"We aim to create annual sales of NT$80 billion in 2004 and NT$400 billion by 2009, with 1,000 outlets on both sides of the Taiwan Strait," Wu said.
E-Life said it has no plans to get into China any time soon.
"As we are going to be listed on the stock market this September, we will put more stress on the business here in Taiwan," Hsieh said.
Regardless of what marketing strategies or promotion tactics retailers are using, the trend is toward fewer but stronger and bigger players in this industry.
"There would be no more than three major players -- who have efficient management and good control of cost -- to survive in this line of business over the next three years at the earliest or eight years at the latest," Tomorrow World's Huang said.
A strong driver behind the industry consolidation is that consumers are getting used to selecting consumer electronics and home appliances from large retailers with supportive after-sale services.
In this regard, Nova Plaza and stores located in the Kwang Hwa Market may face marginalization amid the harsh competition, Huang said.
The 12-year old Tomorrow World, which primarily sells computers and electronic products like digital cameras, saw annual sale grow 28 percent from a year ago to NT$1.8 billion last year. The company plans to expand its outlets to 70 this year on an annual sale of NT$2.5 billion.
"Retailers that cannot keep up with the three biggest companies could easily get neglected by consumers in the future no matter what promotions they utilize," Huang said. "Strong players become increasingly stronger while the weaker ones get eliminated by market forces."
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