businesses they're supposed to compete with. case in point, most foreign based companies in pakistan have to bribe their way into sla's and into

permitting by govt entities. even if the bribery is not institutionalized (think london metro cab scheme, pakistan steel mills and the imaginary mercedes truck assembly plant near lahore), then it is still practiced at the individual level (think on any number of individuals being pursued by the courts, one example being abid saigol in the case of mohib textile mills. it may just end up being more of the same old same old. let's hope for the best.

regards,

vadvarosiamu maharajJune 10th, 2007, 11:52 AMSilal, thanks.

Carrefour will be opening its store at Dolmen City. I just wanted to confirm it for shuyeb. And yeah, it's French, never said it was German, actually it was another German firm I was thinking of besides MEtro. As you said there's not any other firm, then it must be in some other related business. I still remember the news item that said a total of $350 million by two German groups.

As for Makro, you're spot on. FINALLY someone understnads that it's b2b. I've gone hoarse telling that to everyone. valdaro, in Karachi it actually is situated in an industrial area. Dunno why they selected a residential area in Lahore. Also, my friend was complaining that the prices thre weren't all that low. I just wanted to slap him, but stopped short.

As for WalMart, I don't think it's too successful outside of the Americas. Personally, I don't see it coming to Pakistan. In here there's a perception that the "kiryana" store is for the poor. Marts/supermarkets/etc. are for the rich. Very hard to break that mold. I don't know how things work in India, so won't comment on that.vadvaroJune 10th, 2007, 02:29 PMSilal, thanks.

Carrefour will be opening its store at Dolmen City. I just wanted to confirm it for shuyeb. And yeah, it's French, never said it was German, actually it was another German firm I was thinking of besides MEtro. As you said there's not any other firm, then it must be in some other related business. I still remember the news item that said a total of $350 million by two German groups.

As for Makro, you're spot on. FINALLY someone understnads that it's b2b. I've gone hoarse telling that to everyone. valdaro, in Karachi it actually is situated in an industrial area. Dunno why they selected a residential area in Lahore. Also, my friend was complaining that the prices thre weren't all that low. I just wanted to slap him, but stopped short.

As for WalMart, I don't think it's too successful outside of the Americas. Personally, I don't see it coming to Pakistan. In here there's a perception that the "kiryana" store is for the poor. Marts/supermarkets/etc. are for the rich. Very hard to break that mold. I don't know how things work in India, so won't comment on that.

it's a good thing you didn't slap your friend; he might have slapped you back.

okay, so if makro is supposed to be b2b and if the piyaz there is 13 rs/kg and i can buy it for 15 rs/kg in the sabzi mandi then does that mean that the shopkeeper buying from makro for resale at his own shop is only going to get a 2 rs gross margin? i know that rehri walas and dukandars have a much higher gm than a few rs per kg; go to the sabzi mandi neelams at the opening and close of each workday and you can work out the gm yourself based on the winning thoke bid and the subsequent retail price at the rehri or stall (in the same mandi mind you). it doesn't make good business sense to be buying from makro for resale at such a thin margin.

maybe makro offers a discount to business members (which i didn't get because i shopped on a day pass for non-business members). i could get a business membership but am not entirely sold on the idea without knowing how much of a discount i'd get. can anyone else here tell us if there is a b2b discount? if yes, then how much of a discount is it, off the posted prices? what's their phone number anyway? i'm not driving to 75 ravi rd to answer this question.

inquiring minds want to know.

regards,

vadvarosiamu maharajJune 10th, 2007, 03:05 PMHe was talking about Lurpak butter (the best butter in the world might I add).

Secondly, it's NOT a discount. The things are sold at wholesale prices. NOT the same thing as a discount. I honestly don't get what people aren't getting. It's like a glorified sabzi mandi that sells everything. And like I said it won't make any sense for you to go there, unless you have a family of 40. I just don't get why people can't understand this simple simple simple concept.FKJune 10th, 2007, 03:49 PMI guess people are looking for half priced products :dunno:shueybJune 10th, 2007, 05:32 PMIs Carrefour coming on its own or through a franchisee? In most of the Middle East, Carrefour hypermarkets are run by their master franchisee, Majid Al-Futtaim.shueybJune 10th, 2007, 05:35 PMKARACHI: A Canadian company is planning to set up a new chain of mini-departmental stores under the banner of “Value Bazaar” all over Pakistan.

At a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday, CE0 Bazaar Anjum Laiq said the departmental stores would introduce a new concept of retail market in the country, which will facilitate the masses and create multiple business and job opportunities for Pakistani citizens.

The company would invest Rs200 million to establish regional corporate stores in Sindh in the first designed project, which could facilitate 30 outlets, to be established next year. Meanwhile, the first outlet of departmental store would start its operation by upcoming July in Karachi.

Detailing the features of Value Bazaar, he said the departmental stores will provide all the basic necessities of the people under one roof besides groceries which includes meat and dairy products, house ware, glassware and hardware, health and beauty products, paper and plastic products, cleaning supplies, confectioneries, audio and video, gift items and toy, party items and craft, stationary and greeting cards, fashion accessories and many other items.

He said the merchandise would be brought in the outlets from various countries on competitive rates.

The company is currently working under the banner of “Dollar Bazaar” in 176 stores of Canada. This would be first ever investment outside the Canada.

Anjum Laiq mentioned that Pakistan is very lucrative market for foreign investors with its large population, investment friendly policies and a demography that speaks of potentially higher consumer spending.

He said the interested entrepreneurs could seek franchise outlets with an investment of Rs15 million while the company would share 25 per cent investment in franchise.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=44890siamu maharajJune 10th, 2007, 09:15 PMI guess people are looking for half priced products :dunno:Good luck to them!

@shueybNot sure about that. But don't recall reading anything about a partnership, so maybe they're coming on their own.cactusmaacJune 10th, 2007, 10:02 PMThey most certainly will be here in the next 7 years or so considering that they will be in India very soon.

But I really really hope that they rather not. Walmart is one truly evil company. They are already paying below poverty level, making employees work off clock, even locking up employees in stores overnight - and thats here in US. Just think what they would do when they come to Pakistan.

PS: silal, thanks for answering our questions

Wal-Mart pay above minimum wage and offer more generous health and pension benefits than

their competitors. They're unlikely to come to Pakistan though since a lot of their overseas outlets have faltered. Tesco have more chance of success here.FKJune 10th, 2007, 10:06 PMMaybe local chains like Naheed and D-Mart can setup their own large wholesale stores :dunno: ?transistorizedJune 10th, 2007, 10:17 PMWal-Mart pay above minimum wage and offer more generous health and pension benefits than their competitors. They're unlikely to come to Pakistan though since a lot of their overseas outlets have faltered. Tesco have more chance of success here.

I know we are drifting off topic here again, but just wanted to clear this point up. No cactus, ofcourse they pay above min-wage (everyone has to) but what they do is they only have people working for an average of 26hours/week. This earns them roughly 10k/year, which is lower than the poverty level in US.

As for their health plan, they only offer it to full-time employee and try to keep most of their employees at half-time so they can not qualify for it. Plus, their health plan is really crappy so most of their employees end up using the public health plan (medicaid) anyways.malpensaJune 10th, 2007, 11:19 PMyes All Walmart have like 40 checkout counters and 2 are usually open!!!!

thats how they make their money. you have to weight like 30 minutes in line at checkout to buy 95 dollars worth of stuff u can get for $100 at another store without waitingcactusmaacJune 10th, 2007, 11:26 PMYou have to pay at least the minimum wage, not a cent above it.

I have a number of friends who worked there while in high school\college or for some extra cash while they were starting out. When the "Is Wal-Mart evil?" topics start up, they tend to back the company.

Most of the jobs they have on offer are unskilled ones which aren't going to allow you to buy a house in the burbs, two cars and put your children through college. They are however easy to obtain if you're in need of extra cash and don't have much to offer to better-paying employers.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/workplace/2003-02-09-wal-mart-cov2_x.htm

That offers a fair enough perspective from both sides.oogaboogaJune 12th, 2007, 04:10 AMEveryone advocating for Walmart, needs to watch the documentary "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price" made on Walmart! Its an eye-opener! I havent set foot in a Walmart ever since I saw that documentary.

Well except for that one time when I couldnt find the laughing elmo anywhere. :tongue3:malpensaJuly 16th, 2007, 03:32 AMSTORE MANAGER / FLOOR MANAGERS-METRO Cash & Carry-PakistanBy Pakistan Jobs Bank -Jobs And Career Pakistan | Published 07/10/2007 | Jobs in Lahore , Jobs in Pakistan | Unrated

STORE MANAGER / FLOOR MANAGERS-METRO Cash & Carry-PakistanMETRO Cash & Carry is the international market leader in self-service wholesale. For over 40 years, the company has been providing its professional customers with a one-stop purchasing solution for high-quality and low-priced products. Today the company is present in 29 countries with over 580 wholesale centers, each offering over 20,000 food and non-food articles.

METRO Cash & Carry employs more than 100,000 people across the world and in many regions is among with largest employers. We believe that qualified, highly-motivated employees create the foundations needed for successful expansion on an international level and sustained growth of the wholesaling company Performance-driven approach, openness and internationally are key ingredients of the corporate culture that we practice. We welcome you to join us towards our paths of growth.

STORE MANAGER (FOR ISLAMABAD & KARACHI)Responsibility for overall operations and management of a Store.

ROLE: * To implement corporate policy and take all strategic decisions in the store.

* To be responsible for achieving sales & cost targets, maintaining stock levels through compliance of corporate operating procedures and effective management of store personnel.

* To effectively manage the external relationships with customers and other parties such as governmental bodies and communities to enhance the image and reputation of the company.

* To take responsibilities for store compliance with Health and Safely regulations to protect both employees and customers.

* To provide professional training in order to develop qualified and motivated staff for managerial positions within the company.

* To ensure the company and legal standards are achieved in all aspect of store operations such as hygiene, display, housekeeping, appearance and performance of the employees, etc.

REQUIREMENTS: * MBA or specialized degree in wholesale / retail management

* Minimum 5 years managerial experience, preferably in service oriented businesses, such as hotels, fast fold outlets, department stores or supermarkets, managing sizable workforce in meeting sales targets. International Work Experience will be a plus.

* Excellent leadership skills.

* Broad understanding of financials functions

* Excellent communication & interpersonal skills

* User knowledge of PC work (MS Windows),

* Cross cultural competence

* Flexible for traveling and working across the country.

FLOOR MANAGERS (FOR ISLAMABAD & KARACHI)Managing all the strategic functions of the floor, which includes, achieving goals in stock and service levels, sales forecast, budgeting and managing people.

ROLE: * Lead and train & team of around 30-40 people.

* Responsible for in-store customer services

* Ensuring shelf availability of merchandise

* Executing lay-ousts and promotions according to the company standards

* Making of budgets and sales forecasts

* Controlling cost and shrinkage

* Formulating business strategies to achieve the targets set for the allocated floor.

REQUIREMENTS: * MBA or equivalent degree

* 6-8 years experience in Consumer durables sales role

* Analytical and strategic competence

* Cross cultural competence

* Flexible for traveling and working across the country.

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS (FOR ISLAMABAD & KARACHI)Managing all the activities of the assigned department, which includes, achieving goals in stock and service levels, sales forecast, preparing budgets for the department and managing people.

DEPARTMENT DETAILS: Meat / Fish, Fruits & Vegetables / Bakery, Security. Customer Services / Check out. Electronics Sports Goods and Goods Receiving.

ROLE: * Leading a team of 20-25 people

* To carry out communication with customers, finding out and responding to their requests. Provision of highly positive and customer-oriented approach in the whole department.

* Forecasting sales and preparing budgets for the department.

* Ordering goods, provision of their replenishment and placement. Executing lay-outs and promotions according to the company standards.

REQUIREMENTS: * Masters in business or equivalent degree

* 2-4 years of relevant work experience at a supervisory level.

* Flexible for traveling and working across the county.

Please send your applications before 22nd July to:

Head Office METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan, Recruitment Section, Human Resource Department44-A Main Gulberg, Lahore 54660E-Mail: hr.careers@metro.pk

Note: Please mention the position title in the subject line of your e-mail and or on the envelope of your job application.

International website: http://www.metro-cc.com http://career.webtechvision.com/articles/380/1/STORE-MANAGER--FLOOR-MANAGERS-METRO-Cash--Carry-Pakistan/Page1.htmlsiamu maharaj

July 16th, 2007, 10:07 AMI have some news on Metro/Makro and Carrefour, but it's highly confidential!siamu maharajJuly 16th, 2007, 10:09 AMBTW, Carrefour is certainly coming. If they end up not coming, that'd be coz of a change in decision, not coz it was a rumor.MetropoleJuly 16th, 2007, 10:09 AMI have some news on Metro/Makro and Carrefour, but it's highly confidential!

We won't tell anyone.oogaboogaJuly 16th, 2007, 12:59 PMhttp://www.dawn.com/images/cowas1.jpg

Webb Ground

By Ardeshir Cowasjee

TO open, an extract from the Gazetteer of the Province of Sind, B Volume I, 1919, Karachi District (p.37), chapter headed ‘Education’ : “The Karachi Narayan Jagarnath (NJ) High School was the first government school established in Sindh. It was opened in October 1855 with 68 boys.

The building, which was situated at the junction of the Bandar and Mission Roads..... was superseded in 1876 by the present buildings, which have cost (inclusive of additions in 1896 and 1900) Rs63,294 and provide accommodation for 17 classes.

The number on the rolls in March 1916 was 477, of whom 350 were Hindus, 32 Brahmins, 10 Jains, 12 Mussalmans, 66 Parsis and seven Indian Jews.... Mr Narayan Jagarnath, in whose honour the school was named, was one of those educated Bombay men with whose help the initial difficulties of introducing education in the province in which neither books nor teachers existed, was successfully overcome.”

Now, who was it who said that a few cannot change the destiny of many? The 12 (2.5 per cent of the total of 477) were the forefathers of the now 170 millions who inhabit the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Jamshed Nusserwanjee Mehta was elected a councilor of Karachi in 1918, and in 1922 elected president of the Council. He became the first mayor of the city in 1933 when the Karachi Municipal Corporation was formed.

On his retirement in 1937 Sir Montagu de Pomeroy Webb, doyen of Karachi’s British community, recorded : ‘I consider that Jamshed has done greater and better work for Karachi – for its citizens and the people of Sind – than any other individual private citizen of this capital whom I can remember. His sacrifices of time, money, strength and peace of mind have been unequalled and wholly admirable. The city owes him an immeasurable debt of gratitude which I hope that each and every community will ungrudgingly recognise’.”

I hope his young successor, Mustapha Kamal, is reading this. It may further inspire him.

Now to the subject of this column, Webb ground, a five-acre playing field in Tunisia Lines, off Sharea Faisal. Long used, for close to 80 years, as an institutional sports field by the Karachi Grammar School, it was integrated into the Lines Area Redevelopment Scheme in the mid-1980s and used as a playground for the neighbourhood housing some 200,000 residents.

In disregard of all that is proper, this amenity plot was leased to the Army Welfare Trust (why?) which, in further disregard of what is proper, correct and lawful, has sub-leased it to a concern known as Makro-Habib (why?) which intends to build on it a gigantic ‘Cash & Carry’ store. The local residents, whose children have been deprived of an open playing field where they play, lounge around, sleep and enjoy ‘lung-space’, have plans to challenge this illicit conversion in court.

The Army Welfare Trust and Makro-Habib stand guilty of illegal commercialisation of a five-acre open space. It emerges that Makro-Habib is an old hand at the conversion of amenity spaces.

A number of residents of Model Town Society in Lahore have been battling in the Lahore High Court for the past year over the ‘commercialisation’ by Makro-Habib of 80 kanals (10 acres) of a garden plot in their society.

Quoted hereunder is an excerpt from the November 11, 2006, observations of the learned single judge, Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, in the judgment handed down in the writ petition dealing with the issue:

“Similarly, it was also stressed very vehemently that the proposed project constitutes economic growth and will bring financial benefit to the country, city and the locality. In this behalf, suffice it to say that no doubt foreign investment is to be encouraged but foreign investors are not above the law and must conform to laws of the land and must necessarily also exhibit sensitivity to the rights and privileges of the inhabitants of the area. The learned counsel for the petitioner has rightly drawn the distinction between growth and development. The two concepts are not synonymous and all growth must be measured against the collateral damage accrued thereby. Even otherwise, growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of a cancer cell.”

History will record the growth of various forms of ‘cancer’ in our society : the conversion of parks and playgrounds, the construction of grandiose projects on the remaining open spaces and beaches, the attempts to establish a ‘world-class city’ in Karachi, a city in which over half its population resides in katchi abadis, where a polluted and inadequate water supply is distributed,

where 400 million gallons per day of raw sewage is dumped into the sea.

On June 24, the press informed us that Justice M Bilal Khan of the Lahore High Court referred to the Chief Justice to fix before another bench two petitions challenging the construction of the Makro Cash and Carry Store in Model Town on an amenity plot. The court had already stayed the construction.

The president of the Model Town Residents’ Association, Amer Bakht Azam, and Dr Anis Alam and Zafar Masood, residents of an adjoining locality, submitted that an amenity plot could not be converted into a commercial area, as this would violate the fundamental rights of the petitioners. They claimed that the land was an open space for the residents and its commercial use would not only cause traffic problems but also inflict health hazards on the citizens.

Through the columns of this newspaper, I address a letter to our Governor, Dr Ishrat ul Ebad, with the hope that he will come to the aid of just a few of his beleaguered citizens who inhabit the vast and ever-growing city of Karachi :

“Dear Governor : The unlawful commercialisation of the sole playground in Lines Area – apropos our telephone conversation of July 13.

“The NGO Shehri asked me to meet some hundred residents of the Lines Area who were up in arms and protesting against the capture by the Army Welfare Trust and Makro-Habib of Webb Ground, a five-acre playing field in their neighbourhood that I had written about in my column of February 18, 2007. I agreed to meet two representatives on July 12 — former Union Council Nazim, Mehfooz Ul Nabi Khan and Lines Area Sports Association Secretary, Arshad Ali Jan.

