German company Puma plans to open exclusive stores in the country to achieve the third position in Indian sports lifestyle sector, starting from the second quarter of 2006.
Puma's General Manager in charge of Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Martin Bowen, said that initially emphasis would be on establishing the company's presence and then going in for enhancing of financial performance.
Puma opened its 100 per cent subsidiary in January this year in Bangalore.
The company would open exclusive retail stores in the country initially in five metro cities - Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Delhi.
The first store is slated to be opened, would either be in Bangalore or Chennai, he said.
Puma plans to emphasis equally on its range of apparel, footwear and accessories, Bowen said.
The ever expanding affluent middle class, future economic reforms and rapid growth in demand for brands, India is expected to be one of the most rewarding places for a dynamic sports lifestyle brand, he added.