INCREASING FOREIGN RETAILERS CHANGE DOMESTIC RETAIL INDUSTRY LANDSCAPE, SAYS PM'S WIFE

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The increasing presence of foreign retailers
has further changed the retail landscape in the country, says the wife of the
prime minister Rosmah Mansor.

She said the foreign retailers had facilitated expansiond, modernise and improve
efficiency of the domestic retail industry.

"Despite this changes. the small retailers or grocers are still relevant and
represent an important service to the community and is reflected by the growth
of 13 per cent of provision shops as of June 2009, whereas hypermarkets grew by
seven seven per cent in the same period.

"As the economy developed and consumers become more affluent, the small
traditional shops were complemented by large departmental stores, supermarkets
and hypermarkets offering a wide range of merchandise and services to meet the
discerning demands of Malaysian consumers," she said.

Rosmah said the 27 million Malaysian consumers were the main beneficiary of this
trend which allowed them access to better product quality, food safety,
standards, retail innovation and more importantly competitive price.

"I sincerely hope that Tesco will continue with their investment, sharing best
practices and develop more local talents to contribute to the development of
hypermarket business in Malaysia," she said when opening the Kepong Village
Mall, Tesco Malaysia, and the launch of Nur Salam Charity Fund Tuesday.

Hence, most importantly Tesco should continue to uplond their customer promise
in providing unbeatable values at some of the lowest prices to earn their
loyalty.

Rosmah also said Tesco, in less than nine years in Malaysia, had
successfully attracted five million customers every month.

"In fact, it is a British originated business, but it is operated
efficiently by 13,000 employees of all races, religion and background.

"Ninety-six per cent of Tesco's products are sourced locally and this
development has indeed brought about significant spin-off activities in various
sectors such as agriculture, supply chain, SMEs, distribution and retail
services," she added.

Since 2007, Tesco Malaysia has adopted "Community Plan" as part of its "Steering
Wheel key Performance Indicators" to drive their business plan.

Apart from focusing on climate change, employees' outreach programmes, health
and education and SMEs coaching and development, Tesco also supported charitable
causes that are important to Malaysians.
-- BERNAMA