“They inform me that up to 2002 Webb Ground was used as a playing field for children and sportspeople of the area, and as an Eidgah twice a year. It is shown as a playground in layouts of the Lines Area Redevelopment Project (KDA Scheme No 35) and on maps of the Military Estates Officer.

“In December 2002, for reasons unknown (money? scam?), the playground was leased to the Army Welfare Trust (AWT) for commercial purposes. AWT in turn sub-leased it in 2006 to Makro-Habib for the construction of a 'Cash & Carry Store', which construction is underway at the site. Such commercial use of a public amenity plot, especially in a deprived and poor locality, is criminal.

“The area residents have collected Rs.30,000 to file a writ in the high court. It is doubtful that such meagre resources will enable them to achieve much. Additional funds are difficult to raise as many of those concerned seem to be apprehensive of the area’s MQM activists.

“May I request that you intervene and ensure that the playground is restored for the beneficial use of the thousands of Lines Area residents? They are eager to come and explain the problem to you at your convenience. Enclosed are copies of plans/drawings and relevant newspaper cuttings.

“With my best wishes to you for your continued sincere efforts to do good for the people of this

province and city......”

arfc@cyber.net.pk

Dawn Online Edition July 16, 2007 (http://www.dawn.com/weekly/cowas/cowas.htm)siamu maharajJuly 16th, 2007, 02:25 PMSummarize please!MetropoleJuly 16th, 2007, 02:37 PM^^ I know that piece of land. Cowasjee is right, it should not have been built upon.

Karachi has been turned into a concrete jungle by unscrupulous developers and government functionaries. Most land that was meant for open spaces has been built upon.

It sucks to see that this racket is still going on.EdwardesJuly 16th, 2007, 04:49 PMI've always noticed that Karachi lacks a lot of greenery, I guess this explains why. Is should be a main concern of the city officials, greenery is quite important.

Back to the topic: I'm having doubts about Wal-Mart coming to Pakistan, infact I don't want them to come, it will ruin the little man's business!KBJuly 16th, 2007, 09:22 PMBTW, Carrefour is certainly coming. If they end up not coming, that'd be coz of a change in decision, not coz it was a rumor.

Thats would be great. Carrefour is quite a huge chain of supermarkets and their products are both good and affordable.siamu maharajJuly 17th, 2007, 08:11 AMThats would be great. Carrefour is quite a huge chain of supermarkets and their products are both good and affordable.Yeah. They'd be coming end-2007 or early 2008.FKJuly 17th, 2007, 08:27 AMYeah. They'd be coming end-2007 or early 2008.

Karachi?

I'm sure they havent finalized a location yet, or have they?siamu maharajJuly 17th, 2007, 10:20 AMKarachi?

I'm sure they havent finalized a location yet, or have they?Karachi, and yes they have.imran02feb79July 17th, 2007, 01:03 PMand the location is dolmen city .. :lol: :lol: :lol:IntoxicationJuly 17th, 2007, 05:11 PM^^ Serious??FKJuly 17th, 2007, 05:12 PMWouldnt be surprised, D-Mart also opened up on Sea View.shueybJuly 18th, 2007, 05:20 PMI have some news on Metro/Makro and Carrefour, but it's highly confidential!

O really, about all three of them? Do you want us to implore you for that? :poke: C'mon, out with it.aliroxJuly 18th, 2007, 07:34 PMWouldnt be surprised, D-Mart also opened up on Sea View.

there is alredy a d mart in seaview :PEdwardesJuly 18th, 2007, 08:53 PMHighly confidential? Come tell us who told you.

*hint*siamu maharajJuly 19th, 2007, 09:27 AMHighly confidential? Come tell us who told you.

*hint*My friend's at P&G, and works in Sales. They obviously work very closely with Makro. So, I was helping him by making Makro's and P&G's joint sales strategy.EdwardesJuly 19th, 2007, 04:04 PMohKBJuly 19th, 2007, 08:23 PMMy friend's at P&G, and works in Sales. They obviously work very closely with Makro. So, I was helping him by making Makro's and P&G's joint sales strategy.

:ohno:

You should have kept that a secret. Atleast, we were all thinking that makro would be a great success.

MetropoleJuly 21st, 2007, 08:07 AMLetter in Dawn:

Webb Ground

ARDESHIR Cowasjee’s column, ‘Webb Ground’ (July 15) brought back youthful memories of Grammar School days. We had our cricket matches in the Webb Ground and also our annual sports functions. When I heard that the army had taken over the Webb Ground, I took an appointment with the corps commander. He was an old Grammarian too. He was Lt-Gen Tariq W. Ghazi. The principal of KGS, Colin Wrigley, and I went and saw him in his headquarters. We requested and pleaded with him to maintain it as a sports complex with a proper stadium and boundary walls. Citizens and schools, including KGS, could use it for its sporting events. He expressed his inability. We returned with a heavy heart. I hope the courts can provide justice by preventing the amenity plot from being converted into a commercial jungle. IFTIKHAR SOOMRO Karachi

http://epaper.dawn.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=21_07_2007_006_004&typ=0oogaboogaJuly 21st, 2007, 08:32 AMLetter in Dawn:

Webb Ground

ARDESHIR Cowasjee’s column, ‘Webb Ground’ (July 15) brought back youthful memories of Grammar School days. We had our cricket matches in the Webb Ground and also our annual sports functions. When I heard that the army had taken over the Webb Ground, I took an appointment with the corps commander. He was an old Grammarian too. He was Lt-Gen Tariq W. Ghazi. The principal of KGS, Colin Wrigley, and I went and saw him in his headquarters. We requested and pleaded with him to maintain it as a sports complex with a proper stadium and boundary walls. Citizens and schools, including KGS, could use it for its sporting events. He expressed his inability. We returned with a heavy heart. I hope the courts can provide justice by preventing the amenity plot from being converted into a commercial jungle. IFTIKHAR SOOMRO Karachi

http://epaper.dawn.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=21_07_2007_006_004&typ=0

:ohno:zeesAugust 4th, 2007, 05:45 PMFahad, merge these threads and change the title to 'The Retail Sector'

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=324149zeesAugust 4th, 2007, 05:46 PM

Fahad, merge these threads and change the title to 'The Retail Sector'

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=14622981#post14622981zeesAugust 4th, 2007, 05:49 PMFrench retail company, Carrefour, will start operating in Karachi by next year, said Consul-General of France in Karachi Pierre Seillan while talking to APP on Friday. He said that Carrefour had sent its representative to make preparations for the purpose. Seillan said that the French company would open a huge retail facility in the city. APP

City Mayor said that world-renowned retail giants are interested in opening their outlets in Karachi. "We have been in talks with Carrefour and Metro — international retail companies belonging to France and Germany respectively," Kamal said in an exclusive chat with Khaleej Times yesterday. He said that the representatives of Carrefour had visited Karachi recently. "On the basis of a well-planned survey, we have identified several locations to them."Now they will choose seven of the identified locations to open as many outlets of Carrefour in the city," he said, expressing the hope that a deal would be struck with the French company within a month.siamu maharajAugust 4th, 2007, 07:05 PMTold you they were coming. But 7 stores?? That's a lot!shueybAugust 5th, 2007, 10:10 AMTold you they were coming. But 7 stores?? That's a lot!

It's the City Mayor who says so, so y'know....malpensaAugust 5th, 2007, 09:15 PMOk Umais you were right i admit it my mistake.... ur credibility will now be increased.....:)

Franchising Carrefour between Tripoli and KarachiMarket VisionSince 2000 the Majid Al Futtaim Group has been expanding its shopping mall/hypermarket business across the border, after successfully establishing its business in its domestic market, the United Arab Emirates. It is the intention of François de Montaudouin – chief executive since 2004 – to expand the business by franchising the Carrefour brand roughly between Tripoli and Karachi. A difficult region which has to deal with social and economic inequalities and political tensions.Elsevier Food International, Vol.9, Number 2, May 2006 Pascal Kuipers

“We are not interested in what I call ‘French North Africa’, so in the west we won’t go beyond Libya. To the east we are looking at markets like Iran and Pakistan. India is too far away for us.” François de Montaudouin, chief executive of Majid Al Futtaim Group, roughly points out the geographical area in which the Dubai, UAE, based retailer intends to build a business.

http://www.foodinternational.net/articles/market-vision/340/franchising-carrefour-between-tripoli-and-karachi.htmlmirzatheAugust 6th, 2007, 06:55 AMSome high level metro officials r in Islamabad for abt 3 - 4 days I can't prove it but i know ;)siamu maharajAugust 6th, 2007, 08:23 AMRight about what?imran02feb79August 6th, 2007, 09:03 AMRight about what?

that Carrefour is coming to Pakistan :)shueybAugust 6th, 2007, 09:12 AMFranchising Carrefour between Tripoli and KarachiMarket VisionSince 2000 the Majid Al Futtaim Group has been expanding its shopping mall/hypermarket business across the border, after successfully establishing its business in its domestic market, the United Arab Emirates. It is the intention of François de Montaudouin – chief executive since 2004 – to expand the business by franchising the Carrefour brand roughly between Tripoli and Karachi. A difficult region which has to deal with social and economic inequalities and political tensions.Elsevier Food International, Vol.9, Number 2, May 2006 Pascal Kuipershttp://www.foodinternational.net/articles/market-vision/340/franchising-carrefour-between-tripoli-and-karachi.html

So Carrefour isn't coming on its own, but through their master franchisee Majid Al Futtaim (MAF).imran02feb79August 6th, 2007, 09:19 AM^^ of course it will be Carrefour .... the name will remain same ... whenever such market chains outsource business.... its a JV with a local/regional company.siamu maharajAugust 6th, 2007, 11:13 AMSo Carrefour isn't coming on its own, but through their master franchisee Majid Al Futtaim (MAF).Don't really see any difference. It'd be the SAME EXACT thing, just a difference of ownership. Substance over form...shueybAugust 6th, 2007, 12:39 PMI never said its going to make any difference. :) All the Carrefour hypermarkets I have visited so far in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Riyadh are managed by MAF. However, in some countries Carrefour and other such multinationals establish their own operations instead of going through

the franchise route. The hypermarkets managed by franchisees do not appear in the Carrefour group's global map: http://www.carrefour.com/cdc/interactive-trip/ Usually, but not necessarily, a multinational's operations in any country receive more attention from the headquarters if it's a wholly owned subsidiary, and its growth may be more aggressive if backed by the huge resource pool of the headquarter itself, instead of the franchisee.shueybAugust 15th, 2007, 10:51 AMThis thread should be merged with this: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=461340&page=5and renamed 'Supermarkets / Hypermarkets Sector' or better still 'Wholesale and Retail Chains'.zeesAugust 15th, 2007, 12:17 PMThis thread should be merged with this: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=461340&page=5and renamed 'Supermarkets / Hypermarkets Sector' or better still 'Wholesale and Retail Chains'.

Also this one http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=14622981#post14622981KBAugust 15th, 2007, 01:12 PMmerged :cheers:EdwardesAugust 16th, 2007, 02:19 AMWhat's a hypermarket?KBAugust 16th, 2007, 01:54 PMSupermarket: A large self-service grocery store selling groceries and dairy products and household goods.

Hypermarket( usually britE)A huge supermarket (usually built on the outskirts of a town).aliroxAugust 16th, 2007, 08:48 PMthey caled me today asked me if i wanted some card cuz they inagurated one in saddar so if i get the card ill get entry to the place !imran02feb79August 18th, 2007, 08:22 AMhey !

anyone get the pics of new MAKRO center (Saddar)shueybAugust 18th, 2007, 11:08 AMSupermarket: A large self-service grocery store selling groceries and dairy products and household goods.

Hypermarket( usually britE)A huge supermarket (usually built on the outskirts of a town).

And what's a department store, and what is a cash'n'carry? And what is the difference between all these? And how large does a supermarket needs to grow to become a hypermarket? :nuts:oogaboogaAugust 18th, 2007, 11:20 PMAnd what's a department store, and what is a cash'n'carry? And what is the difference between all these? And how large does a supermarket needs to grow to become a hypermarket? :nuts:

Well.... Kmart,Sears and JCPenney are "department stores", where there are different departments for all kinds of goods. Department stores are convenient because customers can go to just one place and shop instead of going to several different places, ie: a shoe store, a hardware store, a clothing store etc.

A "cash n' carry" is a term that I believe originated in the U.K. In Pakistan the traditional "parchoon kee dukaan" or "provisional store" consists of a person behind a counter, customers are not allowed behind the counter and whatever the customer needs, they have to first tell the clerk behind the counter and then the clerk fetches the item for the customer. Now the Supermarket revolutionized this whole procedure by giving the customer the ability to go behind the counter with a cart and pick out what they want themselves because according to a study conducted in the U.S. back in the 40's, a consumer will buy more if they are given the ability to "browse the wares" themselves. That study resulted in the first "cash n' carry" or (as is better known throughout the world) "supermarket" opening in the U.S. which was called "The Piggly Wiggly", branches of which function till this day. :yes:

And the name "hypermarket" is mostly used in Europe. A Hypermarket, by American standards, is a place where a consumer can buy everything they would usually get in a Supermarket, but in larger quantities! The larger quantities enables the "Hypermarket" to keep the prices low because they make profit off of quantity. For example I can buy a box of "Honey Bunches of Oats" (a cereal, my favorite :colgate:) for 4 bucks in a supermarket (Shoprite or Foodtown) but in a hypermarket (BJ's, Sams Club) I can get a box twice the size, of that available in a supermarket, for half the price! :eat:

And finally, there is the wholesale hypermarket. In North America, there is a chain called "Jetro". they sell everything whole without opening the box, for example if I wanted to buy laundry detergent then I would have to buy a whole box containing 6 gallons as opposed to just one gallon. I would have to buy chicken drumsticks by the dozen, and soda by the crate. This type of enterprise functions on the same profit-making principles as a hypermarket but it is designed for "re-sellers or retailers". For example most of the people who own convenience stores go to Jetro to buy everything in wholesale at a cheap price and then sell it in their neighborhood store with a marked up price. People are willing to pay the markup because it saves them the hassle of going to a wholesale market and buying in bulk.

Phew! All that explaining made me hungry!shueybAugust 26th, 2007, 01:34 PM

^^ Okay, hypermarket is the same as supermarket, but larger. Probably there may be a floor space threshold or number of cash out counters, crossing which supermarket will graduate into a hypermarket. Fine. But I couldn't really get the difference between department store and supermarket.shueybAugust 26th, 2007, 01:41 PMMetro Cash and Carry centre being opened in capital

ISLAMABAD: A wholesale centre of Metro Cash and Carry Pakistan is being opened in the federal capital.

Board of Investment (BoI) Secretary Mushtaq Malik performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the centre here in Sector I-11/4 on Thursday.

The centre of Metro Cash and Carry, which is a German company, will cover an area of about 12 acres of land.

He said the government would extend its support to the company to establish its stores in Gujranwala, Multan and Faisalabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Metro Cash and Carry International Asia Pacific’s Regional Operating Officer James Scott said Pakistan was a country with a lot of opportunities for investors. He said initially his company would invest 150 million euros to set up its business in Pakistan.

He said the company was planning to open the wholesale centre in Islamabad by December this year. He said the company had set up its centre in Lahore earlier.

Scott said the company would focus only on commercial customers such as hotels and restaurants as well as small and middle size retailers and other service companies.

He said the company would strengthen local suppliers by building their capabilities and providing them with marketing opportunities and up to 90 percent of the products would be supplied locally.

Scott said the company had planned to run a farmers’ training programme to build the capacity of farmers by improving the marketing and supply chain.

He said this would help farmers produce export quality fruits and vegetables that would enable them to compete in the international market.

The official said each wholesale centre would employ about 300 people from the local community. “About 150 people will be employed for auxiliary services as well as 200 people at the company’s headquarters in Lahore,” he said.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C08%5C24%5Cstory_24-8-2007_pg11_6

oogaboogaAugust 28th, 2007, 12:52 PM^^ Okay, hypermarket is the same as supermarket, but larger. Probably there may be a floor space threshold or number of cash out counters, crossing which supermarket will graduate into a hypermarket. Fine. But I couldn't really get the difference between department store and supermarket.

Ok first of all, please change your avatar! The look you have on your face in that pictures gives me the feeling that your visually raping me! :shifty:

:shifty:

....

STOP OOGLING AT ME!

:shifty:

Moving on..... (:shifty:)

Instead of actually explaining the difference between the two, I will simply tell you which chain is a supermaket and which is a departmental store.

K-mart is a departmental storeSafeway is a supermarketMacy's is a departmental storePiggly Wiggly is a supermarket

Get it?

:shifty:doenumberpakistaniAugust 29th, 2007, 02:53 AM^^ what a waste of space :runaway:imran02feb79August 29th, 2007, 07:20 AM^^ I always like how he (oogabooga) uses the gestures and narrates his situation.

:) hamara oogabooga zindabad :)oogaboogaAugust 30th, 2007, 12:03 AM^^ I always like how he (oogabooga) uses the gestures and narrates his situation.

:) hamara oogabooga zindabad :)

Awww! :hug:

Aao sub mil kar bolo! OOGABOOGA ZINDABAAD! :lol:oogaboogaAugust 30th, 2007, 12:04 AM

^^ what a waste of space :runaway:

Oye roleprint!

Kya bey? :sly:

:tongue3:shueybSeptember 1st, 2007, 09:52 AMOk first of all, please change your avatar! The look you have on your face in that pictures gives me the feeling that your visually raping me! :shifty:

Moving on..... (:shifty:)

Instead of actually explaining the difference between the two, I will simply tell you which chain is a supermaket and which is a departmental store.

K-mart is a departmental storeSafeway is a supermarketMacy's is a departmental storePiggly Wiggly is a supermarket

Get it?

