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DMart
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Avenue Supermarts Limited, d/b/a DMart, is an Indian retail corporation that operates a chain of supermarkets and hypermarkets. The company was founded by Radhakishan Damani and is based in Mumbai. As of March 2025, DMart has 415 stores across 12 states and union territories in India.[3]
Key Information
In March 2024, the company had a total of 13,971 permanent employees and 59,961 employees hired on contractual basis.[4]
History
[edit]
Incorporated in 2000 by Radhakishan Damani, DMart opened its first store in Powai, Mumbai, in 2002.[5][6] In its early years, the company adopted everyday low price strategy[6] and pursued "slow expansion", growing to 29 stores across Maharashtra and Gujarat in 2010. Unlike other Indian supermarkets which typically leased 4,000 sq ft properties, DMart operated much larger stores, ranging up to 30,000 sq ft, most of which it owned.[7][8]
In 2013, DMart reported having 65 stores across Maharashtra and Gujarat, along with one store each in Hyderabad and Bangalore as it began expanding to other states. At the time, DMart became the third largest retail company by revenue, after Reliance Retail and Future Group.[9]
In October 2016, DMart had 112 stores, having expanded to Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.[10][11] In December 2016, the company started its e-commerce venture called DMart Ready, allowing users to order groceries and household products online.[12][13]
The company launched its initial public offering (IPO) in March 2017 and got listed on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange. On its listing date 22 March 2017, it became the 65th most valuable Indian firm.[14] By 2018, it entered Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi NCR and Daman.[15]
In 2021, The Ken noted that DMart's newer stores ranged between 50,000 and 60,000 sq ft, nearly twice the average size of its existing stores.[16] In 2022, DMart surpassed 300 stores, with three-fourths located in its cluster-states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.[17][15]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Press Release on financial results of the Company for the quarter and year ended 31st March, 2025" (PDF). Avenue Supermarts Limited. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
- ^ "Audited consolidated financial results for the quarter and year ended 31st March, 2025" (PDF). Avenue Supermarts Limited. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
- ^ "Investor Presentation for the year ended 31st March, 2025" (PDF). Avenue Supermarts Limited. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
- ^ "2023-24 Annual Report" (PDF). BSE. Avenue Supermarts Limited. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
- ^ Dash, Sanchita (13 July 2020). "Radhakishan Damani has a string of challenges ahead of him and falling profits at DMart don't help". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ^ a b Samar, Srivastava (23 October 2017). "DMart: The Juggernaut Continues To Roll For India's Value Shop". Forbes India. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
- ^ Kamath, Raghavendra (4 June 2010). "Damani's D Mart mulls pan-India footprint". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 11 February 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
- ^ Agarwal, Sapna (2 March 2010). "D-Mart on expansion drive, looks to take leased premises route". Mint. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
- ^ Kamath, Raghavendra (10 July 2013). "D-Mart beats the Goliaths". Business Standard. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
- ^ Kamath, Raghavendra (3 October 2016). "How D-Mart battled the giants". Business Standard. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
- ^ Kamath, Raghavendra (13 September 2016). "D Mart sets sight on Rs 2,000-cr IPO". Business Standard. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
- ^ "Avenue Supermarts to fully acquire e-commerce unit". DNA India. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
- ^ "DMart Ready FY22 revenue sees 2-fold rise at Rs 1,667.21 cr; loss widens to Rs 142.07 cr". Business Today. 26 July 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
- ^ "D-Mart: Will today's winner Radhakishan Damani of D-Mart face these four challenges of tomorrow?". The Economic Times. 23 March 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ^ a b "Avenue Supermarts (DMART IN)" (PDF). Business Standard. Prabhudas Lilladher. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
- ^ G, Seetharaman (5 October 2021). "DMart and the supersizing imperative". The Ken. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
- ^ "How Radhakishan Damani continues to get it right with DMart". Business Today. 26 December 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
External links
[edit]DMart
View on GrokipediaOverview
Founding
