Dabur's H&B Stores to open by mid-Jan, steps up hiring

NEW DELHI: Homegrown FMCG major Dabur India's wholly-owned speciality retail subsidiary H&B Stores is stepping up its hiring as it plans to open stores by mid January.

"H&B Stores is moving full steam ahead with plans to open its doors to customers by mid-January 2008. Already two expatriates at senior management positions have been appointed besides hiring a host of Indian managers to spearhead various verticals," a company official said.
   
Recently, the company roped in Graeme Fraser to head its sourcing, buying and merchandising. He joined from Li & Fung Trading Limited, Hong Kong, where he held the position of the Vice President and was responsible for transferring the business from Hong Kong to mainland China and launched a flagship fashion store in mainland China.

H&B Stores, which plans to invest Rs 140 crore by 2010 and set up 350 retail stores across India in 5 years, had earlier this year hired Peter Baker, who was Group Head of Retail for the Lee Cooper Group, as the CEO chain.

It also recruited ex-Wal Mart India Deputy GM, (health, beauty aids and cosmetics), Radhika Gupta, as its Head Buying (beauty).

The company plans to expand its retail outlets to over 1,000 stores by the 10th year of operation and is looking at establishing stores ranging from 1,500 sq ft to 6,000 sq ft in size.