Alright avatar will be changed shortly, because, as you told me, it has achieved its purpose. :colgate: Moving on,No, didn't get it. I don't live in America, okay. Haven't ever heard about these stores. If you expect me to go googling for what kinds of stores are these, I better google for the difference between supermarket and department store (didn't find it, btw). You're confusing me more than helping me. :|malpensaSeptember 1st, 2007, 01:57 PMok a supermarket is your neighborhood chachu's grocery store, a department store is your "durze wali" dukon, and a hypermart is ur rich friends uncles "haleem ghar , butt cloth house, and utility stores all in one dukon " hope that helps :0oogaboogaSeptember 1st, 2007, 03:25 PMAlright avatar will be changed shortly, because, as you told me, it has achieved its purpose. :colgate: Moving on,No, didn't get it. I don't live in America, okay. Haven't ever heard about these stores. If you

expect me to go googling for what kinds of stores are these, I better google for the difference between supermarket and department store (didn't find it, btw). You're confusing me more than helping me. :|

:no:

*gives up*swerveutSeptember 6th, 2007, 07:44 AMI passed by Makro Saddar... its in Lines area near St. Pats. The road to and from it is very horrible however -- almost completely broken up with lots of ditches. So I dont think they will get much business till it gets repaired. Also, seems like construction still hasnt finished cause there is a lot of construction machinery on site, however the store has started functioning.imran02feb79September 6th, 2007, 10:24 AM^^

any pics plzzzzzzzzPakiaSeptember 6th, 2007, 09:34 PMok a supermarket is your neighborhood chachu's grocery store, a department store is your "durze wali" dukon, and a hypermart is ur rich friends uncles "haleem ghar , butt cloth house, and utility stores all in one dukon " hope that helps :0

:hilariousswerveutSeptember 7th, 2007, 06:08 AMI shopped at it yesterday. Sorry forgot to take my camera along, but since it is close to my house, I think I will be making many more trips and then will try and get some photos too.

As far as the interior goes, it is amazing by Pakistani standards. Parking is immense and is on the ground floor under the building. From the parking lot, you climb up to the store level on a great moving escalator belt -- the kind you see in airports! -- and then inside, its like a Sam's Club store in the US. Great development for Pakistan!imran02feb79September 7th, 2007, 07:43 AM^^ thanks for the updates .... :cheers:X-entricSeptember 7th, 2007, 11:43 PMbut they sell in bulk only? right?FreakyMangoSeptember 8th, 2007, 12:40 AMCan anyone tell me why there are no proper shopping malls in Pakistan like there are in the UK. I was in Pakistan this summer and went to Jinnah Super in Islamabad and although the shops

were ok the setting was awful. There was no proper parking and the pavements and roads and general layout was very substandard. Pakistan needs to have larger shops with a larger floor space and the shops need to have proper dedicated parking!malpensaSeptember 8th, 2007, 04:04 AMFreakymango: type "The Centaurus" in googlezeesSeptember 8th, 2007, 05:56 AMCan anyone tell me why there are no proper shopping malls in Pakistan like there are in the UK. I was in Pakistan this summer and went to Jinnah Super in Islamabad and although the shops were ok the setting was awful. There was no proper parking and the pavements and roads and general layout was very substandard. Pakistan needs to have larger shops with a larger floor space and the shops need to have proper dedicated parking!

There are many shopping malls in Pakistan, but none in Islamabad.siamu maharajSeptember 8th, 2007, 10:33 AMThere are many shopping malls in Pakistan, but none in Islamabad.What happened to Awami Markaz ISB? Where was it, I can hardly remember. I remember going there when it was inaugurated. Benazir Era, I think. It was in the night, can't remember much. I think it was 5-story building.KBSeptember 8th, 2007, 11:20 AM^^ that is now converted into the STP-1, its been quite a while.siamu maharajSeptember 8th, 2007, 11:28 AMStandard temperature and pressure?KBSeptember 8th, 2007, 02:22 PMSoftware technology park :)zeesSeptember 8th, 2007, 04:17 PMFreakyMango is right, our govt. or shop owners must pay good attention to our markets condition. Karachi or Lahore bazaars are much worst than Jinnah super market.siamu maharajSeptember 8th, 2007, 05:22 PMSoftware technology park :)I actually thought it was better than Karachi's (at that time when I was a kid). What do you know, the Karachi one's still there.zeesSeptember 8th, 2007, 05:25 PMI actually thought it was better than Karachi's (at that time when I was a kid). What do you know, the Karachi one's still there.

yes, Karachi Awami markaz is located at Sharah-e-Faisal.imran02feb79

September 9th, 2007, 02:27 PMhttp://www.makroasia.com/makropakistanimages/pak02.jpg

http://www.makroasia.com/makropakistanimages/pak10.jpg

http://www.makroasia.com/makropakistanimages/pak04.jpg

http://www.makroasia.com/makropakistanimages/pak05.jpg

http://www.makroasia.com/makropakistanimages/pak07.jpg

http://www.makroasia.com/makropakistanimages/pak01.jpg

http://www.makroasia.com/makropakistanimages/pak06.jpg

http://www.makroasia.com/makropakistanimages/pak08.jpghttp://www.makroasia.com/makropakistanimages/pak09.jpghttp://www.makroasia.com/makropakistanimages/pak13.jpghttp://www.makroasia.com/makropakistanimages/pak14.jpgzeesSeptember 9th, 2007, 07:54 PMhttp://farm2.static.flickr.com/1046/1117875675_04d0237391.jpg

www.dewan-stores.comFreakyMangoSeptember 10th, 2007, 02:26 AMNow that Makro is what I am taking about, these stores need to be common throughout Pakistan as they are here in the UK. I sometimes suspect that Pakistan's backward building techniques are partially to blame for the mass construction of tiny shops with small square footage. It goes without saying larger shops/chains can buy in bulk at a cheaper price and pass these discounts on to the consumer. It's no surprise to find that many things are actually cheaper here in the UK even though the average earnings are one fifteenth of what they are in Pakistan.IntoxicationSeptember 10th, 2007, 02:44 AMNow that Makro is what I am taking about, these stores need to be common throughout Pakistan as they are here in the UK. I sometimes suspect that Pakistan's backward building techniques are partially to blame for the mass construction of tiny shops with small square footage. It goes without saying larger shops/chains can buy in bulk at a cheaper price and pass these discounts on to the consumer. It's no surprise to find that many things are actually cheaper here in the UK even though the average earnings are one fifteenth of what they are in Pakistan.

You probably mean that the average earnings in the UK are 15 times greater than in Pakistan.FreakyMangoSeptember 10th, 2007, 02:02 PMYes my mistake thats what I meant :bash:oogabooga

September 11th, 2007, 02:32 AMYes my mistake thats what I meant :bash:

Mangoooos

:drool:zeesSeptember 14th, 2007, 03:47 PMhttp://express.com.pk/images/NP_KHI/20070914/Sub_Images/1100261456-1.jpgmalpensaSeptember 14th, 2007, 05:06 PMthose dam " borees" of rice and atta look so dam cheap ....argghhhhhhFKSeptember 14th, 2007, 06:01 PM^^ Their most likely the most sold products !siamu maharajSeptember 14th, 2007, 10:02 PMWhat's Falak Dawat? A sky party?imran02feb79September 15th, 2007, 06:29 AM^^

This is a local brand for Basmati Rice....

They are selling rice under three different brands:

1 - Falak Rozana2 - Falak Khaas3 - Falak Dawat

:)FKSeptember 15th, 2007, 07:39 AMThats nothing, you should take a look at "Tiger Rice" and "Cheeta Basmati", supermarkets here are filled with them :crazy:oogaboogaSeptember 15th, 2007, 11:45 AMThats nothing, you should take a look at "Tiger Rice" and "Cheeta Basmati", supermarkets here are filled with them :crazy:

"cheeta basmati" :rofl:Abid SiddiquiSeptember 15th, 2007, 09:36 PM

Makro

Looking good

A part from the makro pics havent seen any good super mart in PakistanX-entricSeptember 17th, 2007, 11:05 AMagreed. Its a proper super market look for the first time in Pakistan. It was always going to have some local touch though. Like the Borri :)FKSeptember 18th, 2007, 07:51 AMNaheed Supermarket tried to do something with its outlet, for heavens sake its such a small store but they've put a big sign out "Naheed Supermarket"

I can clearly tell you there are only 6-7 isles stuffed with people because of the lack of space, its also the first supermarket with 3 floors.siamu maharajSeptember 18th, 2007, 08:18 AMNaheed Supermarket tried to do something with its outlet, for heavens sake its such a small store but they've put a big sign out "Naheed Supermarket"

I can clearly tell you there are only 6-7 isles stuffed with people because of the lack of space, its also the first supermarket with 3 floors.I don't go there. Twice did, both times had a bad experience. When you're at the checkout, there are people all around you, and none of them have apparently ever heard of this invention called a deodorant. Both of the times I literally had to hold my breath. Never went there again.KBOctober 26th, 2007, 01:27 AMLAHORE, Oct 25: The French Centre hosted a forum celebrating 60 years of friendship between the two nations here on Thursday.

The event included a photographic exhibition showcasing numerous France-Pakistan collaborative efforts in culture, diplomacy, defence, education and economics.

Matthieu Pinel, director of the Alliance Française, said: “France was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Pakistan at its independence, and we continue to invest in this close friendship.

“Our mission is to facilitate closer collaboration in all fields, including business and the arts,” he continued.

Daniel Penco, managing director of Carrefour Pakistan, announced his company wanted to set up a Carrefour hypermarket at Fortress Stadium “by the middle of next year”. “We’re very optimistic about opening operations here in Pakistan. There is a large population and the economy is doing well,” he said.

Proclaiming his optimism, Penco continued:

“Unlike other foreign competitors, we will be opening a retail outlet which will cater to all classes, upper, middle and lower.

“If successful we will also look at opening stores in Karachi, Islamabad and Faisalabad.” Relations with France stem back to 1947 when, on the day of Independence, Pakistani Scouts were taking part in the 6th world scouts Jamboree held in France. Cordial relations con tinued over the decades between President General Charles De Gaulle and Pakistani President Field Marshall Mohammad Ayub Khan, and through the Ziaul Haq, Bhutto and present administration.

Current collaborations include defence - the Pakistan Air Force flies the largest fleet of Mirage aircrafts in the world, and France continues to train Pakistani Navy pilots.

The Higher Education Commission sends approximately 250 postgraduate students for study in France every year, and plans are underway to create a Pakistan-France University to be launched in 2017.

Alcatel, a French company, has delivered over 2.6 million lines and ports, representing over 50 per cent of the PTCL landline network........

Present at the event were around 100 local business leaders, NGO workers, politicians and students of French, providing an opportunity for social and business networking for the city’s estimated 80 French nationals.

dawn.siamu maharajOctober 26th, 2007, 08:43 AM"If successful we will also look at opening stores in Karachi, Islamabad and Faisalabad"

Interesting...shueybOctober 26th, 2007, 03:33 PM"....and plans are underway to create a Pakistan-France University to be launched in 2017"

It's going to take them so long to establish a university!!! :ohno:silalOctober 26th, 2007, 06:44 PMMETRO Cash & Carry Pakistan is opening its wholesale center on Multan Road Lahore on October 31st. The billboards are up around the city.safe_bloodOctober 26th, 2007, 06:56 PMany pictures

FKOctober 26th, 2007, 08:07 PMWheres the Makro located in Karachi again?Dallas1October 26th, 2007, 08:39 PMMETRO Cash & Carry Pakistan is opening its wholesale center on Multan Road Lahore on October 31st. The billboards are up around the city.

I think that’s it for all the small grocery stores in the area :ohno:silalOctober 27th, 2007, 08:51 AMActually, to the best of my understanding, in theory METRO and Makro's customers are small grocery stores. Therefore, they actually help improve their competitiveness.

Even though Makro is allowing retail now, METRO will be slightly different in actively discouraging any end consumers from shopping at its centers. They have been successful in other countries in this. Let's hope we see the same here.

I think that’s it for all the small grocery stores in the area :ohno:siamu maharajOctober 27th, 2007, 09:18 AMWheres the Makro located in Karachi again?SITESaddar, hear FTCUnder Construction on Sh-e-Faisal, next to Star GateSufi PistolOctober 27th, 2007, 10:45 AM"....and plans are underway to create a Pakistan-France University to be launched in 2017"

It's going to take them so long to establish a university!!! :ohno:

As we all have been discussing...Reporters are Bh*n Chods....never report the ACTUAL thing.

They have in fact started hiring the Faculty but I dont know about the construction status, however the location is somewhere on super Highway. The university is supposed to be opened in 2008.transistorizedOctober 27th, 2007, 01:17 PMThey have in fact started hiring the Faculty but I dont know about the construction status, however the location is somewhere on super Highway. The university is supposed to be opened in 2008.

I believe they have already started teaching with a limited number of departments (two only: meche and naval engineering) in a few buildings donated by the Navy. And they are building a new campus somewhere along Super HIghway I think.shueyb

October 28th, 2007, 10:34 AMMetro's ad in today's Daily Express:http://i22.tinypic.com/35kmmbq.jpgshueybOctober 28th, 2007, 10:41 AMFor those who can't read Urdu: only shopkeepers, traders, hotels, restaurants, caterers, offices, and other businesspeople can be customers of METRO. It's compulsory to have Metro's customer card to be allowed entry to the center. Entry of children below 12 years of age is prohibited.malpensaOctober 28th, 2007, 04:20 PMthe english version is in DAWN, and can someone get pics before it opens (Metro)and the photos get ruined by suzuki bolans and mehrans.... :)globetrekOctober 29th, 2007, 04:15 AMMetro's ad in today's Daily Express:http://i22.tinypic.com/35kmmbq.jpg

Hmmm... The whole Metro design/colors look like the Ikea's we have here in the US.

Anyone want an ikea to open in Pakistan?UnitedPakistanOctober 29th, 2007, 04:45 AMIkea would do great in Pakistan thanks to the costs of the items and the fact that you can buy everything for the house in one store. The quality will be looked down upon though...siamu maharajOctober 29th, 2007, 06:34 AMIkea would do great in Pakistan thanks to the costs of the items and the fact that you can buy everything for the house in one store. The quality will be looked down upon though...You're kidding right? People here would flock to IKEA regardless of the quality. IKEA is known for cheap furniture, but in wannabe Pakiland it'd be coolest thing since liquid nitrogen.siamu maharajOctober 29th, 2007, 06:35 AMHmmm... The whole Metro design/colors look like the Ikea's we have here in the US.

Anyone want an ikea to open in Pakistan?These are Metro's colors worldwide.shueybOctober 29th, 2007, 09:34 AMYou're kidding right? People here would flock to IKEA regardless of the quality. IKEA is known for cheap furniture, but in wannabe Pakiland it'd be coolest thing since liquid nitrogen.

Ikea is known for low cost furniture worldwide, but I'm sure if it comes to Pakiland, its prices would be on the higher side. You've the examples of McDonald's and other international fast foods here.siamu maharaj

October 29th, 2007, 11:27 AMIkea is known for low cost furniture worldwide, but I'm sure if it comes to Pakiland, its prices would be on the higher side. You've the examples of McDonald's and other international fast foods here.McD's may be a bad example, but I agree about others. Costa Coffee is a good example. It's like the a 7-star café here or something.safe_bloodOctober 29th, 2007, 11:52 AMikea might be cheap for western markets but for pakistanis it will be expensive unless they use their old leftovers from the west like next are doing but still next are even expensiver then the uk stores even thought they sell left overs..musiddiquiOctober 29th, 2007, 11:55 AMif ikea can do business in india i m sure they can manage in pakistansiamu maharajOctober 29th, 2007, 03:12 PMikea might be cheap for western markets but for pakistanis it will be expensive unless they use their old leftovers from the west like next are doing but still next are even expensiver then the uk stores even thought they sell left overs..Believe me, IKEA is much much much cheaper than most such outlets here. In fact, there've been times I've seen IKEA products that I simply couldn't believe were so cheap and they weren't even on a discount. There are a few things that are expensive, but generally it's cheap.malpensaOctober 29th, 2007, 03:29 PMi would expect IKEA to come to Pakistan soon. i mean all those new housing develpments in lahore and Isb ... where will the get all the furniture....oogaboogaOctober 29th, 2007, 10:48 PMi would expect IKEA to come to Pakistan soon. i mean all those new housing develpments in lahore and Isb ... where will the get all the furniture....

Funny you guys brought it up! My cousin (the one who works in GEO) was telling me that IKEA is coming to Pakistan very soon, considering the fact that they have started hiring! My cousin was offered a position but one would have to be retarded to go from GEO to IKEA.

IKEA's furniture is crap! I can guarantee you that IKEA will be much more expensive in Pakistan then it is, here in the US. It will be aimed at the upper middle class and the higher class, which is quite the paradox considering the fact that it is supposed to be cheap and easily available furniture!

The arrival of IKEA will have no bearing on the quality of the locally made furniture because IKEA's "particle board crap" (as I like to call it) is of horrible quality itself! It will however infuse some modern design concepts in the market, that is if IKEA introduces their latest catalog in Pakistan. I think IKEA will just use Pakistan to dump all their seasoned/unsold/leftover inventory and our dumbass wannabe people will lunge on it as if there is no tomorrow! :crazy:

The only good that will come out of IKEA coming to Pakistan is the jobs it will create. However IKEA imports every last product on display in their showrooms so I wonder how that will effect Pakistan's trade deficit? The effects are probably going to be miniscule at most, or so me thinks! :tongue3:

@Umais

Which IKEA are you referring to?UnitedPakistanOctober 29th, 2007, 11:26 PMYou're kidding right? People here would flock to IKEA regardless of the quality. IKEA is known for cheap furniture, but in wannabe Pakiland it'd be coolest thing since liquid nitrogen.READ!:bash:

Ikea would do great in Pakistan thanks to the costs of the items and the fact that you can buy everything for the house in one store

We can learn from stores like Ikea and start our own international chain selling Pakistani goods. If they can do it than so can we! By god we can make those items cheaper than they can!siamu maharajOctober 29th, 2007, 11:34 PM@ooga

I just remembered seeing their ads in Dawn a few times. He's right, they're hiring. And what do you mean by which IKEA I'm referring to? I was just referring to IKEA in general, not some particular store.

@UP

What I meant was that the shoddy quality would be looked over. Not many would care. I've personally haven't used enough of their products to have an opinion on their quality. The couple of things that I've bought have been fine.oogaboogaOctober 29th, 2007, 11:37 PM@ooga

I just remembered seeing their ads in Dawn a few times. He's right, they're hiring. And what do you mean by which IKEA I'm referring to? I was just referring to IKEA in general, not some particular store.

