New Shop, India’s largest chain of 24/7 convenience stores, has entered a strategic partnership with leading French technology group Metavisio–Thomson, makers of the Thomson brand of televisions, notebook computers and tablets, for a strategic distribution deal in India. The partnership, which involves Metavisio-Thomson picking up a small shareholding in New Shop, is part of the French group’s push into India’s rapidly urbanizing hinterland markets. New Shop will enable consumers across 35 cities in 18 states to buy innovative and affordable Thomson brand tech products, including computers, tablets, and accessories.
Metavisio-Thomson and New Shop will jointly establish 120 flagship experience centers by 2027, with the first 20 launching this financial year. These centers will be designed to engage India’s younger generation, providing an interactive environment to explore Thomson’s tech products. The first experience store is expected to be operational by October. Overall, the partnership will be targeting 2,000 points of sales in the next three years. The distribution deal will strengthen Metavisio-Thomson's position as a key player in India’s consumer tech products market, reinforcing its commitment to the Prime Minister’s vision of Make in India.
The company manufactures the most affordable, cutting-edge laptops - starting at Rs. 14,990 - for the Indian market. New Shop co-founder & CEO, Aastha Almast, said, “New Shop is leading the next wave of India’s offline retail transformation, particularly in fast-urbanizing markets. Our goal is to turn functional convenience stores into trendy, 24/7 social spaces for youth and communities. This partnership aligns with our mission to be the gateway for new product discovery and distribution in India. With 80% of our customers eager to explore new brands, offering one of the world’s most affordable and best-performing laptops will keep them engaged and excited.
We’re already serving 3 million customers monthly, and this partnership expands both our product portfolio and presence.” Stephan Francais, CEO of Metavisio-Thomson, said, "India is crucial for the development of Metavisio-Thomson. New Shop is the best partner to promote and distribute Thomson's technology in some of the fastest growing retail markets in India."
Founded in March 2019, New Shop is a fast-growing chain of 24/7 convenience stores with an omni-channel presence. With over 200 franchised stores across 35 cities, and plans to add 160 more this year, New Shop operates in high-density neighborhoods and mass transit hubs, including airports, gas stations, and railway stations. The stores offer a wide range of services - from fresh cafe-style food and groceries to stationery, over-the-counter medicines, and essential neighborhood services such as printing, ATMs, and courier facilities - all under one roof.