DMart was founded on 15 May 2002 by Radhakishan Damani through the opening of its inaugural store in Powai, Mumbai.[6] The chain operates under Avenue Supermarts Limited, a company incorporated on 12 May 2000 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, initially as a private limited entity focused on organized retail. Damani, a seasoned investor and businessman, drew inspiration from global retail leaders like Walmart to create an affordable shopping experience for Indian families.[7] His vision centered on an everyday low pricing (EDLP) model combined with everyday low cost (EDLC) operations, emphasizing efficiency, minimal frills, and consistent value to address the needs of middle-income consumers seeking basic home and personal products.[8] The first Powai store served as the foundation for this approach, operating as a no-frills supermarket with an initial emphasis on groceries, staples, and household essentials to build customer loyalty through competitive pricing and product availability.[1] This modest outlet marked the beginning of DMart's cluster-based expansion strategy, prioritizing locations with high population density and low operational overheads.[8]Corporate Information
Avenue Supermarts Limited is a public limited company incorporated on May 12, 2000, under the Companies Act, 1956, with its Corporate Identification Number (CIN) L51900MH2000PLC126473. Originally established as a private entity, it converted to a public company on May 3, 2011, and is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE).[9] The company operates in the retail sector, specializing in supermarkets and hypermarkets that offer a wide range of grocery, household, and personal care products under a value-retailing model.[10] The headquarters of Avenue Supermarts Limited is located at Anjaneya CHS Limited, Orchard Avenue, opposite Hiranandani Foundation School, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400076, India.[10] This facility serves as the central hub for corporate functions, including finance, human resources, and strategic planning, while an additional corporate office is situated at B-72/72A, Wagle Industrial Estate, Road No. 33, Thane, Maharashtra 400604, supporting operational oversight.[11] As of March 31, 2025, the company employed 16,959 permanent staff and 73,321 contractual workers, totaling 90,280 individuals across various roles in store operations, supply chain management, information technology, and executive leadership.[12] The workforce demonstrates gender diversity, with 37.6% female representation overall (29% among permanent employees) and 62.4% male, reflecting efforts to promote inclusivity through local recruitment and upskilling programs that prepare employees for roles in retail management and beyond.[12] Avenue Supermarts Limited trades under the brand name DMart, which was founded by Radhakishan Damani in 2002. The DMart logo, featuring a bold red "D" on a white background with the full name in simple sans-serif font, has maintained a consistent design since its introduction, symbolizing affordability and everyday accessibility without significant evolution over the years.[13]History
Establishment and Early Growth
Following its incorporation, Avenue Supermarts Limited, operating as DMart, launched its first store in Powai, a suburb of Mumbai, Maharashtra, in 2002. The company initially concentrated on opening additional outlets in Mumbai's suburban areas, such as Hiranandani Gardens, to target middle-class residential neighborhoods with a focus on everyday essentials at low prices. This cluster-based expansion within Maharashtra allowed DMart to establish a foothold in high-density urban markets before venturing further.[1][14] During its formative years, DMart faced intense competition from the unorganized retail sector, particularly local kirana stores that dominated over 90% of India's grocery market through personalized service and proximity to consumers. To counter this, the retailer adopted an everyday low pricing strategy, which challenged the price-sensitive customer base accustomed to traditional vendors. Supply chain logistics in congested urban centers like Mumbai presented further hurdles, including traffic delays and efficient distribution to multiple small outlets, necessitating a lean inventory model to minimize stockouts and waste.[15][14] DMart's growth accelerated steadily, reaching approximately 29 stores by 2010, spread across Maharashtra and Gujarat to leverage regional synergies. By 2013, the network had expanded to 65 stores, with the majority located in these two states, reflecting a deliberate focus on western India for scalable operations. This period marked key early milestones, including the refinement of store formats suited to local demographics.[14][16] A core strategic decision was the emphasis on owning real estate for its stores, which helped control operational costs and avoid escalating rental expenses in prime urban locations. DMart typically developed outlets averaging 20,000 to 30,000 square feet, balancing space for a wide product assortment with cost efficiency to support its value-driven model.[14][15]Initial Public Offering