Oh ok.

@UP

What I meant was that the shoddy quality would be looked over. Not many would care. I've personally haven't used enough of their products to have an opinion on their quality. The couple of things that I've bought have been fine.

Thats what I'm referring to! Which store did you buy them from? In which country?

I have used allot of IKEA furniture and let me just say that I was more than happy to shell out three thousand bucks for a dining table from Levitz as opposed to getting one from IKEA for $300!siamu maharajOctober 30th, 2007, 07:06 AMBought a couple of things from Dubai. Had a few things brought by people coming from Europe (don't know exactly which country/city they bought it from). But they weren't any big items like a table or a bed.globetrekOctober 30th, 2007, 08:13 AMIkea was THE source of furniture while I was in college/graduate school. Living in downtown LA, I really saved money on furniture and overall if you don't go overboard, you can set up a pretty nice minimalist apartment. Even my LCD tv went quite well with the furniture. And after I graduated, I just gave away half of the furniture as it was just too annoying to take a part.

Here in the US, ikea is seen as the store for dorm room/apt furniture of college kids, young couples just starting out, and a place to get yummy $1 ice cream cones!:nuts:

They also serve meals for like $3 and there is always a crowd there.X-entricOctober 30th, 2007, 09:01 AMif ikea can do business in india i m sure they can manage in pakistan

are u sure they are in India? where exactly? and how many stores?I would love to see them coming to Pakistan.shueybOctober 30th, 2007, 11:12 AMare u sure they are in India? where exactly? and how many stores?I would love to see them coming to Pakistan.

India is not mentioned on www.ikea.comEven in Middle East, among the desi community, Ikea is considered to be a store offering costly furniture. In the beginning people advised me against buying from Ikea as there are many cheaper alternatives available here.

LandMark Retail is huge retailer in Middle East. It's owned by some Indian. Their home furnishing chain Home Centre is a better and cheaper alternative to Ikea in Middle East.musiddiquiOctober 30th, 2007, 01:18 PM

are u sure they are in India? where exactly? and how many stores?I would love to see them coming to Pakistan.

i watched a video on india few years ago and they showed ikea i think it was in new delhipunjabOctober 30th, 2007, 01:42 PMIKEA was keen to come to pakistan since along time but gov. has been deneying it as it will eat the local stores and run away with the profits, but gov. has offered them an alternative to sell pakistani made products and open stores with a pakistani in a joint venture like makro has done.shueybOctober 30th, 2007, 06:33 PM^^ We expect such information to be accompanied with mention of its source.safe_bloodOctober 30th, 2007, 07:53 PM^^^^tomarto ketchup i think it isFKOctober 30th, 2007, 10:04 PM:?UnitedPakistanOctober 31st, 2007, 01:52 AMIKEA was keen to come to pakistan since along time but gov. has been deneying it as it will eat the local stores and run away with the profits, but gov. has offered them an alternative to sell pakistani made products and open stores with a pakistani in a joint venture like makro has done.I have heard this as well...

We expect such information to be accompanied with mention of its source.

:bash:Red aRRowOctober 31st, 2007, 11:53 AMhttp://www.express.com.pk/images/NP_LHE/20071031/Sub_Images/1100289956-1.jpgmoved_onOctober 31st, 2007, 05:09 PMNo Ikea in India yetFKOctober 31st, 2007, 06:16 PMAny news for Karachi (Metro)?siamu maharajOctober 31st, 2007, 07:20 PMAny news for Karachi (Metro)?What sort of news are you looking for?FKOctober 31st, 2007, 07:51 PMMetro in Karachi.

malpensaNovember 1st, 2007, 12:57 AMGerman firms to invest in joint ventures with Pakistan: envoy

Our Correspondent

SIALKOT: The Ambassador of Germany in Islamabad, Gunter Mulack has hinted more foreign investment by the multinational German companies in Pakistan during the coming days.

He said various leading German companies including "Metro Company" have shown keen interest in investing in Pakistan apart from setting up several joint ventures with Pakistani business community in different trade fields.

Addressing a meeting of Sialkot business community at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here on Wednesday, Ambassador of Germany in Islamabad, Gunter Mulack said the German Company, Metro has recently established its stores in Lahore and now this company would also establish its stores in Sialkot, Karachi and Islamabad.

Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Sheikh Abdul Waheed Sandal, Senior Vice President (SVP) Dr Sarfraz Bashir and Vice President Chaudhry Raza Muneer were also present on the occasion.

There were bright opportunities of setting up joint ventures with Pakistan business community in different trade fields, he added. He said it was high time for boosting the mutual trade ties between Germany and Pakistan.

He said several Germany companies have shown keen interest in setting up the several joint ventures with the Sialkot-Pakistan business community in different trade fields especially in the surgical, sports and leather goods sectors.

He also urged the Sialkot exporters and industrialists to enhance the quality of their traditional and non-traditional exports products in order to remain competitive in the international markets.

Later, Mr Gunter Mulack visited leading surgical instruments manufacturing and sports goods industrial units in Sialkot city and was accompanied by high-ranking officials of German Embassy and the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

He witnessed the international standard craftsmanship of the Sialkot-based artisans and highly lauded the unique export culture of Sialkot.

He discussed in details matters of mutual interest with the members of Sialkot business community.

He said the trendy Sialkot exporters have the capabilities of capturing the German and European international trade and export markets by exporting the best quality traditional and non-traditional export items, especially surgical instruments, sports goods and leather goods.

Talking to the various industrialists and exporters at Sialkot factories, German Ambassador Gunter Mulack stressed the need of taking some effective steps for enhancing and boosting the mutual trade between Germany and Pakistan.

the Postsiamu maharajNovember 1st, 2007, 07:45 AMMetro in Karachi.Sorry, I was thinking Makro. Anyway, as the above post suggests, there are plans for Karachi.siamu maharajNovember 1st, 2007, 07:48 AMAlthough not relevant to this thread, but I think Sialkot is a diamond in the rough. The city has so much potential, it's ridiculous. They should make a little city outside it, sexy-looking. Bring foreign companies, have joint ventures. And just export quality goods with foreign labels. The city can produce it, we all know that. Just need to market it well.Abid SiddiquiNovember 1st, 2007, 09:52 AMAny news on Islamabad shopping centerssilalNovember 2nd, 2007, 10:02 AMhttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/silal/DSC_0465.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/silal/DSC_0461.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/silal/DSC_0355.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/silal/DSC_0277.jpgmoved_onNovember 2nd, 2007, 08:25 PMcool, hwvr blue carpet sucksFKNovember 2nd, 2007, 08:38 PMPervez Elahi's smiling like anything!moved_onNovember 2nd, 2007, 08:42 PMhe got his hands in metro's deep pocketssiamu maharajNovember 2nd, 2007, 10:02 PMPervez Elahi's smiling like anything!I noticed the same thing too.malpensaNovember 2nd, 2007, 10:44 PM

is pervaiz elahi rollin in the range rover or the bimmer?? and the exterior needs more blue color like Metros in europespykNovember 3rd, 2007, 06:54 AMPervez Elahi's smiling like anything!

he's dreaming of being the next PM!!!

and out of all those running, he has the most chances of getting the top job!!!KBNovember 10th, 2007, 05:02 PMhttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2406/1860083089_f8a8de6eba_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2042/1860070301_c6e2f27698_b.jpgSome shopping mall in karachishueybNovember 11th, 2007, 03:51 PM^^ Bad pictures, worse captionsdoenumberpakistaniNovember 12th, 2007, 07:35 AM:?kaymanDecember 16th, 2007, 10:22 PMMetro in Karachi.

Are they open in Karachi...or if they are hiring for Karachi OperationpakboyDecember 17th, 2007, 09:40 PMMETRO, Lahore

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2218/2117060237_209cd0ddc8.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2165/2117827984_fd8799ff86.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2182/2117052977_6da75d0f36.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2362/2117834648_581cde0c58.jpg?v=0pakboyFebruary 12th, 2008, 10:52 PMdoes any one know with who metro has made a joint venture withsiamu maharajFebruary 13th, 2008, 09:18 AMhttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2406/1860083089_f8a8de6eba_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2042/1860070301_c6e2f27698_b.jpg

Some shopping mall in karachiI think it's the one opposite Dolmen Mall (the newer one) on Tariq Road.silalFebruary 13th, 2008, 01:29 PMMETRO Cash & Carry Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. is wholly owned by METRO Cash & Carry International and does not have a local partner.pakboyFebruary 13th, 2008, 03:23 PMyou can not do business in another country without a local partner, foreigners doing business is prohibited in all countrys, especially for supermarkets, thats why makro had to team with habib and big massive companies like emaar joined dha,ArchiPakFebruary 13th, 2008, 04:25 PMMetro has brought the same quality standard of Europe to Pakistan. Good to see that.transistorizedFebruary 14th, 2008, 04:19 AMyou can not do business in another country without a local partner, foreigners doing business is prohibited in all countrys, especially for supermarkets, thats why makro had to team with habib and big massive companies like emaar joined dha,

I am not 100% sure about it but I think you are wrong. Pakistan used to have that policy but not anymore, now they have a completely free and open market, just like most 1st world countries.malpensaFebruary 14th, 2008, 07:02 AMmetro has no partnerpakboyFebruary 14th, 2008, 01:36 PMI am not 100% sure about it but I think you are wrong. Pakistan used to have that policy but not anymore, now they have a completely free and open market, just like most 1st world countries.

dude even such a free market like dubai doesnt allow it, you just can not do business in any country like that, you need a local partner.transistorizedFebruary 14th, 2008, 06:36 PMdude even such a free market like dubai doesnt allow it, you just can not do business in any country like that, you need a local partner.

Well I dont know about Dubai but at least in UK and US you are free to invest in the local market even if you are not a local citizen. (I think they restrict out Cuba, NKorea and Iran but thats about it)siamu maharajFebruary 15th, 2008, 06:36 AMIn Dubai, UAE, they have a Free Zone. FFZ or FZZ, something like that. Even in Pakistan you can do the same thing under certain conditions.FunktagiousFebruary 18th, 2008, 01:01 PM

Good news...:banana:carrefour is fr sure coming in Pakistan:)i've seen their board which was recently installed at fortress stadium Lahore mentioning 'Carrefour ... Coming soon in fortress'

i'll try 2 get a pic dat board..pakboyFebruary 18th, 2008, 01:55 PMgood newssiamu maharajFebruary 18th, 2008, 02:45 PMBad news is that Makro is thinking about leaving.... almost.

Thanks to ignorant people who just didn't get the idea behind such a retailer, they are losing money. Since they are in partnership with Habib, they want to sell the whole thing to them and let them use the name Makro.FunktagiousFebruary 18th, 2008, 03:54 PMi think da way makro went .... dere was somethin lacking in their biz strategies..

as m frm lahore i'll talk abt lhr makro dat dey opened up on ravi road... i dun think many people go dere fr shoppin considerin da fact da big traditional whole sale mkt of lhr shah alam mkt is also located dere.... so dey both r a sot ov snatching shares ov each other... resulting into lower profits

n in case ov metro which is close 2 my house n i see every day numerous crowd pullin in frm all parts ov city... n esp on sundays it's like metro is givin away things fr free....

frm da square one i was dubious abt da location strategy ov makro in lhr n if some 1 now says dat makro is not doing well... it's not surprising me..pakboyFebruary 18th, 2008, 04:09 PMdude, i dnt know what you are talking about, makro on ravi road is always packed to capacity, money is coming pouring in to them and they are not opening new outlets one after another for no reason,malpensaFebruary 22nd, 2008, 10:02 PMMr. Giovanni Soranzo Managing Director and Parvaiz Akhtar, Head of Corporate Relations Metro Cash & Carry called on Secretary, Investment Division & BOI, Mr. Mushtaq Malik Friday in the office of BOl, Islamabad.

Mr. Malik apprised the delegation about the current investment climate and statistics, which have shown upward trends despite all security concerns and international mediaIs negative propaganda against Pakistan.

The FDI inflows in Pakistan for the period of July-December, 2007 amounting to US $ 2.067

Billion shows that the majority of the investment is coming from the developed countries; namely USA being on the top followed by UAE and UK.

Metro Cash & CarryIs business concept of self-service wholesale in particular benefits small and medium-sized business from the restaurant, retail and service sector which will be offered a comprehensive and high-quality product assortment at favorable wholesale prices.

At the same time, Metro Cash & Carry also contributes directly to the establishment and further development of modern distribution structures.

Mr. Giovanni Soranzo said that so far their projects in Pakistan are going on very smoothly and their outlet in Islamabad would be operational pretty soon in March 2008. He said their experience in Pakistan was phenomenal and outcome to their expectations was very high.

Initially, when Metro Cash & Carry was planning to Invest in Pakistan they had carried their initial pre-feasibility study on the pattern of their Indian case study project.

However, they have met more success in Pakistan. Metro Cash & Carry is planning to expand its business operations in more cities inducing Gujranwala and Faisalabad etc.

Metro has brought advance technology in its operational setup, created roughly over 200 job creations per store, capacity building of their employees by foreign trainings.

While commenting on Pakistan as an investment destination he said that with its population of around 160 million, a noticeably developing infrastructure and an impressive growth perspective, Pakistan is a very promising market for us.

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1090436/cntowerFebruary 23rd, 2008, 10:01 AM^ I've never been to MAKRO but I've seen the building on the way to the M2.malpensaMarch 8th, 2008, 03:30 PMCarrefour MAF Hypermarkets Pakistan (Pvt) LtdContact Person: Mr. Ahsan Mian MuhammadStreet Address: 49-C, Main Jain RoadCity: LahoreProvince/State: PunjabCountry/Region: PakistanZip: 0092Telephone:             92-42-7567191      Mobile Phone:             0092-322-4808459      Fax: 92-42-7566443Website: http://www.carrefourme.com

any body wanna get hired?? can contact i guess themimran02feb79March 26th, 2008, 07:44 AMhttp://www.jang.net/jm/3-26-2008/images/20_14.gifimran02feb79April 3rd, 2008, 07:20 AMhttp://www.jang.net/jm/4-3-2008/images/20_11.gifsiamu maharajApril 3rd, 2008, 08:26 AMI'd already reported itDallas1April 3rd, 2008, 04:45 PMSo Makro is gone now?pakboyApril 3rd, 2008, 05:13 PMenglish pleaseDallas1April 3rd, 2008, 06:36 PMMetro opened in ISB todaysiamu maharajApril 3rd, 2008, 09:23 PMSo Makro is gone now?The name is still here.Red aRRowApril 3rd, 2008, 09:51 PMMetro opened in ISB today

http://epaper.dawn.com/Web/Article/2008/04/03/151/03_04_2008_151_005.jpgAbid SiddiquiApril 7th, 2008, 10:19 PMMetro Cash & carryIslamabadApril 4, 2008

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0012-1.jpg

Too Many Complications in the registration Processhttp://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0009-1.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0010-1.jpgbrightside.April 8th, 2008, 07:11 AMToo Many Complications in the registration Processhttp://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0009-1.jpg

With regards to no 8. Is there a social securtiy system in Pakistan? :sly:

And I guess they're making the process to "register" so hard because they can't trust people to not shoplift :ohno:siamu maharajApril 8th, 2008, 07:27 AMIt's hard coz it's for wholesale and not end-consumers.brightside.April 8th, 2008, 07:33 AMwholesale? like costco?

I thought this was a superstoe like Giant or Walmart?Abid SiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 08:59 AMMostly u find normal customer at metro buying stuff rather than retailersAbid SiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 09:00 AMToo Many Complications in the registration Processhttp://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0009-1.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0010-1.jpg

A customer has to provide any one of the listed proofssilalApril 8th, 2008, 09:16 AMMETRO Cash & Carry Pakistan opens first wholesale center in Islamabad

Islamabad, 3rd April 2008 – Today, METRO Cash & Carry, the international leader in self-service wholesale, opened its first outlet in Islamabad in Sector I-11/4, near the Railway Carriage Factory. The company exclusively caters for professional customers like hotels, restaurants and small retailers like Kiryana stores. The assortment and services are tailored to the special needs of this target group. Islamabad is METRO Cash & Carry’s second wholesale center in Pakistan.

“With a population of over 170 million people and eight cities with more than a million residents, Pakistan is a very attractive and important market for our company”, said Frans Muller, CEO of METRO Cash & Carry International. “We see a huge potential for the expansion of our business-to-business wholesale concept in this country. Along with expansion, we also aim to contribute to the dynamic economic development of Pakistan.” If all pre-conditions like the allocation of real estate are met, METRO Cash & Carry sees a potential to open up to ten wholesale centers in mid-term in Pakistan. On average, the capital investment for a new METRO Cash & Carry outlet is 20 million Euros.

Islamabad is METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan’s second location after Lahore where the country’s first wholesale center opened in October 2007. The new METRO Cash & Carry wholesale center in Islamabad features more than 10,000 square meters of selling space and offers a comprehensive product range of more than 20,000 food and non-food articles. The focus on local

suppliers, which is typical for METRO Cash & Carry, is also pursued in Pakistan. Around 80 percent of the goods on display originate from Pakistani producers and distributors. Each METRO Cash & Carry wholesale center employs 300 people from the local community. Moreover, 200 people are working at the company’s country headquarters in Lahore.

METRO Cash & Carry wholesale centers are open exclusively for professional customers, all of them duly registered and provided with a customer card. This means that the company does not sell to private end consumers. The core target group comprises hotels, restaurants, caterers as well as Kiryana stores and other small retailers. At METRO Cash & Carry‘s wholesale centers they can find everything they need to run their business under one roof. Moreover, the company offers a constant availability of highest quality products at competitive wholesale prices. For instance Kiryana stores can use METRO Cash & Carry as their warehouse and utilize their free capital for their businesses, rather than lock it up in inventory. The company’s unique business-to-business concept also caters to the professional work schedule with extended opening hours of up to 15 hours a day.

“By these means we clearly help our professional customers to increase their competitiveness and thereby strengthen their own business”, said James Scott, Regional Operating Officer Asia, METRO Cash & Carry International.

