Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) has launched nearly 1,100 new-format Vi Shops across tier 3 markets in 18 Indian states. Ramping up its retail footprint, Vi Shops have been launched across multiple towns in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
As per the telco, these shops aim to deliver a uniform Vi experience to local customers as well as enable quick support and handholding, and have been rolled out in the last three months. Vi Shops offer the entire bouquet of Vi prepaid products and services and enable an enhanced customer experience and closer engagement.
Commenting on the initiative, Abhijit Kishore, chief operating officer, Vi, said, “Our experience and customer research indicate that there is still a large segment of customers, beyond metros, who prefer the comfort and familiarity of face-to-face service. To enable the large rural population to be part of the digital revolution, we have taken a renewed approach to our rural retail strategy by introducing the concept of Vi Shops across multiple small towns and tier 3 markets. The launch of nearly 1,100 Vi Shops within such a short time frame is one of the fastest retail expansion in the country. This will help us get closer to our customers providing them convenience and simplicity in accessing service through trained personnel in welcoming surroundings.”
Through the Vi Shops, the operator also intends to enhance awareness and adoption for its bouquet of ‘Telco++’ offerings, curated as a result of partnerships with domain experts in areas such as jobs and skilling, government exam preparation, and English language skills, amongst others.
