Global brands line up at Indian shores

30 Jan '10

2 min read

Targeting the affluent consumers of India, a number of fashion retailers are set to open outlets in the country. Around two dozens fashion brands are likely to come in India, this year, which will include Zara, the fashion label owned by Inditex SA of Spain, UK garment chain Topshop, the Marc Ecko clothing line promoted by the US entrepreneur and the Japanese brand of casual wear 'Uniqlo'.

Apparel market of the country is estimated at around Rs 1.3 trillion which is witnessing a year-on-year expansion of 10 percent. Organised apparel retailers control around 20 percent of this industry and is also growing at 20 percent per annum, which makes the country an attractive and promising destination for global retailers.

'Dockers', a Levi Strauss brand exited from Indian market to concentrate on denim-wear last year, as part of its changed market strategy. Also, GAS, which was introduced in the country by apparel retailer Raymond Ltd, closed down its 12 stores in India, as well as Etam ended its joint venture with Future Group.

Shoppers Stop will introduce 'Playboy' in the country, and around six other international labels will enter in Indian market next year, while the S Kumar's group will launch the Italian apparel brand Oviesse through its unit Brand-house Retails. French haute couture house Nina Ricci and shoemaker Christian Louboutin and Italian fashion brand Max Mara have also set their focus on India.

Zara will open five stores, in New Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities of India, under a February 2009 agreement signed between Inditex and Trent Ltd, which is the Tata group's retail arm. While, in coming spring season, Marc Ecko will launch the brand in a partnership with RPG Group's retail flagship Spencer's Retail Ltd, which plans to have at least five international alliances this year.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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