Contrary to the traditional delivery wholesale, METRO Cash & Carry’s customers select their merchandize at the wholesale center in the quantities they need, pay in cash and transport their purchase back to their businesses by themselves. Products of any type are offered on a permanent basis and in large quantities.

Sharing knowledge, assuming responsibilityMETRO Cash & Carry Pakistan lives up to its responsibilities to society – not only as a reliable taxpayer and employer, but also as a pioneer in supporting local suppliers. In developing its own business, the company contributes to the country’s progress. METRO Cash & Carry supports the development of modern trade infrastructures along the entire supply chain. It helps build direct supply sources, reduce waste and supports farmers in getting better prices for their produce while at the same time providing better quality products to its professional customers. The company is for example planning to cooperate with the German Investment and Development Company (DEG) on a program to support farmers and fishermen. Participants will learn how to improve quality, increase yield and upgrade logistics. The training programs strengthen the competitive position of local producers and enable them to enter new export markets. As a pilot project, METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan has already implemented training for 50 fish farmers in Punjab.

METRO Cash & Carry is represented in 29 countries with over 600 self-service wholesale centers. With more than 100,000 employees worldwide, the company achieved sales of € 31.7 billion in 2007. METRO Cash & Carry is a sales division of the METRO Group, one of the most important international trading companies. In 2007 the group reached sales of about € 64 billion. The company has a headcount of some 280.000 employees and operates over 2,200 outlets in 31 countries. The operating business is performed by the sales brands which operate independently

in the market: Metro/Makro Cash & Carry – world market leader in cash & carry wholesale, Real hypermarkets, Media Markt and Saturn – market leader in consumer electronics centers in Europe, and Galeria Kaufhof department stores. More information at: www.metrogroup.de.silalApril 8th, 2008, 09:18 AMAs mentioned below:"The company exclusively caters for professional customers like hotels, restaurants and small retailers like Kiryana stores."

Therefore the entire registration process i.e. METRO is a wholesale business and not retail.

METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan opens first wholesale center in Islamabad

Islamabad, 3rd April 2008 – Today, METRO Cash & Carry, the international leader in self-service wholesale, opened its first outlet in Islamabad in Sector I-11/4, near the Railway Carriage Factory. The company exclusively caters for professional customers like hotels, restaurants and small retailers like Kiryana stores. The assortment and services are tailored to the special needs of this target group. Islamabad is METRO Cash & Carry’s second wholesale center in Pakistan.

“With a population of over 170 million people and eight cities with more than a million residents, Pakistan is a very attractive and important market for our company”, said Frans Muller, CEO of METRO Cash & Carry International. “We see a huge potential for the expansion of our business-to-business wholesale concept in this country. Along with expansion, we also aim to contribute to the dynamic economic development of Pakistan.” If all pre-conditions like the allocation of real estate are met, METRO Cash & Carry sees a potential to open up to ten wholesale centers in mid-term in Pakistan. On average, the capital investment for a new METRO Cash & Carry outlet is 20 million Euros.

Islamabad is METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan’s second location after Lahore where the country’s first wholesale center opened in October 2007. The new METRO Cash & Carry wholesale center in Islamabad features more than 10,000 square meters of selling space and offers a comprehensive product range of more than 20,000 food and non-food articles. The focus on local suppliers, which is typical for METRO Cash & Carry, is also pursued in Pakistan. Around 80 percent of the goods on display originate from Pakistani producers and distributors. Each METRO Cash & Carry wholesale center employs 300 people from the local community. Moreover, 200 people are working at the company’s country headquarters in Lahore.

METRO Cash & Carry wholesale centers are open exclusively for professional customers, all of them duly registered and provided with a customer card. This means that the company does not sell to private end consumers. The core target group comprises hotels, restaurants, caterers as well as Kiryana stores and other small retailers. At METRO Cash & Carry‘s wholesale centers they can find everything they need to run their business under one roof. Moreover, the company offers a constant availability of highest quality products at competitive wholesale prices. For instance Kiryana stores can use METRO Cash & Carry as their warehouse and utilize their free capital for their businesses, rather than lock it up in inventory. The company’s unique business-to-business concept also caters to the professional work schedule with extended opening hours of

up to 15 hours a day.

“By these means we clearly help our professional customers to increase their competitiveness and thereby strengthen their own business”, said James Scott, Regional Operating Officer Asia, METRO Cash & Carry International.

Contrary to the traditional delivery wholesale, METRO Cash & Carry’s customers select their merchandize at the wholesale center in the quantities they need, pay in cash and transport their purchase back to their businesses by themselves. Products of any type are offered on a permanent basis and in large quantities.

Sharing knowledge, assuming responsibilityMETRO Cash & Carry Pakistan lives up to its responsibilities to society – not only as a reliable taxpayer and employer, but also as a pioneer in supporting local suppliers. In developing its own business, the company contributes to the country’s progress. METRO Cash & Carry supports the development of modern trade infrastructures along the entire supply chain. It helps build direct supply sources, reduce waste and supports farmers in getting better prices for their produce while at the same time providing better quality products to its professional customers. The company is for example planning to cooperate with the German Investment and Development Company (DEG) on a program to support farmers and fishermen. Participants will learn how to improve quality, increase yield and upgrade logistics. The training programs strengthen the competitive position of local producers and enable them to enter new export markets. As a pilot project, METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan has already implemented training for 50 fish farmers in Punjab.

METRO Cash & Carry is represented in 29 countries with over 600 self-service wholesale centers. With more than 100,000 employees worldwide, the company achieved sales of € 31.7 billion in 2007. METRO Cash & Carry is a sales division of the METRO Group, one of the most important international trading companies. In 2007 the group reached sales of about € 64 billion. The company has a headcount of some 280.000 employees and operates over 2,200 outlets in 31 countries. The operating business is performed by the sales brands which operate independently in the market: Metro/Makro Cash & Carry – world market leader in cash & carry wholesale, Real hypermarkets, Media Markt and Saturn – market leader in consumer electronics centers in Europe, and Galeria Kaufhof department stores. More information at: www.metrogroup.de.Abid SiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 09:25 PMMetro Cash and Carry Card

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0011.jpgAbid SiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 09:31 PMMetro Cash & Carry

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0012-2.jpgAbid Siddiqui

April 8th, 2008, 09:32 PMMetro Cash & CarryCar Park was 100% occupied

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0017-2.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0019.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0021.jpgAbid SiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 09:33 PMMetro Cash & Carry, Islamabad

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0018.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0022.jpgKBApril 8th, 2008, 09:34 PM^^ look at the parkings :ohno:Abid SiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 09:34 PMMetro Cash & Carry, Islamabad

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0023.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0024.jpgpakboyApril 8th, 2008, 09:36 PMMostly u find normal customer at metro buying stuff rather than retailers

so normal people are allowed is wellAbid SiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 09:36 PMMetro Cash & Carry, Islamabad

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0025.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0026.jpgAbid SiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 09:38 PMMetro Cash & Carry, Islamabad

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0028.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0031.jpgAbid Siddiqui

April 8th, 2008, 09:40 PMMetro Cash & Carry, Islamabad

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0036.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0037.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0040.jpgAbid SiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 09:41 PMMetro Cash & Carry, Islamabad

Fresh Fish of your choice :)

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0041.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0042.jpgAbid SiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 09:45 PMso normal people are allowed is well

Havent seen single wholeseller or retailer there

90 % of the buyer was families

Metro is issuing card to anyone who got any kind of business with NTNmusiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 09:46 PMMetro Cash & Carryhttp://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0021.jpg

pisses me off when people park like this, will we ever learn how to properly parkAbid SiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 09:50 PM^^ look at the parkings :ohno:

A part from typical Pakistani parking , shopping carts were everywheer in the Parking lot. and no Metro staff was appointed for getting the carts back.

Too many Security people were at Main Gate and they only checking the customers coming in without car :PpakboyApril 8th, 2008, 09:52 PM^^ look at the parkings :ohno:

its nrmal in pak

Abid SiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 09:54 PMpisses me off when people park like this, will we ever learn how to properly park

No one actually parked correctly in that pic

:PpakboyApril 8th, 2008, 09:57 PMHavent seen single wholeseller or retailer there

90 % of the buyer was families

Metro is issuing card to anyone who got any kind of business with NTN

whats NTN?

and can anyone just not walk into the storeAbid SiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 09:58 PMhttp://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0032.jpgAbid SiddiquiApril 8th, 2008, 10:01 PMwhats NTN?

and can anyone just not walk into the store

No you have to get the card first. then u can accompany 2 more people with you

NTN is National Tax Number

Owners of the Tax Registered shop can get cards (upto 5 cards in the name of one shop)FKApril 9th, 2008, 01:42 AMYou can get an NTN even if your an employee, I had an NTN number back in Pakistan.siamu maharajApril 9th, 2008, 07:52 AMDoesn't every citizen who pays taxes have an NTN?brightside.April 9th, 2008, 08:26 AMThere's PS3's and flat screen TV's lying around in that store. Definitely too expensive an investment to let the riff raff in. I'm glad they make you register to go inside. Imagine a bunch of rowdy losers scratching a TV screen with their key or trying to shoplift a game console.FK

April 9th, 2008, 08:28 AMDoesn't every citizen who pays taxes have an NTN?

Yeah, but who pays tax?

Well I did so I got an NTN number :happy:siamu maharajApril 9th, 2008, 11:01 AMI've always paid taxes!

But then my dad was deputy commissioner of income tax, so I couldn't have evaded. Not that I'd ever do such a thing.Abid SiddiquiApril 9th, 2008, 11:33 AMMetro Cash & carryIslamabadApril 4, 2008

Too Many Complications in the registration Processhttp://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0009-1.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0010-1.jpg

They are asking about Business Tax Number

I wrongly wrote National Tax NumbermalpensaApril 13th, 2008, 10:41 PMplease take some exterior day time shots of Metro and surroundings thankspakboyApril 14th, 2008, 02:21 AMCarrefour MAF Hypermarkets Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd [Pakistan]

Street Address : 49-C, Main Jain Road

City : Lahore

Province/State : Punjab

Country/Region : PakistanmalpensaApril 15th, 2008, 10:52 AMdoesnt anybody read the signs before their put up....lollllll

thats why they shud give the work always to the cheapest bidder......

http://flickr.com/photos/tango48/2414216186/sizes/l/Abid SiddiquiApril 15th, 2008, 08:21 PM^^ hahahaha

Cash & Casrry

where is this???silalApril 16th, 2008, 09:12 AM:) Where in the world is this?? :bash:

doesnt anybody read the signs before their put up....lollllll

thats why they shud give the work always to the cheapest bidder......

http://flickr.com/photos/tango48/2414216186/sizes/l/malpensaApril 16th, 2008, 04:26 PMi think its near the carriage factory somewhere in islamabad?rpd???malpensaApril 24th, 2008, 05:45 PMMETRO cash and carry Islamabad promotional video:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Maya0891brightside.April 24th, 2008, 05:56 PM^^ Looks cool. Provides employment and relatively cheap goods to people. Can't be bad for Islamabad.Abid SiddiquiMay 9th, 2008, 07:45 AMMetro Cash & Carry

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0016-2.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0018-1.jpgmalpensaMay 10th, 2008, 03:07 AMdo you expect some landscaping outside cuz that dusty median looks very ghetto...lolKBMay 10th, 2008, 03:10 AM

landscaping by metro? i doubt it.

But since its in isloo(although just on the edge of pindi), CDA may do something sooner or later.Abid SiddiquiMay 10th, 2008, 08:58 AM^^ They have recently improved the quality of link roads alongwith metrosingaporeanMay 10th, 2008, 09:50 AMthey have any new destination FSD or Peshawar?ShahidMay 10th, 2008, 05:22 PMhttp://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0018-1.jpg

Looks very basic.

Not good quality like Asda, Tesco, Marrison, etc.pakboyMay 10th, 2008, 06:06 PMso asda, tesco and marrison whatever that is are cash and carrys are they.FKMay 10th, 2008, 06:37 PMLooks very basic.

Not good quality like Asda, Tesco, Marrison, etc.

:ohno:PakFanMay 10th, 2008, 07:51 PMso asda, tesco and marrison whatever that is are cash and carrys are they.

No, they are everyday high-street British supermarkets like Wal-Mart in the US.

Apologies if this discussion has already taken place elsewhere but I don't think you can compare a cash and carry like Metro to a high street supermarket such as Tesco.

The two of them are directed at different markets and demographics. The better comparison for Metro would be somewhere such as Costco ie. a pile 'em high and sell 'em cheap outlet with little regard for aesthetics or layout.Red aRRowMay 10th, 2008, 08:05 PMLooks very basic.

Not good quality like Asda, Tesco, Marrison, etc.

It's Morrisons.

Anyways having actually been to Asda, Tesco and Morrisons i can say this isn't much different from them.pakboyMay 10th, 2008, 08:13 PMNo, they are everyday high-street British supermarkets like Wal-Mart in the US.

Apologies if this discussion has already taken place elsewhere but I don't think you can compare a cash and carry like Metro to a high street supermarket such as Tesco.

The two of them are directed at different markets and demographics. The better comparison for Metro would be somewhere such as Costco ie. a pile 'em high and sell 'em cheap outlet with little regard for aesthetics or layout.

sar·casm Audio Help (sär'kāz'əm) Pronunciation Key n. A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound. A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule. The use of sarcasm. See Synonyms at wit1. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sarcasmsiamu maharajMay 10th, 2008, 08:18 PMI've said it a thousand times, and will say it again. It's NOT a supermarket!!! Stop comparing it with them!

Let me repeat:MAKRO & METROARENOTSUPERMARKETSX-entricMay 10th, 2008, 08:24 PMNo, they are everyday high-street British supermarkets like Wal-Mart in the US.

Apologies if this discussion has already taken place elsewhere but I don't think you can compare a cash and carry like Metro to a high street supermarket such as Tesco.

The two of them are directed at different markets and demographics. The better comparison for Metro would be somewhere such as Costco ie. a pile 'em high and sell 'em cheap outlet with little regard for aesthetics or layout.

It's Morrisons.

Anyways having actually been to Asda, Tesco and Morrisons i can say this isn't much different from them.

Yes, I agree. quite comparable to any of the supermarkets you listed. Aesthetics dont matter too much in Pakistan, as long as we have a decent, big supermatket.I think this is the first proper supermarket in Pakistan. Kudos to Metro.My cousin is working in their procurement department and he recently told me that both locations (Lahore and Islamabad) are doing very good business. Isalamabd is doing slightly better than Lahore(maybe because it's new).

New locations will be Karachi, Defence Lahore and Faisalabad all within this year.:banana:siamu maharajMay 10th, 2008, 10:09 PMYes, I agree. quite comparable to any of the supermarkets you listed. Aesthetics dont matter too much in Pakistan, as long as we have a decent, big supermatket.I think this is the first proper supermarket in Pakistan. Kudos to Metro.My cousin is working in their procurement department and he recently told me that both locations (Lahore and Islamabad) are doing very good business. Isalamabd is doing slightly better than Lahore(maybe because it's new).

New locations will be Karachi, Defence Lahore and Faisalabad all within this year.:banana:I wish I could kill you.malpensaMay 10th, 2008, 11:20 PMtell ur cousin in procurement to order some grass seeds...and small palm trees.....lolbrightside.May 10th, 2008, 11:58 PMLooks very basic.

Not good quality like Asda, Tesco, Marrison, etc.

:wallbash: :mad2: :doh:X-entricMay 11th, 2008, 04:14 AMI've said it a thousand times, and will say it again. It's NOT a supermarket!!! Stop comparing it with them!

Let me repeat:MAKRO & METROARENOTSUPERMARKETS

Look, I dont know how they work in Germany and rest of Europe but in Pakistan my relatives and thousands of others go there for their shopping! fruits, bakery, electronics! everything, they treat is like a supermarket. I know it is (or was) meant to be wholesale merchandizer but thats not the case.....atleast in Pakistan.

siamu maharajMay 11th, 2008, 08:43 AMLook, I dont know how they work in Germany and rest of Europe but in Pakistan my relatives and thousands of others go there for their shopping! fruits, bakery, electronics! everything, they treat is like a supermarket. I know it is (or was) meant to be wholesale merchandizer but thats not the case.....atleast in Pakistan.You're right, and that's exactly why they failed and both of them have sadly left Pakistan. My initial issue was that you and others were comparing its aisles with supermarkets, which is unfair.X-entricMay 11th, 2008, 12:36 PMYou're right, and that's exactly why they failed and both of them have sadly left Pakistan. My initial issue was that you and others were comparing its aisles with supermarkets, which is unfair.

just gave u insider info, Metro is doing GREAT business in Islamabad and very good in Lahore. Exceeding all their targets. They are not going back home anytime soon.

I dont have a problem with its aisles at all. We didnt have even these basic aisles in such a big set up in Pak before metro, did we?siamu maharajMay 11th, 2008, 01:32 PMjust gave u insider info, Metro is doing GREAT business in Islamabad and very good in Lahore. Exceeding all their targets. They are not going back home anytime soon.

I dont have a problem with its aisles at all. We didnt have even these basic aisles in such a big set up in Pak before metro, did we?The company has left, now House of Habib use their name with permission.imran02feb79May 11th, 2008, 03:04 PM^^

METRO is still there ..... :bash:

MAKRO is completely owned by HOH now .... before they were just partners ....

Dont tell me now that i am comenting on your posts :)siamu maharajMay 11th, 2008, 03:50 PMWill check about Metro. BTW, Makro and Metro are the same company.Red aRRowMay 11th, 2008, 05:05 PMWill check about Metro. BTW, Makro and Metro are the same company.

