Mumbai: @home, the Mega home store by Nilkamal Ltd., was launched today in Kochi. This is Kerala’s 1st @home Store & the 17th store Nationally. Present on the occasion were Mr. Manish Parekh, Executive Director, Nilkamal Ltd. & Mr. Thomas Johan, Sr. GM Retail Operations, @home. Being positioned as a ‘home stylist’, @home will facilitate the consumers in Kochi with benefits such as wide product range, quality products, home décor ideas, easy finance options, warranty and after sales service.

Kochi is said to be one of the fast-growing residential markets in Kerala. NRI investments has caused sudden spurt in residential demand in Kochi City. Besides, Apartment units have the highest demand owing to affordable prices and availability. Recent reports state that the city of Kochi is not far behind the Indian metros such as Delhi and Mumbai when it comes to the real estate boom.

@home Kochi is set up on a floor area of 20,500 sq ft with an investment of rupees around 3 crores. The Company is planning to set up three new stores in next six months, and will be looking for more opportunities to expand. Currently, 17 @home stores are spread across 13 cities in India covering a total retail space of 2.68 lakh sq ft carpet area.

At the launch, Mr. Manish Parekh, Executive Director, Nilkamal Ltd. said, “We at @home would like to be called “home stylists” & not just a home décor & furniture store. We believe in helping consumers buy. With Nilkamal Ltd., we have been connected with the market in Kerala for many years now. With the trust & reliability of Nilkamal, @home will also serve the brand values to our consumers & give them a plethora of products & services to choose from. The entire experience from the time they enter the store is unique & the experience will make consumers feel at home. We feel that the people of Kerala have a fine taste for home decor and by opening up @home here we are providing them with products they will love to buy.”

With regards to Kochi and the Southern market, Mr. Thomas Johan & Sr. GM Retail Operations, @home further added, “We have created a leadership position in South India with stores in Coimbatore, Chennai, Bangalore & Hyderabad and are focusing to set firm steps in the South market in a big way. We plan to open 2 more stores in South within the next few months. We are sure that the Kochi store will be one of our best performing stores in the South”.

At @home, consumers can avail upto-24 months interest-free Easy Monthly Installment (EMI). Free Interior planning service can be availed through @home’s 3D Imaging Software wherein one can see how the furniture will look in the given home dimensions. Customers can also seek a free consultation with their in-house interior designing & style experts. @home has laid heavy emphasis on visual merchandising since it forms a critical element of retailing. Every @home store has products interestingly placed in coordinated Room settings giving customer’s comfort and convenience offering customers a superior shopping experience.

@home furniture range includes living room, bed-room & dining room & wide range of Knick-Knack utility furniture. The accessories range includes candles, clocks, paintings, picture frames, ornamental flowers, pots & vases, cutlery & wine glasses, kitchen ware, lamps, pillows, upholstery, curtains and all that conceivable for adding style and sophistication simultaneously.

Amidst economic upturn, @home has posted a turnover of Rs. 190 crore for FY 2010-11, which is a 40% growth in turnover over FY 2009-10. The retail division hopes to achieve a 20-25% growth of same store sales for the FY 2011-12. @home has 17 Stores across India at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Ghaziabad, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Thane & Vadodara.

Product Price range:

Sofa sets: Rs.19,900/- onwards

Dining sets: Rs.7,500/- onwards

Bedroom sets: Rs.45,900/- onwards

Home accessories: Rs.30/- onwards