Toby Antony By

Express News Service

KOCHI: The Supreme Court directive to shift liquor outlets from near highways may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for tipplers as Consumerfed is planning to open more supermarket-model premium shops while shifting its current outlets. Consumerfed has decided to complete the shifting process by next month.

M Ramanunny, Managing Director of Consumerfed, told Express that its 27 outlets would be shifted following the Supreme Court directive. It has already started looking for new spaces away from the National and State Highways.



“We consider the Supreme Court directive as an opportunity to expand our business. The small-sized outlets now operating near the highways would be shifted to bigger showrooms occupying at least 3,000-3,500 square feet space. We are planning to start more premium outlets, which are very popular now. By the end of this month, we will open several new premium outlets,” he said.

Even though Consumerfed has not decided about the number of premium outlets that would replace the existing small outlets, Ramanunny said that the decision would be taken based on the space they get for setting up the new shops.

“People prefer premium outlets over ordinary shops as they do not have to stand in long queues to buy their favourite brands.

They can also select brands according to their choice. We are looking to start new shops which are fully air-conditioned with CCTV cameras installed,” he said.