Major retail players are seeing great potential for growth in Kolkata and some are planning to expand their presence in the city.

"West Bengal is a very important market for us. We are looking to continuously grow here. We plan five more stores, Big Bazaar and Brand Factory, this calendar year.

"Though Kolkata sales as compared to national average are quite low, it is a definitely a great market," Future Group Joint Managing Director Rakesh Biyani told PTI.

Another Future Group subsidiary, HomeTown, is also very positive on its Kolkata plans. Recently, after inaugurating its fourth store in the city, President of the home solutions provider Mark Ladham said people here are willing to spend in exchange for real value.

"We are really looking forward to consolidate in Kolkata. The political situation has not quite been a spoiler for us. Our stores are doing well. Not just the ones in Kolkata, but also the one in Siliguri," Ladham said.

Aditya Birla Retail Business Director and Head Pranab Barua said the company is studying locations and strategies to expand from its existing 25-plus stores bouquet.

"Looking at more 5-10 stores this calendar year...Large and small formats...," he said.

The Group has presence across the country with around 500 food and grocery retail chains of 'More'.

Experts say soaring mall growth and more money in the hands of the people because of the boom in the IT and ITeS sector have also helped in attracting retail chains to the city.

According to a study, the city's retail appetite has been quiet in the first quarter of this fiscal, but is expanding at a steady pace.

Realty research firm Cushman & Wakefield has said Kolkata may see about 350,000 sq ft of fresh mall in the coming quarters.

Many local retailers preferred large format stores in locations like Gariahat while global players looked at malls, the study said.