Smartphone maker Realme bets on offline sales

Hyderabad: Chinese smartphone brand Realme, a part of Oppo group, which hitherto depended on online sale channels, will henceforth focus on offline sales to increase its market share from current seven per cent.

Realme C2, the brand's entry-level smartphone carrying a price tag of Rs 5,999, will be the first model from the company to hit the offline market on June 15. Customers can pre-book the device from June 11.

"Realme will be available for sale in 8,000 stores across the country. In Telangana, it will be sold in 158 stores," Madhav Sheth, Chief Executive Officer, realme India, told the media here. By end of 2019, the smartphone maker intends to expand its retail network to 20,000 outlets in 160 cities.

Forayed into India nearly a year ago, the brand rolled out eight smartphones in four categories and sold about seven million units thus far. It is gearing up to roll out 5G smartphone as and when the govt launches the services in the country. "We will be among the first ones to launch 5G phone here," he said.

Available in three variants, realme C2 comes with dewdrop full screen, dual camera, 12 nm octa core processor and premium smudge-free diamond design.

He said C2 model was being made available at retail outlets in the wake of increasing demand for the device. "Initially, the device was available for sale in Flipkart.com and our official website and saw a phenomenal response.

The latest initiative is to fulfil our commitment to deliver best consumer experience to our customers," he explained.