International News - Bangalore Metro opens passage to Indian stores

German retail group Metro opened its first store in India this week, complete with women dressed in corporate blue-and-yellow-coloured saris to greet customers.

India is the latest entry for the retailer that already has stores in 27 countries, including Japan and Russia. The Metro cash-and-carry store in Bangalore opened on Monday and a second store is already planned for the city.

However, the opening was criticised by local retailers who are worried that they will not be able to compete with the company. Metro has assured local producers that sales will be made strictly to business buyers, but said some middlemen and wholesale operators could be affected.