WTh...no they are not.

pakboyMay 11th, 2008, 05:07 PMonly in uk they are merged. they are different companies elsewhere.

and makro is in lahore who said its gonepakboyMay 11th, 2008, 05:12 PMmakro is still here,http://www.makropakistan.com/new/index.htmlmalpensaMay 11th, 2008, 06:51 PMstop posting false info........ with such confidencemalpensaMay 11th, 2008, 06:53 PMthe Metro stores in europe built ten years ago ..most have same design which is disappointing as they should have enhanced the store front....in 2008 by nowsiamu maharajMay 11th, 2008, 09:57 PMFalse info? I said Makro has left, prove it otherwise and I'll pay you a billion $. And I also said that I'm not sure about Metro. Makro and Metro are indeed the same company in most parts of the world, esp. the whole of Europe. I've worked with them for some time, I know what I'm talking about. Like I said, I'm not sure about Metro Pak, and hence will re-check. Makro HAS been a failure given what they set to achieve. Same goes for Metro. They may well be making money thru end-consumers, but that's not their main business. They will very soon go out of business when Carrefour and the likes come. Makro left coz of this. 70% of their biz is thru end-consumers and they'll leave as soon as Carrefour opens in Karachi. Makro were looking for ideas as to how to address that, and they addressed it by leaving Pakistan.Red aRRowMay 11th, 2008, 10:15 PMSiamu please stop talking through your back side.malpensaMay 11th, 2008, 10:59 PMdude listen leaving means boarded up and condemed store....leaving a franchise to a partner is not leaving..they are still in business ordering merchindise ..paying commisons to Makro other wise they could use the name..it wud be MUkro etc.....

Franchiseing is common with 100 percent ownership of the franchisee all over the world....malpensaMay 11th, 2008, 11:01 PM"You're right, and that's exactly why they failed and both of them have sadly left Pakistan"

maybe you shud be clearer with ur statements next time......pakboyMay 12th, 2008, 12:15 AM

False info? I said Makro has left, prove it otherwise and I'll pay you a billion $. And I also said that I'm not sure about Metro. Makro and Metro are indeed the same company in most parts of the world, esp. the whole of Europe. I've worked with them for some time, I know what I'm talking about. Like I said, I'm not sure about Metro Pak, and hence will re-check. Makro HAS been a failure given what they set to achieve. Same goes for Metro. They may well be making money thru end-consumers, but that's not their main business. They will very soon go out of business when Carrefour and the likes come. Makro left coz of this. 70% of their biz is thru end-consumers and they'll leave as soon as Carrefour opens in Karachi. Makro were looking for ideas as to how to address that, and they addressed it by leaving Pakistan.

do you have any sources to back that up, cause i belive its rubbish, i have been to makroo and its packed out like crazy, all there tills, 50 of them i think are ringing all the time, there are people with trolleys full of boxes of all there shit and i have been to makroo stores in london and the business is nothing like wat they do in lahore. so if they did not meet their targets then some bigger idiot then nawaz shirif must have set their targets and goals.

and they will never be competing with carrefour, cause they are different even thought they let all people in they will be always selling in bulk and will be alot cheaper then any supermarket, and people in pakistan love buying in bulk its part of our culture.carrfour will be in war with places like ary cash and carry and pace.X-entricMay 12th, 2008, 03:38 AMFalse info? I said Makro has left, prove it otherwise and I'll pay you a billion $. And I also said that I'm not sure about Metro. Makro and Metro are indeed the same company in most parts of the world, esp. the whole of Europe. I've worked with them for some time, I know what I'm talking about. Like I said, I'm not sure about Metro Pak, and hence will re-check. Makro HAS been a failure given what they set to achieve. Same goes for Metro. They may well be making money thru end-consumers, but that's not their main business. They will very soon go out of business when Carrefour and the likes come. Makro left coz of this. 70% of their biz is thru end-consumers and they'll leave as soon as Carrefour opens in Karachi. Makro were looking for ideas as to how to address that, and they addressed it by leaving Pakistan.

wow. you have been very defensive trying to defent the indefensible.Do you think a company will open more outlets if it really was losing money? They are not crowding out anyone here!

This is what I said earlier,

'My cousin is working in their procurement department and he recently told me that both locations (Lahore and Islamabad) are doing very good business. Isalamabd is doing slightly better than Lahore(maybe because it's new).

New locations will be Karachi, Defence Lahore and Faisalabad all within this year'

way to go METRO!

silalMay 12th, 2008, 06:12 AMJust wanted to clear out all the buzz on METRO and Makro. I think I've already posted this a long time back...

Makro is (was) owned by a Dutch company called SHV.METRO is owned by the German METRO Group.

METRO Group and SHV were in a partnership until about 10 years ago. When they split, METRO Group purchased all the Makro stores in Europe - therefore, currently, Makro in UK, Spain, Greece, etc. is owned by METRO Group which also owns METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan.

Don't know much about whether SHV has completely sold Makro to House of Habib, but according to my last information, HoH owns 70% while SHV owns 30% of the business. It was vice versa initially. This is not uncommon for Makro since their apparent strategy in most Asian countries has been to expand rapidly then sell their business out to the highest bidder.

Also to the best of my knowledge, both are doing excellent business in Pakistan and the brands have no intention of exiting from the Pakistani market. In fact, both are pursuing extremely aggressive expansion plans.

As far as wholesale is concerned, neither METRO nor Makro can ensure that their customers ONLY purchase for their businesses. Makro has allowed entry without a customer card, however, METRO is quite strict in terms of only giving out customer cards upon showing a valid business registration. Since five customer cards are allowed per registration number, people sign up their relatives and friends on their own business registration, in which case METRO cannot deny them entry.

Hope this sorts a few questions out.pakboyMay 12th, 2008, 08:25 AMmakroo also has a massive store coming up in model town in lahore on 50 kanals, a new store opens after every few monts, they will never leave, they are making fortunes.siamu maharajMay 12th, 2008, 08:58 AMGod, you people are dense. Useless talking to you. Believe whatever you want to make yourself feel happy.X-entricMay 12th, 2008, 11:02 AMGod, you people are dense. Useless talking to you. Believe whatever you want to make yourself feel happy.

:lol: why dont we people learn to lose an argument ?siamu maharajMay 12th, 2008, 11:22 AM

:lol: why dont we people learn to lose an argument ?Because there's no argument. It's not someone's opinion what's going on with Makro.Abid SiddiquiMay 17th, 2008, 11:44 PMMetro Fobia - Islamabad

Look at the que on weekend

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS33/Photo-0042.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS33/Photo-0045.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS33/Photo-0046.jpgAbid SiddiquiMay 17th, 2008, 11:44 PMMetro cash & Carry

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS33/Photo-0049.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS33/Photo-0097.jpgAbid SiddiquiMay 17th, 2008, 11:47 PMMetro Cash & Carry

After Rain

rain water also went inside the store

They need better water proofing

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS33/Photo-0098.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS33/Photo-0099.jpgAbid SiddiquiMay 17th, 2008, 11:47 PMMetro Cash & Carry

Car PArk

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS33/Photo-0100.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS33/Photo-0101.jpgPlasma.May 18th, 2008, 12:49 AM

Carts!

I bet they are going to be missing half of them in a month...IntoxicationMay 18th, 2008, 12:51 AMMetro Cash & Carry

After Rain

rain water also went inside the store

:laugh:brightside.May 18th, 2008, 12:04 PMCarts!

I bet they are going to be missing half of them in a month...

They should have those lock systems on them which locks the wheels if you take it beyond the parking lot. Of course unlike Pakistan, supermarkets in north America don't have security guards and a gate.PakFanMay 18th, 2008, 12:37 PMCarts!

I bet they are going to be missing half of them in a month...

Erroneous carts are also a real menace in the UK. They are the "vehicle/toy" of choice for drunkard Brits after a long night on the lash...:bash:pakboyMay 18th, 2008, 03:30 PMCarts!

I bet they are going to be missing half of them in a month...

maybe you will see people sleeping inside metro carts along murree road soon.pakboyMay 18th, 2008, 03:31 PMMetro Fobia - Islamabad

Look at the que on weekend

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS33/Photo-0042.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS33/Photo-0045.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS33/Photo-0046.jpg

and was someone trying to say its a flop and there quiting :nuts:KBMay 18th, 2008, 03:39 PM:lol:IntoxicationMay 18th, 2008, 06:15 PMErroneous carts are also a real menace in the UK. They are the "vehicle/toy" of choice for drunkard Brits after a long night on the lash...:bash:

I don't see anything wrong with that! :dunno: People are just having some fun.Abid SiddiquiMay 18th, 2008, 09:18 PMCarts!

I bet they are going to be missing half of them in a month...

There is only one Exit and very well protected by Security

so no chance of getting cart out side the parking areamalpensaMay 18th, 2008, 11:13 PMwhy is there a line? security check???

wht is the surrounding area like?PakFanMay 18th, 2008, 11:16 PMI don't see anything wrong with that! :dunno: People are just having some fun.

What?? Are you smoking something dude??:nuts:

Forcible removeable of property from the supermarket forecourt, destruction of the supermarket's property, destruction of resdiential property when the cart's are dumped in people's front lawns, wastage of police time, anti-social behaviour, processing those caught engaged in such behaviour thru the courts etc etc. When the supermarkets aggregate the costs of such criminal behaviour I expect that they don't share your sentiments.

I had to read your response twice to ensure it wasn't my bad!!IntoxicationMay 18th, 2008, 11:35 PMWhat?? Are you smoking something dude??:nuts:

Forcible removeable of property from the supermarket forecourt, destruction of the supermarket's property, destruction of resdiential property when the cart's are dumped in people's

front lawns, wastage of police time, anti-social behaviour, processing those caught engaged in such behaviour thru the courts etc etc. When the supermarkets aggregate the costs of such criminal behaviour I expect that they don't share your sentiments.

I had to read your response twice to ensure it wasn't my bad!!

I have an urge to do that someday. :shifty:X-entricMay 19th, 2008, 03:20 AMWhat?? Are you smoking something dude??:nuts:

Forcible removeable of property from the supermarket forecourt, destruction of the supermarket's property, destruction of resdiential property when the cart's are dumped in people's front lawns, wastage of police time, anti-social behaviour, processing those caught engaged in such behaviour thru the courts etc etc. When the supermarkets aggregate the costs of such criminal behaviour I expect that they don't share your sentiments.

I had to read your response twice to ensure it wasn't my bad!!

You didnt enlist the damage they do to cars parked in that area,.....hitting them with their drunkard loaded trolleys.Plasma.May 19th, 2008, 03:26 AMThere is only one Exit and very well protected by Security

so no chance of getting cart out side the parking area

Ahh Alright.

But im sure someone will find a way around this. :lol:Abid SiddiquiMay 19th, 2008, 05:42 AMwhy is there a line? security check???

wht is the surrounding area like?

This is the only entrance / Exit for the car park. 4-5 security guards check the cars entering the premises

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z38/AbidSiddiqui/SS32/Photo-0016-2.jpgsiamu maharajMay 19th, 2008, 06:18 AMand was someone trying to say its a flop and there quiting :nuts:Read my msg again and maybe you'll get what I said. Give it a try..._BPS_

May 20th, 2008, 08:01 AMthere really wasnt any good posh resturants in lahore except for village untill mcdonalds, kfc, pizza hut, chicargo grill came and it made all the other resturants invest more on the resturants and develop them so they could compete with the international ones, now there are many of these resturants made by pakistanis which are doing even better then the international ones.

kfc, pizza hut, mcdonalds are not posh restaurants. there were many good restaurants before these foreign ones came (i.e. salt n pepper, Bundu Khan, Cing qong or whatever, Xin Xuan << by far the best restaurant ever! ).brightside.May 20th, 2008, 11:50 AMkfc, pizza hut, mcdonalds are not posh restaurants. there were many good restaurants before these foreign ones came (i.e. salt n pepper, Bundu Khan, Cing qong or whatever, Xin Xuan << by far the best restaurant ever! ).

KFC, Pizza Hut, McD's etc are posh restaurants in Pakistan because they cost a lot of money to eat at. They are in the highest price tier in Pakistan, perhaps maybe less than restaurants in hotels, but still very expensive for the common man.singaporeanJune 25th, 2008, 11:39 AMWednesday, June 25, 2008ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said all economic sectors in Pakistan are open to foreign direct investment and a Level-playing field is provided to both local and foreign investors allowing 100 per cent foreign equity.

He was talking to Farhad Zulfiqar, Executive Chairman Makro Habib Pakistan, a joint venture between Makro Cash and Carry, a leading Dutch wholesaler of food and non-food products in Asia and South America and House of Habib, who called on him here at the PM House this morning.

Farhad Zulfiqar told the prime minister that Makro Cash and Carry has 172 stores worldwide including in five countries of Asia and four countries of South America and has an annual turnover exceeding four billion euros. In Pakistan the company has so far set up 4 stores in Karachi and Lahore, and plans to set up 30 stores, he said.

In his presentation Marek Andrej Minkiewicz, the CEO and Managing Director of Makro Stores in Pakistan informed the Prime Minister that Makro Habib plans to invest around $300 million in the next four years, out of which $200 million will be remitted as foreign direct investment.IntoxicationNovember 24th, 2008, 01:50 PM@ Mods can the title of this thread please be changed to "Pakistan's Retail Industry"? Thanks.

Consolidation In Pakistan's Retail Sector

Jawaid Abdul Ghani

This paper reviews changes which occurred over the last decade in the retail sector in urban Pakistan, in terms of a decrease in traditional ‘kiryana’ stores, an increase in general stores, and the emergence of new formats such as superstores, malls, and retail chains. These trends are discussed in the context of broader socio–economic changes, including growth in the urban middle class and disposable incomes. The paper discusses similar trends that occurred in the late nineteenth century in North America and Europe, the recent rise in international retailing, and the possibility of global retailers such as Germany's Metro and the French Carrefour, entering the Pakistani market. The entry of such firms has often resulted in profoundly altering the retail landscape, as has been the experience in the less developed markets of East Europe, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific region.

It is estimated that in 2002, about 6.8 million of the 50 million people living in urban Pakistan belonged to the upper and upper–middle class, and represented a grocery market worth $1.7 billion. This segment, projected to grow to 17 million people by the year 2010, is expected to be the first to switch to modern retail stores. This paper projects the impact global retailers might have on Pakistan's retail landscape.

http://ajc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/2/2/137

You have to pay to get access to the full paper. :ohno:

A bit old, I know, but I just wanted to share it as it has valuable information in it.malpensaNovember 27th, 2008, 06:10 AMCARREFOUR to enter Pakistan

* printer friendly version* email this page* login

October 21, 2008 |

Plnet Retail 20 Oct 2008

Carrefour is to enter Pakistan through its franchise partner in the Middle East, Majid Al Futtaim Group (MAF). It has started construction of its first store at Fortress Stadium, Lahore. According to press reports, the retailer has already signed up five stores so far in Pakistan and has plans to open at least ten stores in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Faisalabad in the coming five years. The entry into the Pakistani market will make Carrefour the first hypermarket operator in the country.

Copyright www.planetretail.netmalpensaNovember 27th, 2008, 06:11 AM

MAF expands to Pakistan

Sarmad Khan and Vivian Salama

* Last Updated: October 21. 2008 8:02PM UAE / October 21. 2008 4:02PM GMT

DUBAI // MAF Hypermarkets, a subsidiary of Dubai’s Majid Al Futtaim Holding, is planning to open seven hypermarkets in five Pakistani cities within the next two years, a senior official said yesterday.

Mansoor Bajwa, the commercial consul at the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai, said the first of the seven Carrefour stores would open in Lahore by the end of this year.

According to reports in Pakistan’s media, the investment by MAF Hypermarkets could be in excess of US$1 billion (Dh3.67bn). The reports said MAF could open as many as 10 Carrefour stores in the next five years, citing a meeting between the officials of MAF Hypermarkets Pakistan, a fully-owned subsidiary of MAF Hypermarkets, and Saleem H Mandviwala, the chairman of the Board of Investment (BoI), a Pakistan government body tasked with promoting and regulating foreign direct investments in Pakistan.

Mr Bajwa said he could not disclose the total size of the investment. “We have no idea what the total investment would be, but setting up a major chain of stores would take substantial investment.”

Officials with MAF Hypermarket were unavailable for comment on the deal, however the company’s official website confirms that it plans to open 10 Carrefour hypermarkets in the next 12 months in Pakistan, Syria, Iran and Bahrain.

Mr Bajwa said the UAE investors were initially planning two Carrefour store in Lahore – construction of the first is already under way at a cost of 1.2bn Pakistani rupees (Dh54 million) – two stores in Karachi and one each in Islamabad, Multan and Faisalabad.

“These stores will be open by 2010 and will create direct employment for 5000 people,” he said. “We have facilitated the negotiations between BoI and MAF Hypermarkets and worked on this deal for over a year.”

Mr Bajwa said that Pakistan, with a population of 170 million, was an attractive market for any retail chain. “The market is wide and there are ample opportunities for growth.”

MAF Hypermarkets owns and operates a wide portfolio of hypermarket chains in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Oman and Kuwait. It also has a joint venture with France-based Carrefour, the world’s second-largest retailer.

MAF Group earlier this month announced that it would invest $1bn in Syria to build a mixed-use development complete with a hotel, serviced apartments and a mall anchored around a major Carrefour store.

MAF’s entry into Pakistan’s retail sector is the first major announcement of foreign direct investment in the politically shaken nation since its former president, Pervez Musharraf, resigned in August.

Pakistan is facing tough economic times as the country’s foreign exchange reserves are fast dwindling, from $14.3bn in June last year to $4.7bn last month, while the rupee has lost 25 per cent of its value this year and the stock market has dropped 35 per cent, according to a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report.

A Pakistani delegation is meeting with an IMF team in Dubai to discuss a rescue package to avoid a balance of payment crisis.

According to an IMF spokesman, there will be several meetings in the next few days before a conclusion is reached.

Foreign direct investment in Pakistan increased from $4.48bn for the 2005-2006 fiscal year to $8.4bn for the 2006-2007 fiscal year. The trend reversed as political instability shook the country and fell back to $5.19bn in the fiscal year that ended in June.

Still, Pakistan’s proximity to the Gulf and close ties with Gulf investors are expected to keep the country in the investment spotlight, if it remains relatively stable politically.

