Promart, which is being acquired by VEMP Lifestyle and Apple Group of Companies from Provogue India, feels that the discount store format will work well in cities other than metros. So, Promart, which offers 25 to 60 per cent discount on lifestyle brands throughout the year, will be opening 200 stores by the end of 2013, while ensuring break-even of each store within one to one-and-half years. The company is opening stores in the cities like Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Vapi and Valsad. The store sizes also have been reduced from 7,500 sq ft earlier to 1,500 to 3,500 sq ft. In tier II and III cities, the company will open around 100 own stores, but in smaller cities it will look at franchising as well. Opening of the Promart stores in other regional domains will give signage players involving in in-store displays, signs, branding and related activities.