Avenue Supermarts Limited, the operator of the DMart retail chain, launched its initial public offering (IPO) in March 2017 to raise capital for business expansion. The book-built issue opened for bidding on March 8, 2017, and closed on March 10, 2017, with shares priced at ₹299 each. The total issue size was ₹1,870 crore, comprising a fresh issue of 62.5 million equity shares, and it was listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE).[17][18] The IPO saw overwhelming investor interest, getting oversubscribed by 104.48 times overall, with the qualified institutional buyers (QIB) category subscribed 144.61 times, non-institutional investors (NII) at 277.74 times, and retail individual investors (RII) at 7.3 times. The proceeds were primarily intended for repayment or prepayment of existing loans and non-convertible debentures (NCDs), setting up new stores and warehouses to support store network expansion, and general corporate purposes including working capital requirements. This funding aligned with the company's strategy to scale its operations amid rapid growth in the organized retail sector.[19][17][20] On listing day, March 21, 2017, the shares debuted strongly, opening at ₹604.40 on the BSE—more than double the issue price—delivering approximately 102% gains to investors. The stock closed at ₹610 on the BSE, pushing the company's market capitalization to around ₹36,758 crore shortly after listing. This robust debut underscored strong market confidence in DMart's value-retail model and its potential for sustained growth.[18][21]Expansion Phases
DMart's expansion gained significant momentum in the pre-IPO period, particularly from 2014 onward, as the company scaled its operations beyond its core markets in Maharashtra and Gujarat. By 2014, the store count had reached 75, primarily concentrated in these western states. This growth accelerated, with DMart entering new regions such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, culminating in 112 stores across five states by October 2016.[16][22] Following its initial public offering in March 2017, which provided substantial capital for further development, DMart pursued aggressive post-IPO scaling, adding approximately 166 stores by the end of fiscal year 2022, reaching a total of 284 stores. This phase marked deeper penetration into southern and central India, with a strategic emphasis on tier-2 and tier-3 cities to leverage underserved markets and cost efficiencies. The company's preference for owning properties—rather than leasing—enabled greater control over operations and long-term cost management, with the majority of stores situated on owned land to support sustainable expansion.[23][24] In recent years, DMart has continued its measured yet robust growth, reaching 324 stores by the end of fiscal year 2022-23 and 365 stores by the end of fiscal year 2023-24. As of March 2025, the network expanded to 415 stores across 10 states, one union territory, and the National Capital Region, reflecting ongoing entries into northern and eastern markets like Uttar Pradesh. By September 2025, the count rose to 432 stores, with additional openings reported in November 2025, including at least three new stores in early November, bringing the total to approximately 435 as of mid-November 2025, maintaining the focus on cluster-based development in tier-2 and tier-3 urban areas to optimize supply chain proximity and customer accessibility.[23][25][26][27][28]Business Operations
Retail Format and Model
DMart operates on an Everyday Low Cost and Everyday Low Price (EDLC/EDLP) business model, which emphasizes providing good-quality products at consistently low prices without relying on promotional discounts, loyalty programs, or seasonal sales to attract customers. This approach focuses on high-volume sales through efficient operations and cost control, allowing the retailer to maintain slim margins while ensuring affordability for everyday consumers. By avoiding loyalty schemes and variable pricing tactics, DMart minimizes administrative overheads and streamlines the shopping process, fostering repeat visits based on reliable value rather than incentives.[10][29] The store format consists of large-format hypermarkets and supermarkets, typically ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 square feet, with an average size of approximately 41,500 square feet across its network. These stores feature a self-service layout designed for quick navigation and efficient stocking, prioritizing high-turnover items to support the high-volume, low-margin strategy. DMart's no-frills design avoids extravagant interiors or elaborate displays, instead concentrating on functional shelving and basic amenities to keep operational costs low and pass savings to customers. This format enables bulk purchasing and direct-to-consumer sales, reducing intermediaries and enhancing supply chain efficiency.[10][30] Key principles guiding the model include a disciplined assortment limited to around 5,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs), focusing exclusively on fast-moving, essential products to avoid inventory bloat and waste. A significant portion of sales comes from private labels, which DMart develops in-house to offer higher margins and consistent quality at lower prices compared to branded alternatives; these include sustainable options like recycled-material packaging to align with cost and environmental goals. Differentiation arises from rigorous cost control via vertical integration, including ownership of 62 distribution centers and 10 packing centers for procurement and logistics, alongside minimal advertising spend—relying instead on word-of-mouth and store-level promotions to build customer loyalty. This integrated, lean structure supports scalability while keeping DMart as the lowest-priced option in its local markets.[10][31][32]Store Network and Locations
