Reliance Retail has announced the temporary closure of several Centro stores as part of a strategic revamp aimed at repositioning the department chain. The focus will shift towards promoting Reliances in-house brands and a shop-in-shop model according to a report by The Economic Times. This move comes after Reliance Retail rebranded Future Groups Central stores as Centro in September 2022. Mukesh Ambani Big Move  As part of the revamping process Reliance Retail has already closed three Centro outlets and plans to shut down another 20 stores by the end of this month. According to a same report by ET brands with inventory in these stores have been asked to retrieve their goods and fixtures. A letter sent by Reliance to its brand partners confirmed that all Centro locations would temporarily pause operations to facilitate renovations. The letter instructed partners to remove their merchandise promotional materials and other items from the outlets. Reliance Retail Shift To In-HouseBrands The redesigned stores are expected to prioritize Reliances own brands and labels many of which have been introduced as part of the companys partnerships and acquisitions. This shift could see a focus on brands like Azorte and Yousta along with international labels such as Gap and Superdry which Reliance has acquired or partnered with in recent years. It remains unclear if the revamped stores will continue to feature local and international brands that were part of the original Centro lineup. Centro’s Position in the Market Centro which currently offers products from around 450 local and global brands competes with other major department store chains like Lifestyle International and Shoppers Stop. Despite a post-pandemic surge in consumer spending retail sales expansion for the chain grew by only 4% last year indicating a slowdown in the sector. Reliance Retail however continues to maintain a strong position in the Indian retail market. Reliance Retail Revenue Decline  In its latest earnings report Reliance Retail reported a 3.5% drop in revenue for the quarter ending in September. This marks the first decline in revenue for the company excluding the impact of pandemic-related store closures. The drop was attributed to weak demand in the fashion and lifestyle segments coupled with a strategic focus on improving margins in its wholesale business.