Our product assortment with an ever expanding product range of over 40,000 items under one roof, provides a wider choice for every household.
The Sector operates and manages Retail outlets island wide through its well known brands such as Supercentres, Superstores, Daily Outlets, Showrooms and Standalone Furniture. The Retail industry showed a very strong competition in the market, but nevertheless, during this Financial Year the sector experienced many challenges dragging down its performance. Despite the challenges faced, the sector continued its efforts to make a mark in the industry as a trend setter in the modern trade retail.
In addition to its variety of retail products, the Retail sector further contributes to the Group by providing bespoke interior design solutions to many institutions and households across the country. During the Financial Year, our Interior solutions arm successfully secured major projects which will bring benefits to the sector in the coming years.
As much as the coming year is expected to pose various challenges to the company, the Retail team is geared up to take modern trade retailing to greater heights. The Arpico brand of supermarkets is expected to expand into many strategic cities and towns with the objective of ‘touching lives’ of many customers and suppliers in different parts of the country.
Richard Pieris Distributors Ltd.
Operations are led by purpose of creating better experience, for a better tomorrow. Guided by Core values and agile ways of working, we want our actions to have a positive impact every day and also to define what makes Arpico different. The Company is in the process of changing how we work, reenergizing the cost culture and focusing more on efficiency in processes, staff training, innovation, etc. These tools have helped to increase productivity, manage inventory, reduce costs and serve customers in new and exciting ways.
One of the key success pillars of Arpico Supercentres and Superstores has been ample retail space coupled with adequate parking facilities for customers, thereby redefining destination shopping with state-of-the-art infrastructures. The company has made plans to focus more on omnichannel initiatives, store remodels, customer initiatives, supply chain and technology, and less capital to new stores.
During the year under review, the company opened one Superstore in Wattala and one Supercentre in Katugasthota, offering unimaginable convenience and frictionless experiences to customers. Company efforts to date are resonating with customers with convenience offerings, in all its forms, significantly contributing to the Group’s Revenue & Profits.
In enhancing the in-store experience and to widen the offerings, the company continued to organize events and promotions throughout the year at the locations, including activities for families, in order to infuse excitement and to create a sense of eagerness during special religious and cultural festivals. The company continuously focuses on improving levels of convenience and services delivered to customers, while also striving to operate in an environmentally-friendly manner. Arpico Supercentre Kegalle is the only Platinum Class Green Retail building in Sri Lanka and it is also noteworthy that Arpico Retail chain is the first to use electric cars for service delivery.
During the financial year, the Company made efforts in integrating fresh produce purchases to provide a wide range in high quality. Continuous efforts were made in creating vibrant spaces for vegetables, fruits, seafood and meat at outlets to enhance the overall customer experience. This rearrangement generated much hype and excitement amongst customers as it is more in line with international trends. Since Arpico is a firm favourite with the expat community as well, infusing the store with an international look and feel goes a long way in remaining competitive and attracting greater numbers of local and international shoppers.
Marketing promotions have been traditionally conducted expertly at Arpico and attracted a steady stream of shoppers. During the April season the campaigns got hampered due to the extremist attacks. The 2019 Christmas campaign dazzled under the “Fulfilling Christmas” theme. The promotion proved to be a gift bonanza for customers, many of whom won valuable prizes, which included a majestic tour to an exotic destination for the grand winner.
In-store retail marketing is a key contributory factor for Arpico’s success and during the year under review, the brand continued to innovate and pioneer compelling promotional and tactical campaigns such as its popular “Super Deals” and “Daily Deals” in tandem with credit card offers. The Company continued to provide exclusive benefits to its Privilege Member base including discount offers from more than 15 partner hotels, restaurants and others merchants island-wide during the year. The Arpico Privilege Card customer base continued to grow its membership compared to the previous year. The company has also benefitted through the co-branded credit/loyalty card which is a partnership between Arpico and Standard Chartered Bank, where customers of this base are immensely rewarded with offers right throughout the year, as well as additional loyalty points for purchases made within and outside Arpico.
The Company has made arrangements to further penetrate its footprint rapidly and thereby serve the nation at large.
Arpimalls Development Company (Pvt) Ltd
RPC Retail Developments (Pvt) Ltd.
RPC Real Estate Development Company (Pvt) Ltd.
Arpico Interiors (Pvt) Ltd.
During the year under review, the company ventured in to several Large Projects including Corporate offices, The Leisure and Medical sectors and will be venturing in to the Residential sector in the coming years.