As of March 31, 2025, DMart operated 415 stores across India, reflecting steady expansion from the previous fiscal year. As of November 2025, the network stands at 438 stores, with six new stores added since September 2025, including recent openings on November 7 in Greamspet, Chittoor (Andhra Pradesh), and November 14 in Bhiwadi (Rajasthan).[33][2] The company's geographic footprint spans 12 states and union territories, with Maharashtra serving as its core market and hosting the largest concentration of stores—accounting for approximately half of the total network. This dominance is followed by significant presence in Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, which together represent the majority of outlets in western and southern India; additional stores are located in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and the National Capital Region (NCR).[5][34][1] DMart employs a versatile store format blending urban hypermarkets in densely populated city centers with suburban outlets in residential areas to optimize accessibility and capture local demand. Typical stores range from 30,000 to 60,000 square feet, with an average retail space of about 41,000 square feet across the network, enabling efficient operations and high customer throughput.[35][30] Looking ahead, DMart aims to accelerate growth by targeting underserved regions, particularly in northern India, including expansions into Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi-NCR, to broaden its national reach while maintaining focus on high-density, value-driven markets.[23]Product Range and Supply Chain
DMart's product range centers on fast-moving consumer goods, with groceries and staples forming the core, accounting for about 57% of total sales in FY24. This category includes essentials such as food items, dairy, frozen products, fruits, and vegetables, which drive consistent customer footfall due to their daily necessity. Non-food items, including household and personal care products like toiletries and beauty essentials, contribute around 20.7% to sales, while general merchandise and apparel—encompassing kitchenware, bed and bath linens, toys, and garments—make up the remaining 22.4%. By prioritizing these high-turnover categories, DMart ensures a balanced assortment that caters to everyday household needs without diluting focus on profitability.[36] To maintain operational efficiency, DMart employs a disciplined SKU strategy, stocking approximately 5,000 items per store. This curated selection emphasizes fast-selling products, avoiding the broader assortments typical of competitors, which helps minimize stockouts and overstock while maximizing shelf space utilization. The approach aligns with DMart's value-retail model, where high inventory velocity supports low pricing and quick replenishment.[37] The backbone of DMart's operations is its robust supply chain, characterized by direct sourcing from manufacturers and farmers to bypass intermediaries and secure competitive pricing. The company manages 62 distribution centers and 10 packing centers across key regions, facilitating timely delivery to its expansive store network. This infrastructure underpins an impressive inventory turnover ratio of 13-14 times annually, reflecting efficient logistics and demand forecasting that keep working capital lean.[16][38][39] Private labels play a pivotal role in DMart's strategy, accounting for 20-25% of total sales and enabling higher margins through controlled production. These DMart-branded products span groceries, household items, and apparel, with stringent quality control processes—including supplier audits and testing protocols—ensuring standards equivalent to national brands. This focus not only enhances cost efficiency but also builds customer trust in affordability without compromising reliability.[40][41][42]Digital Initiatives
DMart Ready
DMart Ready is the e-commerce platform of Avenue Supermarts Limited, launched in December 2016 as an e-commerce platform offering online ordering for pickup from stores or designated points, later expanded to include home delivery services of groceries and household essentials.[43] This initiative marked DMart's entry into online retail, complementing its physical store network by enabling customers to order products through digital channels while leveraging the company's established supply infrastructure.[44] The platform operates via a dedicated mobile app available on Android and iOS, as well as a website, allowing users to browse and purchase a wide range of over 2,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) including groceries, staples, and daily essentials typically found in DMart stores.[45] It is currently available in select major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and others, where demand for convenient online ordering is high.[46] Key features include user-friendly search and categorization, real-time order tracking, and options for both home delivery and self-pickup from designated points near physical stores, with a minimum order value often set at around Rs 500.