by NR INDRAN / INT

Mumbai : Schneider Electric India today announced the multi-city launch of its switches, sockets and distribution systems for the home & SMB (small and medium business) market segments in Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad. The retail initiative kicked off with the launch of ZENcelo and Vivace range of switches and the NeoBreak distribution systems in Pune, followed by Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ludhiana, Delhi, & now Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad.

This is Schneider Electric’s first foray into the retail sector covering the home and SMB market segments and is part of a national retail rollout that will be completed by mid-2012. Schneider Electric aims to appoint 4000 retail outlets nationally by 2012-end. All the products across categories will be available under the Schneider Electric brand.

Commenting on the launch of the retail initiative, Mr. Olivier Blum, Managing Director – India, Schneider Electric said, “We are extremely pleased to enter the Delhi market with a diverse range of products that target the home and SMB segments. A high level of education & awareness in Delhi has led to a relatively large customer base that expects world class quality, service and aesthetics at an affordable price. We believe that Schneider Electric’s legacy of innovation backed by its engineering and manufacturing expertise can fulfill these expectations. Delhi will be a key milestone in our retail portfolio and we have great expectations from the Delhi market. ”

The distribution channel in Delhi is highly developed and well knitted, where most distributors/stockists have direct access to markets and also to a large base of electricians & contractors. Keeping this refined base of partners in mind, Schneider is introducing, for the first time in Delhi as well as in the industry, a hand-held device that will make ordering faster & simpler, leading to better inventory management & optimal use of warehousing space.

“Discussing the hand held device, Mr. Balaji Lenka, Vice President – Retail Channel Sales, Schneider Electric said, “The distribution channel is highly matured in Delhi, and well spread across the length and breadth of Delhi where most distributors/stockists have direct access to markets and also to a large base of electricians & contractors. Keeping this refined base of partners in mind, Schneider Electric is introducing, for the first time in NCR and in an industry first, a hand-held device that will make ordering faster & simpler, leading to better inventory management & optimal use of warehousing space. Our retail partners in Delhi are key to the success of this initiative and we are committed to a partnership that results in a better consumer experience.”

The market for modular switches, sockets, MCBs and RCCBs in NCR is valued at approximately Rs 200 Crores and expected grow @ 10 to 15% Year on Year. Given the evolution of this market, Schneider Electric will seek to further reinforce its presence in this area by appointing several Authorised Retail Partners and a string of Retail Outlets who will be accessed through the partners.

The overall India market for these products is pegged at Rs. 2400 cr, of which the home market size is considered to be Rs. 1400 cr while the enterprise market is pegged at approximately Rs. 1000 cr. From a regional perspective, the western, southern regions and northern regions are fairly equally poised in terms of market-share, followed by eastern India.

Product Lines

Vivace – Vivace is a switch and socket set that perfectly complements the modern lifestyle. Belonging to the premier range, C-Vivace present a cool refined touch of style to almost any interior.

The highlights of the entire Vivace range include:

· Clean, Geometrically Balanced Design: The sleek clean lines manifest an art of simple, elegant minimalism. Complements perfectly with any type of modern interiors

· Slim Profile: Wall plate is only 8mm slim at the thickest point. The subtle curve further accentuates its slender elegance.

· 16 AX Switches: Handles additional loading. Enables wider application

ZENcelo – The ZENcelo is a range of aesthetically pleasing flat switches and has been created for the majority who use electromechanical switches.

· Design – Zencelo is all about style and substance rather than superficial elaboration. It has clear and non-intrusive design, a design marvel by itself and it blends well into any contemporary interior design.

· Technology – The unique iso-motion-press mechanism ensures that the switch stays in the same position whether on ON or OFF and can be swiftly operated with one simple motion.

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