UAE and Pakistani officials had begun discussions regarding large-scale land sales to UAE investors for agricultural use, however the pace of negotiations for investments up to $500m in agricultural land has slowed down as the security situation in Pakistan deteriorates. UAE investors have significant investments in Pakistan’s banking, telecoms and property sectors, and the UAE is the largest single foreign direct investor in Pakistan.

skhan@thenational.aebrightside.November 27th, 2008, 06:27 PMCARREFOUR to enter Pakistan

* printer friendly version* email this page* login

October 21, 2008 |

Plnet Retail 20 Oct 2008

Carrefour is to enter Pakistan through its franchise partner in the Middle East, Majid Al Futtaim Group (MAF). It has started construction of its first store at Fortress Stadium, Lahore. According to press reports, the retailer has already signed up five stores so far in Pakistan and has plans to open at least ten stores in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Faisalabad in the coming five years.

The entry into the Pakistani market will make Carrefour the first hypermarket operator in the country.

Copyright www.planetretail.net

It's great news that more and more supermarkets are opening in Pakistan. This will improve hygiene standards considerably. Vast majority of middle class people already shop at places like Makro.sourierserviceFebruary 13th, 2009, 10:18 AMYesTeRday I sAw d Board 26 maRch 2009[;)]oPenIng ceRemOny Of Metro::banana:

MeTrO TyMingz 7:00 AM - !!:00 PM

y u meRge mY pOSt KB..I haTe yOu :(Nouman_26March 26th, 2009, 08:14 AMhttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3387079910_d6cac738b0_o.jpgKARACHI: March 25 – Sindh Governor Dr. Ishratul Ebad Khan addressing during the inauguration of Metro Cash &amp; Carry Pakistan. APP photo by M. Toheed

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3386266137_880baf3943_o.jpgSindh Governor Dr. Ishratul Ebad Khan visiting the different sections after the inauguration of Metro Cash &amp; Carry Pakistan. APP photo by M. Toheed

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3387090736_145f4414a5_o.jpgSindh Governor Dr. Ishratul Ebad Khan visiting the different sections after the inauguration of Metro Cash &amp; Carry Pakistan. APP photo by M. Toheedsiamu maharajMarch 26th, 2009, 11:08 AMDon't mind my ignorance, but is that a real shark?malpensaMarch 26th, 2009, 12:22 PMthe german guy on the left looks scared as hell of the shark .........lollIndusMarch 26th, 2009, 12:58 PMthe german guy on the left looks scared as hell of the shark .........loll

these people are from Holland, not Germany.Nouman_26March 26th, 2009, 01:57 PMhttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3387461462_c288d2c076_b.jpg

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Ahmad Rashid AhmadMarch 26th, 2009, 02:41 PMGood collection of pictures.............:)sourierserviceMarch 27th, 2009, 06:36 AMhttp://express.com.pk/images/NP_KHI/20090327/Sub_Images/1100591269-1.jpgsilalApril 23rd, 2009, 06:52 AMthese people are from Holland, not Germany.

METRO Cash & Carry is a German company - Makro is (was?) Dutch.

And, to be more specific, the guy being referred to is neither Dutch nor German. :)silalApril 23rd, 2009, 06:56 AMHas anyone seen the billboard on Mian Meer bridge, Lahore? It says that "Hyper-(something) opening soon at Fortress Stadium" and the logo resembles that of Carrefour, however, instead of a "C" it has an "H". Any idea what's going on? Did Carrefour rebrand its name in Pakistan? Or did it exit Pakistan because of the poor economic climate?PakFanApril 23rd, 2009, 10:50 AM^^ See recent postings in the Lahore projects thread.malpensaJune 28th, 2009, 05:51 AMHyperstar is a city within the city which houses all the things you need in the most organised manner

By Aziz Omar

For most of our lives, we have only been used to shopping from the local general store around the corner. Be it an oil can, a carton of milk, refreshments and snacks for the unexpected guest; all were procured as the need arose. Then we witnessed the arrival of the departmental stores with their shelves stacked with sundry grocery and other domestic items, all arranged in aisles. Bulk shopping started to catch on and entailed wheeling a trolley or cart and loading it up with enough stuff to last a couple of weeks to a month. Departmental stores such as HKB and Al-Fateh have even added a couple of floors besides the main grocery level that house clothes, crockery, electronics and some specialty household items. However, there is just so much that these stores can stock and hence start to become cramped due to size and space limitations.

Within the last year or so, stores such as Metro and Makro have emerged as the giants of the shopping market world of Lahore. Recently, another sprawling shopping arena has joined their ranks. Hyperstar started its operations within the past month or so and is located behind Fortress Stadium near Bundu Khan restaurant. I recall that this was also the same place that used to serve as the venue for the industrial exhibition that had been an annual event throughout my childhood.

To access the Hyperstar's premises, one has to pass through the general security check post at the

two or three entry points around the stadium. Upon reaching the behemoth structure, one has to drive around it and enter the car parking structure that has been constructed alongside the shopping mall. A high-tech car undercarriage scanner has been installed to counter any possible terrorist threat a la mode PC Peshawar and Police 15 building in Lahore. There are two massive levels of car parking that seem sufficient to cater to a peak time rush.

Customers are able to enter the shopping section from both the parking levels. Two gangways lead from the upper parking level to the shopping one, one each for entering and exiting. At the entry point to the actual shopping area, everyone has to pass through the familiar metal detecting doorway. It is more like a portal to a new world, as on the other side one comes face-to-face with rows upon rows of chock-a-block of virtually all items of personal and domestic use. There are mini streets where you have shelves with consumables. Come to think of it. The inside of Hyperstar does seem like a mini city, with all the signs to guide and direct the temporary citizens, the customers to various destinations. And to navigate amongst these lanes, one has to avail the services of the resident shopping cart that dwarfs its counterparts in the so-called departmental stores. All the edible food items are housed in the ground floor, with the rest being stocked on the first one. There are pots and pans of all shapes and sizes, dishware, cutlery in styles and glassware with myriad designs. There are racks upon racks of footwear, clothes for every age group of both genders.

The most eye-catching are the consumer electronics with their flashy exteriors and mind-boggling functions. Plasma and LCD screens overwhelm the average consumer with crisp images that seem to be as close to the real world as possible. The best thing about this section is the level of interaction that one can achieve as compared to other venues offering similar products. One can have a hands-on experience with even the laptops that are on display, especially with the top of the line ones such as Apple's MacBook Pro. You can immerse yourself to your heart's content in its feature rich software and see for yourself why it is touted to be the dream machine of the computing world.

Of course, the ideal reason to shop from Hyperstar would be to have all the possibilities under one roof, but an added benefit is also the lower-than-market prices and bargains that one is able to grab at such an establishment. For instance, on just one purchase of a box of 12 milk cartons, one is able to save Rs. 50 of the usual cost price. Similarly, on a shopping for a month's worth of items of around Rs. 10,000, say for a small household, one would be able to keep holding on to a thousand rupees! That is truly unparalleled mega saving in these times of hyper inflation.

The entire complex gives the feel of an airport terminal, complete with moving ramps and stringent security checking. Yet instead of receiving passengers, one goes to receive armloads of goods and sees their hard earned cash depart from their pockets. Even the Hyperstar logo looks like a futuristic helipad symbol with two Star Trek like arrows on either side of the 'H'. Indeed, this super mart projects itself to be a cost-effective hub for shopping and that too in hyper drive mode.malpensaJune 28th, 2009, 05:55 AM

the only thing that i dont like from the photos on the net of Hyperstar is that some of there price signage is in black and white which looks rather "corny"....like a homemade printer look ........ should be in a red or blue as their logoAadil.AijazJune 28th, 2009, 01:07 PMMETRO Cash & Carry, Karachi

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I look like an idiot in this pic. I was very sleepy... :Dhttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/MixedUpImage/Image029.jpg

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http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/MixedUpImage/Image032.jpgasif iqbalJune 28th, 2009, 07:42 PMconsidering pakistan masisve population and agricuture capabilitys it should have launched its own brand of supermarkets decades agopakboyJune 29th, 2009, 02:35 AMary cash and carry, hkb, al fatah, tesmart, pace etc. wake you.malpensaJune 30th, 2009, 04:41 AMhttp://www.lineaires.com/Media/Phototheque/Hyperstar-Carrefour-a-Lahore/Precautions-anti-attentatsimran02feb79June 30th, 2009, 07:07 AM^^

thanks for sharing...

http://www.lineaires.com/var/li/storage/images/media/phototheque/hyperstar-carrefour-a-lahore/precautions-anti-attentats/180466-1-fre-FR/Precautions-anti-attentats_gallerie.jpg

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http://www.lineaires.com/var/li/storage/images/media/phototheque/hyperstar-carrefour-a-

lahore/34-000-references-d-emblee/180480-1-fre-FR/34-000-references-d-emblee_gallerie.jpg

http://www.lineaires.com/var/li/storage/images/media/phototheque/hyperstar-carrefour-a-lahore/place-aux-specialites-locales/180487-1-fre-FR/Place-aux-specialites-locales_gallerie.jpg

http://www.lineaires.com/var/li/storage/images/media/phototheque/hyperstar-carrefour-a-lahore/des-standards-occidentaux/180494-1-fre-FR/Des-standards-occidentaux_gallerie.jpg

http://www.lineaires.com/var/li/storage/images/media/phototheque/hyperstar-carrefour-a-lahore/deux-noms-un-meme-logo/180459-1-fre-FR/Deux-noms-un-meme-logo_gallerie.jpgmalpensaJune 30th, 2009, 09:27 AMpakistanis sure do love ketchup...........J_SultanAugust 21st, 2009, 10:08 AMAl-Fatah Shopping Mall Y Block DHA...

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee151/Jsultan/Photo_081909_005.jpg?t=1250841861

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http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee151/Jsultan/Photo_081909_012.jpg?t=1250842055brightside.August 23rd, 2009, 04:05 AMBright and shiny! :)A-zeeAugust 25th, 2009, 05:13 AMIs this Al-Fatah a new store? or some old shop revamped?FAISAL MOINSeptember 7th, 2009, 03:47 AMMETRO CASH & CARRY ISLAMABAD

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af238/faisalmoin/DSC00028.jpg

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http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af238/faisalmoin/DSC00030.jpgFAISAL MOINSeptember 7th, 2009, 03:48 AMhttp://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af238/faisalmoin/PC080014.jpg

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http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af238/faisalmoin/PC080013.jpgmalpensaSeptember 7th, 2009, 07:30 AMnice pics.... no parking inside allowed now?A-TOWN BOYSeptember 7th, 2009, 10:33 AM^^ maybe they charge for parking inside...:dunno: n as usual no one wants to pay for that..J_SultanSeptember 7th, 2009, 01:11 PMwhat exactly is its location...??FAISAL MOINSeptember 7th, 2009, 02:49 PMactually the outside pix are old one. i took them a day before opening ceremoney.thats why no car is inside. u can see a single car blak mercedes inside. some minister visited that day.The exect location is I-11/4malpensa

September 8th, 2009, 12:07 AMhttp://www.sapulse.com/new_comments.php?id=1283_0_1_0_M12Ahmad Rashid AhmadOctober 10th, 2009, 01:37 AMAny news of the other two Hyperstar to open in Lahore at Defence & Johar Town?malpensaNovember 8th, 2009, 09:58 AMmany people complain about children not being allowed in the METRO stores ..heres one reason y......

"check out the " forklift warehouse accidnet at youtube...(my cut and paste not working)Aadil.AijazNovember 8th, 2009, 01:23 PMMy dad went to Hyperstar in Lahore a few days ago and he didn't take any pics, even when he had the cam with him. :(brightside.November 9th, 2009, 11:38 AMmany people complain about children not being allowed in the METRO stores ..heres one reason y......

"check out the " forklift warehouse accidnet at youtube...(my cut and paste not working)

Why would the staff be driving around a forklift during a time when customers are at the store? What happened? I don't want to watch the video.oogaboogaNovember 9th, 2009, 11:47 AMWhy would the staff be driving around a forklift during a time when customers are at the store? What happened? I don't want to watch the video.

I dont know about Pakistan but in the US in stores like Home Depot and Lowes and BJ's, I have seen the staff driving the forklift dring store hours many time but they are usually assisted by another member of the staff who clears the way and cautions everyone. However an unruly child can easy get in its way despite the assistant but then I guess that f*cker had it coming considering his/her unruliness. :laugh:brightside.November 9th, 2009, 12:28 PMThe US is different. There the stores aren't that crowded. Over here its like a Sunday Bazaar, only difference is that its under one huge warehouse :tongue2:

Seriously, I can barely breathe if I go to Makkro or some store like that in Karachi. So driving a forklift is not a good idea during hours.Aadil.AijazNovember 9th, 2009, 12:30 PMIn Karachi's METRO, I've seen the staff using forklifts while customers are walking around.

oogaboogaNovember 9th, 2009, 02:52 PMThe US is different. There the stores aren't that crowded. Over here its like a Sunday Bazaar, only difference is that its under one huge warehouse :tongue2:

Seriously, I can barely breathe if I go to Makkro or some store like that in Karachi. So driving a forklift is not a good idea during hours.

Wow thats retarded! I havent yet been to Metro or Makro. If it is that crowded then how do they prevent shoplifting?siamu maharajNovember 9th, 2009, 10:26 PMThe US is different. There the stores aren't that crowded. Over here its like a Sunday Bazaar, only difference is that its under one huge warehouse :tongue2:

Seriously, I can barely breathe if I go to Makkro or some store like that in Karachi. So driving a forklift is not a good idea during hours.Whenever they have forklifts in makro, they block that particular aisle and there're two guys standing at either ends to further ask the customers to be aware. I was actually surprised to see it, given it's Pakistan.brightside.November 10th, 2009, 08:37 PMWow thats retarded! I havent yet been to Metro or Makro. If it is that crowded then how do they prevent shoplifting?

They have strict exit control, they check your receipt and stuff.

Whenever they have forklifts in makro, they block that particular aisle and there're two guys standing at either ends to further ask the customers to be aware. I was actually surprised to see it, given it's Pakistan.

Hmm, well thats fine then I guess. The kid who got in the accident should have been a candidate for the Darwin Awards if only he had died.oogaboogaNovember 10th, 2009, 09:39 PMHmm, well thats fine then I guess. The kid who got in the accident should have been a candidate for the Darwin Awards if only he had died.

OMG! You are like the first Pakistani I have ever met who knows about the Darwin Awards!A-TOWN BOYNovember 10th, 2009, 10:19 PM^^ i knew...:shifty:oogaboogaNovember 10th, 2009, 10:46 PM

OMG! You are like the first Pakistani I have ever met who knows about the Darwin Awards!

:laugh:Aadil.AijazNovember 11th, 2009, 12:43 PMWell who doesn't know about Darwin Awards?oogaboogaDecember 21st, 2009, 09:32 AMThis was the first time I went to makro here in Pakistan and I am truly amazed! It felt like I was standing in a store in the US! Totally Kickass! :happy:

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http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/belxeeb_2008/CIMG2356.jpgFKDecember 21st, 2009, 09:55 AMWhy is it empty? :(imran02feb79December 21st, 2009, 09:59 AM:applause:

thanks for sharingMTFDecember 21st, 2009, 10:29 AMNice!oogaboogaDecember 21st, 2009, 02:12 PMWhy is it empty? :(

Because it was like 9AM! :crazy:

We hit the road at 7AM so that we have as much daylight for the pictures as possible. I went there because I needed an SD card for my camera because I found out at the 11th second that the stupid thing wasn't accepting the 4gb SDHC card used in my P&S so I had to buy a new one. Amazingly enough, they had all sorts of gadgetry at Makro except an SD card! :sleepy:

So we checked at every single technology market along our route and none of them were open. When we were in Saddar I saw this camera shop with a huge NIKON board on it which was open, so I went inside and inquired and the guy told me that yeah they have it, I felt like hugging him! :laugh:PakFanDecember 21st, 2009, 03:44 PMGreat shots boogie. Not just here but across the whole portfolio.

You're efforts are commendable and appreciated. A box of Ambala mithai for you on your next visit to Blighty!!oogaboogaDecember 21st, 2009, 03:52 PMGreat shots boogie. Not just here but across the whole portfolio.

You're efforts are commendable and appreciated. A box of Ambala mithai for you on your next visit to Blighty!!

Thanx! :colgate:

Whats Blighty? And Booga accepts nothing but Ahbab. :laugh:PakFanDecember 21st, 2009, 06:07 PMBlighty is one of the nicknames for the UK.oogaboogaDecember 21st, 2009, 06:09 PMBlighty is one of the nicknames for the UK.

Oh, I thought you were saying brighty's name like an oriental person would. :rofl:

get it? :tongue3:Ahmad Rashid AhmadDecember 21st, 2009, 08:08 PMNice pictures......malpensaDecember 21st, 2009, 09:43 PMlooks like an upscale "utility market"..doesnt have that intl look like METRObrightside.December 22nd, 2009, 11:46 AMVery, very nice! Fahad, dude trust me these places are a mega hit in Pakistan among the middle class. They're really over crowded on the weekends.

Oh, I thought you were saying brighty's name like an oriental person would. :rofl:

get it? :tongue3:

Actually, they can't pronounce the letter L. Like they would say "Hurro" is instead of "hello" :tongue2:zeesDecember 22nd, 2009, 02:39 PMSupreme Court has ordered MAKRO in Karachi to close down its huge commercial outlet in Saddar in 3 months and restore the 4.9 acres of land (Source: http://www.twitter.com/ckarachi)oogaboogaDecember 22nd, 2009, 02:54 PMSupreme Court has ordered MAKRO in Karachi to close down its huge commercial outlet in Saddar in 3 months and restore the 4.9 acres of land (Source: http://www.twitter.com/ckarachi)

Damnstraight! It was built on an amenity plot. There should have been a park over there.A-zeeDecember 23rd, 2009, 02:25 PM

I wonder how you took the pictures booga because in Model Town, Lahore Makro they had clear signs saying 'no photography' . The store is an exact replica. Good store. I was as happy seeing the Lahore one as you are. Bad flooring though and No match to Metro. Metro is by far more professional and tidy looking and importantly, busier too.oogaboogaDecember 23rd, 2009, 06:47 PMI wonder how you took the pictures booga because in Model Town, Lahore Makro they had clear signs saying 'no photography' . The store is an exact replica. Good store. I was as happy seeing the Lahore one as you are. Bad flooring though and No match to Metro. Metro is by far more professional and tidy looking and importantly, busier too.

