Walmart Wades Through Complex Indian Rules

Walmart (Bentonville, Ark.) is in the process of trying to interpret rules for foreign supermarkets, according to the Wall Street Journal, with plans to set up shop in India. Until India opened its markets in September to foreign retail investment, retailers were allowed only to operate wholesale businesses.

However, some limitations remain. Indian rules dictate that supermarkets are only allowed to set up shop as long as they source at least 30 percent of their merchandise, based on sales, from small to medium-sized Indian suppliers. Also, to open multi-brand retail operations, companies must invest at least $100 million, and only in cities with 1 million or more population.