The devil is the Retail

Last few days we have heard of nothing but FDIs -  Foreign Direct Investments. I am not wasting cyberspace, writing about the devils on the 'R'etail or against it.  Instead I am keying down my humble opinion as an 'aam aurat' on whether I want FDI.  


It's a yes from me .. a BIG YES. The reasons being 

• It gives greater access to a wider global market.
• It helps in the introduction of world-level technology and technical know-hows 
• It increases the competition in the domestic market leading to improved quality and lowered prices
• It provides exposure to globally valued skills. 
• There are other unwritten benefits too. Retail therapy is known to be therapeutic to some of urban ladies who are single, depressed or just bored. 
• Retail outlets are the new hang-out place for youngsters-in -love. 

So what are we scared about? With a 1.2 billion population and counting we have room for all. Macdonalds and KFC did'nt drive out Haldiram's or Sarvana Bhavan. On the contrary many of the local eateries have completely re-invented themselves and are doing well.  Wal mart. Carrefour and Tescos would probably do the same in the retail sector. More than the domestic retailers, the two groups who stand to gain the most are the farmers and consumers.


To embrace prosperity we must be willing to change and change involves both winners and losers. 


Will the Kirana shops be replaced by 7-11? 
Or are they more likely to be re-christened 10-10 or  8-12?