Indian retailer Reliance Industries has reported a 50 per cent growth in sales in its consumer electronics category for the quarter to December 31.

Reliance Retail also consolidated its leadership in the grocery category, optimising its network to enhance profitability. Several private-label products were launched in the grocery and general merchandise categories during the quarter. The contribution of private-label sales to overall sales increased to 14.6 per cent from 8.6 per cent in the same period the previous year.

There are now more than 2 million registered members across 37 countries for Reliance Mart stores. These 1537 outlets specialise in consumer electronics. Strong year-on-year growth in this category was helped by Digital Express Mini rapidly scaling up during the quarter to reach more than 1250 outlets across the country in a short time since launch.

Also delivering a strong performance, the fashion and lifestyle category was 16 stores opened by Reliance Trends during the quarter.

A Reliance Retail joint venture with Marks & Spencer continued to grow with new store openings, while Reliance Brands launched Dutch lingerie brand Hunkemöller, and also opened the first airport store in India for UK games and toys retailer Hamleys, in Delhi.

Initiatives encompassing fashion and lifestyle e-commerce are also proceeding through beta testing. The development of a marketplace platform and distribution ecosystem for 4G devices are on track and being rolled out. It will be the largest distribution reach for devices in India, says the company.

Meanwhile, the company is training 4G sales specialists while integrating supply chain and service centres. Reliance Retail also launched its own brand of 4G LTE smartphones, under the brand LYF, during the quarter.