'GAS plans to open 12 EBOs in three years' – MM Kamath

21 May '11

3 min read

Italian clothing brand - GAS entered India in 2006 as a joint-venture with Raymond Ltd, which operated for a period of three years, after which both parties felt they were mutually ready to part ways.

Keeping in mind the market dynamics and the premium and lifestyle positioning of the brand, and by understanding the expectance of GAS in the Indian market, GAS chose to be in India on its own, having full control of their brand, under the Cash and Carry format. Thus GAS Jeans Private Ltd, the Indian subsidiary of Grotto S.p.A came into existence.

Under this format, stores that are opened in India, have to take the franchisee route. Keeping the new business format in mind, with the number of stores to be opened and also retailing to exclusive corners, GAS expects cash and carry format to work better.

Mr Claudio Grotto, founding Chairman of GAS SpA too was in India recently for the opening of the brand's first shop in the country in Mumbai.

Speaking exclusively to fibre2fashion about their plans in India, Director of the Indian operations of GAS – Mr MM Kamath said, “We currently have two franchisee outlets - Mumbai and Ahmedabad so far.

“GAS is planning to gradually enlarge and improve its distribution starting with five new exclusive brand stores in the major cities of India possibly - Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Ludhiana and Chandigarh.

“By the end of three years, GAS plans to open 12 exclusive brand outlets. GAS is also available at exclusive corners at Shoppers Stop in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Amritsar and Kapsons in Chandigarh and Ludhiana”.

Speaking about the products displayed at the stores, he informed, “Grotto S.p.A. designs, manufactures and distributes men's, women's and children's clothing, footwear and accessories collections under the GAS label for more than 25 years.

“Its mission is to offer quality products that meet the needs of intelligent, discerning, international, cosmopolitan consumers looking for clothes with a contemporary feel that goes beyond the fashion of the moment to express their individuality on every occasion.

“Our style is dynamic, international, authentic and versatile. GAS offers high quality clothes that have a contemporary flavour but go beyond current fashions, perfect to match and highlight the personality and the lifestyle of our target - intelligent, aware, spontaneous and cosmopolitan youth, from all latitudes, both geographic and cultural - every day and on every occasion”.

Informing about the targeted consumer segment, he said, “GAS is targeted at trend-conscious men and women who are not fashion victims. It targets cosmopolitan, international people with a young mind-set who want to wear fashion that reflects their own personality, lifestyle and attitude”.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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