The evolution of discount stores, category killers, convenient stores and non-format stores, in the next phase of retail evolution will largely be dependent on private brands.

Alot has been said about the retailing industry and its contribution to the GDP, the spin-off effects in terms of opportunity costs and so on.

The rapid growth of malls, across the Indian landscape, of all sizes and forms vying for a "share of the consumer's wallet" has resulted in a rather exciting phase in the growth of this sector (though not officially accorded industry status).

This seems to have triggered the possibility of a fairly good real estate market in terms of growth and returns on investment in the coming years around innovative operating models, mutually acceptable to mall builders and retailers.

Though the `Indian' organized retailing sector is a nascent segment in itself, the level of experimentation among retailers in terms of formats and product categories is indeed heartening and a great learning experience for those who are closely following its future course.

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