[47] Operationally, DMart Ready fulfills orders primarily from nearby physical stores or dedicated pickup points, ensuring efficient inventory utilization and reducing the need for separate dark stores.[23] Deliveries are scheduled in customer-selected time slots, typically enabling same-day service within a few hours, though not positioned as ultra-fast 10-minute quick commerce but rather as a reliable everyday option.[48] This store-integrated model supports scalability by drawing on DMart's extensive physical footprint, focusing on value-driven assortments without heavy discounting to maintain margins.[49] Since its inception, DMart Ready has experienced steady growth, with its revenue increasing by 32% to Rs 2,202 crore in FY23 and continuing to expand at around 21% year-over-year as of FY25, driven by rising user adoption in urban areas.[47][50] The platform's user base has grown alongside DMart's overall digital push, benefiting from deeper integration with physical stores for faster fulfillment and broader reach, positioning it as a key component in the company's adaptation to e-commerce trends. As of Q2 FY26 (July-September 2025), the company added 10 fulfilment centres in existing markets and discontinued operations in five smaller cities (Amritsar, Belagavi, Bhilai, Chandigarh, Ghaziabad) to prioritize growth in major metros amid intensifying competition from quick commerce services.[23][51]Other Digital Services
DMart provides a range of supplementary digital tools through its DMart Ready mobile application, which serves as the foundation for its broader digital ecosystem. The app enables users to track ongoing promotions and exclusive offers, create shopping lists for efficient in-store planning, and view order history for repeat purchases, enhancing the overall shopping experience both online and offline.[52][53] In addition to core e-commerce functions, the app supports seamless payment integrations, including credit and debit cards, net banking, and Payzapp for online transactions, while in-store purchases benefit from UPI-enabled QR codes that facilitate quick contactless payments via apps like Google Pay and PhonePe. These options promote convenience and security, aligning with India's growing digital payment infrastructure.[52][54] DMart leverages customer data analytics to drive operational efficiencies, particularly in inventory forecasting and demand prediction, utilizing AI-based systems to optimize stock levels and monitor competitive pricing across its network. This data-driven approach also informs personalized product recommendations within the app, tailoring suggestions based on user behavior and purchase history to improve customer engagement without relying on traditional loyalty programs.[55][56] In March 2025, Avenue Supermarts invested Rs 175 crore into its e-commerce subsidiary Avenue E-Commerce Limited (operating DMart Ready) to support operational expenses, working capital needs, and infrastructure upgrades as part of its omnichannel strategy. These updates emphasize scalable digital enhancements over experimental features like AR trials, focusing on reliable tools for everyday utility.[57]Financial Performance
Revenue and Profitability
DMart, operated by Avenue Supermarts Limited, reported consolidated revenue from operations of ₹59,358 crore (US$7.0 billion) for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25), reflecting steady growth driven by expanded store footprint and consistent same-store sales performance.[58] This marked an increase from the previous year's figures, supported by the addition of new stores and operational efficiencies in its value-retail model. Net profit for the same period stood at ₹2,707 crore (US$320 million), underscoring the company's ability to maintain profitability amid rising operational costs associated with expansion.[58] In the second quarter of FY 2025-26 (Q2 FY26), consolidated revenue reached ₹16,676 crore, achieving 15.5% year-over-year (YoY) growth, primarily fueled by a 6.8% increase in sales from stores operational for two years or more, alongside contributions from newer outlets.[59] Consolidated net profit rose to ₹685 crore, representing 3.9% YoY growth, though the slower profit expansion highlighted pressures from elevated employee and other expenses.[60] Profitability metrics for FY25 included an EBITDA margin of approximately 7.6%, with EBITDA of ₹4,487 crore, which benefited from cost controls in procurement and logistics but was tempered by investments in store additions.[61] Store expansion, including the opening of 50 new locations to reach 415 stores, contributed to higher fixed costs and initial setup expenses, which diluted short-term margins but positioned the company for sustained revenue growth through deeper market penetration.[62] As of March 31, 2025, total assets amounted to ₹24,891 crore (US$2.9 billion), bolstered by increases in inventories and fixed assets to support ongoing operations.[63]| Key Financial Metrics | FY 2024-25 | Q2 FY 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue (₹ crore) | 59,358 | 16,676 |
| Net Profit (₹ crore) | 2,707 | 685 |
| EBITDA Margin (%) | ~7.6 | N/A |
| YoY Growth (Revenue) | N/A | 15.5 |
| YoY Growth (Profit) | N/A | 3.9 |