I turned the flash and AF assist light off was holding the camera in such a way that it looked like I was just walking around with it. Plus I took these pictures with my tiny Casio Exilim EX-S12 P&S. It looks deserted because we went at such an ungodly hour, 8AM! :tongue3: My friends were telling me that later on in the day I wouldnt have been able to walk 10 feet without bumping into some aunty.

But yeah, absolutely amazing. I was just amazed when I was in there, Its like any warehouse store in the U.S!brightside.December 24th, 2009, 07:17 PMDamnstraight! It was built on an amenity plot. There should have been a park over there.

Makro is saying they aren't at fault.oogaboogaDecember 24th, 2009, 07:46 PMMakro is saying they aren't at fault.

There was allot of hoopla concerning the fact that the plot being sold to them by whoever was an amenity plot, they should have known better.malpensaDecember 24th, 2009, 10:10 PMok if in violation y not make it a community center..health or fitness for public.. medical area...education etc......y the hell they wann bulldoze it....their are more importnat issues these days....oogaboogaDecember 24th, 2009, 11:52 PMok if in violation y not make it a community center..health or fitness for public.. medical area...education etc......y the hell they wann bulldoze it....their are more importnat issues these days....

Yeah definitely.brightside.December 25th, 2009, 08:34 PMThere was allot of hoopla concerning the fact that the plot being sold to them by whoever was an amenity plot, they should have known better.

During Mushy's time, this land was transferred to the AWT at a very cheap rate, and then sold to Makro. Now the CJ undid that original transfer to the AWT, I don't see how that is Makro's fault, they bought the land from the organization owning the land legally at the time.oogaboogaDecember 26th, 2009, 08:37 PMDuring Mushy's time, this land was transferred to the AWT at a very cheap rate, and then sold to Makro. Now the CJ undid that original transfer to the AWT, I don't see how that is Makro's fault, they bought the land from the organization owning the land legally at the time.

When the sale was going down there was allot of media chatter about how the sale is illegal and it is an amenity plot. Cowasjee wrote like three columns on the subject. Makro should have known better, I mean are they really that shortsighted? Sure their lawyers might be able to make a case infront of a court but the fact remains that it is illegal regardless of whether they win the case.malpensaJanuary 3rd, 2010, 07:42 AMarticle from NOV 09 says "MAF Carrefour" could come to Pakistan but i thought they have already with Hyperstar maybe they will change back name in future....confusing none the lesshttp://www.arabianbusiness.com/572400-shopping-malls-developer-eyes-4bn-expansionsourierserviceJanuary 29th, 2010, 02:41 AMhttp://www.express.com.pk/images/NP_KHI/20100129/Sub_Images/1100839623-1.jpgsourierserviceJanuary 29th, 2010, 02:45 AMSupreme Court has ordered MAKRO in Karachi to close down its huge commercial outlet in Saddar in 3 months and restore the 4.9 acres of land (Source: http://www.twitter.com/ckarachi)

I read somewhere 1 week ago, Makro offered Supreme court that they will construct some state of the art park on CDGK land in Saddar area.n they leased current 4.9 acres land for 30 years from Army or navy(dont remember) & they invested more than 1 billion dollar on that outlet.brightside.January 29th, 2010, 08:51 PMIt would be highly detrimental for the area if the Makro there is torn down. It provides employment to many people, and brings other kinds of business there. I am all for parks in urban areas, but things need to be looked at with some sense.FKJanuary 29th, 2010, 11:48 PMIt would be highly detrimental for the area if the Makro there is torn down. It provides employment to many people, and brings other kinds of business there. I am all for parks in urban areas, but things need to be looked at with some sense.

I agree, I know it was against the law and what not but if Makro is ready to compensate by building a park and all I think the matter should be ended.Aadil.AijazJanuary 30th, 2010, 09:44 AM

I read somewhere 1 week ago, Makro offered Supreme court that they will construct some state of the art park on CDGK land in Saddar area.n they leased current 4.9 acres land for 30 years from Army or navy(dont remember) & they invested more than 1 billion dollar on that outlet.

:crazy:Ahmad Rashid AhmadJanuary 30th, 2010, 01:31 PMIn Lahore, Rush in Makro & Metro is now very much reduced(then before) because of Hyperstar.......Ahmad Rashid AhmadJanuary 30th, 2010, 04:53 PMHyperstar will open in Dolman City Mall, Karachi.......

MAF Hypermarkets has planned to build 10 hypermarkets in 5 cities(Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Multan & Faisalabad) of Pakistan in the coming 5 years.........sourierserviceJanuary 30th, 2010, 07:39 PMlo yeto purani bat hogai dolmen city wali :tongue3:theek banday nahi ho tum rashid...purani khabrain dete ho :tongue3:Ahmad Rashid AhmadJanuary 30th, 2010, 08:17 PMlo yeto purani bat hogai dolmen city wali :tongue3:theek banday nahi ho tum rashid...purani khabrain dete ho :tongue3:

chalo revise karva raha tha........:lol:gmbawaJune 12th, 2010, 10:18 AMCan any one of the participants on this site advise me approximate date as to when the Pace departmental store was launched in Fortress Stadium / Square.

G. M. Bawagmbawa@gmail.comgmbawa@hotmail.comsourierserviceJuly 28th, 2010, 08:30 PMI just came from Metro Karachi...oh man its awesome..I always went to Makro coz i thought k Metro people will not let me in without Card..but I was wrong :lol: they have lifted that ban long time ago...

I will rate Makro 7 out of 10 & Metro 9 out of 10

Parking Lot is Huge..More variety in every itemnormal to very high quality things..

I saw Shimla Mirch of 4,5 colours..& it luks like toys...& the price is 500-750 per kg

Green apples 550 per kgLemons (size was bigger than chicken eggs :nuts: ) 90 per kg

but one thing is very dangerous there

in MEAT SECTION..the room was so much chilled k 2 minz mai aesa bura sir dard hogya..& mu se dhuan tak nikalne laga tha n jo b tha andar kaaanp raha tha :bash: ye koi tarika nahi....how anyone can buy in this situation...also meat was not gudIn meat section Makro is best..in meat quality & in room condition too.fadi rulzzzzJuly 28th, 2010, 10:00 PMI just came from Metro Karachi...oh man its awesome..I always went to Makro coz i thought k Metro people will not let me in without Card..but I was wrong :lol: they have lifted that ban long time ago...

its been 9-10 months bcoz of limited customer, now its one day pass every one can enter the mall, CSO fill's out ur details/CNIC in an cupon & let u go, thats it :cheers:sourierserviceJuly 28th, 2010, 10:07 PMits been 9-10 months bcoz of limited customer, now its one day pass every one can enter the mall, CSO fill's out ur details/CNIC in an cupon & let u go, thats it :cheers:

no..they didnt fill out details in coupen..i was crossing that desk a lady called me k Sir metro card please.i said k i dont have metro card..she gave me day pass...she didnt ask my nic & namefadi rulzzzzJuly 28th, 2010, 10:20 PMno..they didnt fill out details in coupen..i was crossing that desk a lady called me k Sir metro card please.i said k i dont have metro card..she gave me day pass...she didnt ask my nic & name

Lazy pupils :lol: getiing rid of another procedure & if its going to be happen like this in near future they will not stop/ask u, & will walk in as we use to do entering makro :)Aadil.AijazJuly 29th, 2010, 08:31 AMI just came from Metro Karachi...oh man its awesome..I always went to Makro coz i thought k Metro people will not let me in without Card..but I was wrong :lol: they have lifted that ban long time ago...

I will rate Makro 7 out of 10 & Metro 9 out of 10

Parking Lot is Huge..More variety in every itemnormal to very high quality things..

I saw Shimla Mirch of 4,5 colours..& it luks like toys...& the price is 500-750 per kgGreen apples 550 per kgLemons (size was bigger than chicken eggs :nuts: ) 90 per kg

but one thing is very dangerous there

in MEAT SECTION..the room was so much chilled k 2 minz mai aesa bura sir dard hogya..& mu se dhuan tak nikalne laga tha n jo b tha andar kaaanp raha tha :bash: ye koi tarika nahi....how anyone can buy in this situation...also meat was not gudIn meat section Makro is best..in meat quality & in room condition too.

I've been there twice. Meat section is the coolest and the "coolest" feature of the store. ;)sourierserviceJuly 29th, 2010, 09:04 AMits not the coolest feature of store..u will get headach in less than 2 min..u cant stay there more than a minute in normal condition..i was rubbing my hands when i exited from meat section...compare it with Makro...they have decent system...Aadil.AijazJuly 29th, 2010, 09:31 AM^^But it's good if it's too hot outside. ;) And for the people in Karachi who never get to experience winter. Haha!sourierserviceJuly 29th, 2010, 09:41 AM^^yeah it was a great experience. :tongue3:oogaboogaJuly 29th, 2010, 02:45 PM:doh:monkey1October 30th, 2010, 11:17 PM[QUOTE=Aadil.Aijaz;38921268]METRO Cash & Carry, Karachi

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/MixedUpImage/Image029.jpg

Am i reading this right?. Rs2.30lacs for a 46" LCD Samsung tv?.And, in a recent post in this page, i presume "Shimla Mirch" refers to chillies @Rs500-750 a kg?.I'm speechless:uh: Are these high prices the norm?.brightside.October 31st, 2010, 12:52 PMThat can't be right. 46'' LCD TVs now cost below 50,000 Rs.sourierserviceNovember 1st, 2010, 12:35 AM^^no..I visited metro yesterday..lcd k 50k se zayeda he hain....sony bravia lca 40" k 73000 hain....samsung 37" lcd k 65000...

there was a plasma..i think i read more than 2.5 lakh for that..

btw i saw 103" plasma in carrefour abudhabi last month..it was on sale..150000 Dhs..price before sale> 190000 Dhs..discount of 40000 Dhs..,,almost 4.5m Rs

About chillies..yeah it was 400-500/kg..& these rates r not for common green shimla mirch..it was for red & yellow shimla mirch..these r not common here & r exp too from green shimla mirchbrightside.November 1st, 2010, 09:28 AMI had heard that prices for LCD TV's had dropped significantly :dunno:brightside.November 1st, 2010, 09:30 AMOn this site, the Sony Bravia 46'' is for Rs. 149,500

http://www.shophive.com/shophive/LCD-TV-c-237&brand_id=Sony.pakistan.htmlabidi2009November 1st, 2010, 05:59 PMPrices increased :(malpensaNovember 24th, 2010, 01:22 AMhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/mystapaki/5146061236/sizes/l/in/photostream/brightside.November 24th, 2010, 11:54 AM^^

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1225/5146061236_38e7765845_b.jpgAadil.AijazNovember 24th, 2010, 12:00 PMJust as we all expected! ^^

:cheers:Ahmad Rashid AhmadNovember 24th, 2010, 07:26 PMAnyone has any news about the opening of Hyperstar in Phase V DHA, Lahore???PakiDoperzNovember 27th, 2010, 10:46 AMthe mall in which the Hyperstar was suppose to open never got built so forget about it until the mall get constructed lolAhmad Rashid AhmadNovember 27th, 2010, 05:43 PMthe mall in which the Hyperstar was suppose to open never got built so forget about it until the mall get constructed lol

Can u spot the location on Google Map???pakboyNovember 28th, 2010, 12:08 AMits in phase 5, the big plot at wateen chowk, has a big hole in it but the arabs have removed the boards now for city center so i dont think it will get built.malpensa

December 13th, 2010, 11:28 PMMajid Al Futtaim Group plans hypermarket chainMajid Al Futtaim Group to open at least eight outlets in Pakistan

By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief ReporterPublished: 00:00 December 14, 2010

Dubai: Dubai business conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim Group (MAF) is planning to open a number of hypermarkets across Pakistan modelled on the Carrefour chain.

"We are planning to open at least eight to nine hypermarkets in different cities of Pakistan including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad," Mubashar Jalili, vice-president of development for MAF Pakistan, told Gulf News at the Pakistan Investment and Trade Conference in Dubai yesterday.

He said that the MAF opened the first retail hypermarket called Hyperstar in Lahore last year and that it had been a huge success. "We are all set to open a Hyperstar in Karachi next year while rest will follow," he said. He signed a letter of interest with the Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) to facilitate the projeAhmad Rashid AhmadDecember 16th, 2010, 08:09 PM^^Nice news...siamu maharajJanuary 2nd, 2011, 10:43 AMWent to METRO, it's pretty good. They were also selling a shark there.Aadil.AijazJanuary 2nd, 2011, 10:46 AMShark, how come did I never see that one? What's the price?siamu maharajJanuary 2nd, 2011, 02:31 PMShark, how come did I never see that one? What's the price?I was too busy admiring the fact that there was a shark being sold. The price was 375, don't know the unit. Can't be kgs, coz that'd be too cheap.Strong HeartedJanuary 25th, 2011, 08:19 AMMetro Lahore (Thokar)

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/23762096.jpgAhmad Rashid AhmadFebruary 9th, 2011, 03:14 PMhttp://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af117/Ahmadrashid/09022011598.jpg

http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af117/Ahmadrashid/09022011599.jpgpakboyFebruary 9th, 2011, 06:29 PMits for city center shopping mall

Ahmad Rashid AhmadJuly 14th, 2011, 11:28 PMRetail consolidation: Makro and Metro in merger talks

http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/209326-cashandcarry-1310604161-555-640x480.jpg

In what would be the first deal of its kind, two of Pakistan’s leading wholesalers – Makro Habib and Metro Cash and Carry – are engaged in talks for a merger, marking what some analysts hope is a new wave of consolidation in a sector that has hitherto been defined by its fragmentation.

Officials from the Metro Cash and Carry confirmed that they were in talks for a merger with Makro Habib. Metro officials implied that they were in advanced stages of the negotiation since they mentioned that the merger would be subject to the approval of the State Bank of Pakistan. SBP approval would only become a concern once both parties had agreed on the initial outlines of an agreement.

It was not immediately clear which party would act as the buyer in the deal, nor which investment banks are acting as advisors to both parties.

Analysts view the consolidation as good for both companies. Khurram Shehzad, the head of equity research at Invest Capital, an investment bank, said that the merger would allow both companies to take advantage of their synergies.

The Germany-based Metro Cash and Carry has five wholesale outlets in Pakistan, two in Lahore and one each in Karachi, Islamabad and Faisalabad and has been operating since 2007. Makro Habib Pakistan – a joint venture between the Dutch wholesale giant Makro and the Pakistani conglomerate House of Habib – also has five stores, three in Karachi and two in Lahore and began operations in 2005.

Officials from Metro have consistently said that their company is committed to investing in expanding their Pakistani operations. Makro officials had also been making similar statements in the past. In December 2010, Makro Habib’s managing director Jamal Mustafa Siddiqui said that the company planned to spend approximately Rs4 billion by 2014 in expanding the chain by at least four new stores.

Pakistan’s retail and wholesale market is estimated at over $42 billion a year by the Small and Medium Enterprised Development Authority. The sector has been marked by extreme fragmentation, which well over 50,000 mostly very small stores serving a population approaching 180 million.

Yet foreign investors have begun to see the potential in Pakistan’s market, particularly with the improvements in the inter-city highway network in the country over the last decade. Pakistan’s market also has none of the same restrictions as neighbouring India on foreign investment in large retail chains.

France’s Carrefour, for example, has opened up one store in Lahore and is planning on opening more in Karachi.

While Pakistan’s middle class is far smaller than India’s the country has around 30 million people who live in households with income over $10,000 a year, according to an analysis conducted by Standard Chartered Bank. Some demographers now estimate that more than half of Pakistan’s population lives in urban areas.

Foreign-owned wholesale stores are frequented not just by retailers but also by ordinary shoppers looking for a wider variety of goods and a better buying experience, compared to their domestic counterparts. While many local stores have tried to set up rivals to the foreign companies, none of them have the experience and expertise in running large, integrated supply chains necessary for a retail or wholesale chain.

While neither Metro nor Makro – nor for that matter Carrefour – disclose their sales numbers in Pakistan, sources familiar with the matter say that average annual sales per store exceed Rs1 billion.brightside.July 14th, 2011, 11:35 PM^^ That's $11.7 million per store per year. Impressive return on their investment.malpensaJuly 15th, 2011, 12:52 AMi hope METRO stays NOT makrosiamu maharajJuly 15th, 2011, 01:11 AMKeep in mind they're a single company in Europe but still operate under two names.malpensaJuly 15th, 2011, 06:24 AMits too bad METRO kept its intl look but makro looks like a desi bazaarshueybJuly 18th, 2011, 11:56 PMKeep in mind they're a single company in Europe but still operate under two names.They are not a single company in Europe. Makro is owned by a Dutch company called SHV and Metro is owned by a German company called Metro AG. It's just that Makro sold its European operations to Metro and the latter now owns and operates them without any change of name. Makro continues to have its Makro-branded stores outside Europe and their operations are totally independent of Metro.Ahmad Rashid AhmadAugust 23rd, 2011, 10:38 PMEl Corte to open buying office in Pakistan

Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has been successful attracting the El Corte Ingles Group, the leading super store of Europe and world’s 4th largest, based in Spain, to open a buying office in Pakistan. El Corte has an annual turnover of over $25 billion and is trusted name in quality of products and services in European markets.

It has more than 400 stores under the brand names of El Corte Ingles; Hipercor; Supercor; Opencor etc. El Corte Ingles annual imports is more than $12 billion and 80pc of its imports are from Asia, said a TDAP press release on Monday.

Opening of El Corte office in Pakistan is a result of an initiative taken by Pakistan’s Commercial Consular, Embassy of Pakistan and keen efforts of Pakistan’s Honorary Investment Consular in Spain. TDAP had sponsored and organised a 20-member El Corte delegation’s visit to Pakistan in February this year, for analysing the potential of Pakistan as a reliable sourcing hub. Borja de la Cierva, Director / Head of International Supply Chain led the delegation.

They held B2B meetings with 272 different Pakistani companies in Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Karachi and visited 59 selective production facilities in these cities.