The retail industry in India took a quantum leap with the launch of HyperCITY, India's first 'true' hypermarket in the popular retail corridor at Mala d West in Mumbai, says an IPAN press release carried on BusinessWire India .

Promoted by the K. Raheja Group, a leader in the Indian retail sector and one of the pioneers in the business of setting up large-format department stores, HyperCITY is spread over more than 1,20,000 square feet and is billed as India's largest, and first, hypermarket.

Speaking with media persons, Andrew Levermore, CEO, HyperCITY Retail (India), said, "We are delighted to have launched this pioneering retailing format in India and if the phenomenal response of customers since our launch is anything to go by, we are quite optimistic that HyperCITY will prove popular among shoppers." Since its launch, HyperCITY has had an overwhelming number of footfalls, with more than 50,000 customers visiting the store during the weekend alone.

Commenting on the launch, B. S. Nagesh, Vice-Chairman, HyperCITY Retail ( India ), said, "The launch of HyperCITY is a pioneering step towards the globalisation of the retail sector. Consumers are demanding the same choice and ambience as discerning audiences do around the world. They are placing emphasis on the 'quality of life' and expenditure on aspiration-driven goods and services has grown significantly."

HyperCITY has partnered with JHP of London for in-store design, Bax Global for logistics and supply chain management, and Johnson Diversey for the improvement of customer shopping experience across key interaction points. It has an exclusive supply agreement with Waitrose - the food shops of John Lewis Partnership - which has been voted as UK's top supermarket chain. Waitrose products will be offered exclusively by HyperCITY.

HyperCITY will set up two more stores over the next 12 months. The Mala d store has features like Fresh Basket Bakery for freshly baked breads and cakes all day, Concept Rooms to offer home solutions, a demo kitchen to let customers sample new recipes prepared by visiting master chefs, a gaming zone, a sound-proof home theatre demo room, and two in-store restaurants named Desi Café and Brio.