Benetton draws up big Indian plans

09 Nov '05

2 min read

Benetton India Private Limited, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Benetton Group, Italy plans to expand operations in the eastern region with additional 20 stores by 2008 and expects 40 per cent growth in Kolkata alone in 2006 from three stores it presently operates.

Nationally, it was aiming to set up 100 stores in three years from 50 at present.

Currently, Luciano Benetton, Chairman, The Benetton Group is on a five-day whirlwind tour of India, to meet business partners and visit the stores in the metros.

He said that the focus of Benetton India would be on building retail in critical markets like the Eastern region.

Company eyes growth in the East in cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, Gangtok, Shillong, Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Siliguri, Darjeeling and Itanagar by setting up 13 more stores.

The other Eastern cities proposed are: Patna, Bhubaneswar, Dhanbad, Kohima and Raipur through partnerships with entrepreneurs, outlined Benetton.

"The sales of subsidiary in 2005 grew by 60 percent over the previous year and subsequently, in the future we expect India's contribution to the global turnover could go up to 30 per cent," said Benetton.

Among other plans is introduction of Sisley brand in India and acquiring 2000-5000 square feet retail space to cash in on the mall mania sweeping the nation.

Further, the Benetton also is keen on forming co-operative partnership with local investors and manufacturers to transfer technical know-how for garment production in the country, especially in colours, which traditionally was its forte.

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