Traditional Wear + Accessories by Classic Polo
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
With festival season around the corner, Classic Polo which teste marketed Khadi wear last month has decided to retail Indian ethnic wear for men. The company will introduce Silk shirts and Kurtas for the festival season.M.Vasant, retail Head @ Classic Polo said,
We got very good response to our khadi range, therefore we have decided to introduce traditional wear for men. Traditional businessmen, particularly in the south prefer silk shirts.
Besides, traditional wear, the company is planning to introduce accessory line for men by Jan-2008. We have learnt that the company is working on ties, belts, leather accessories such as carry cases and perfumes.
Classic Polo operates 44 stores in India and has international presence as well. It is planning to double the number of stores and is also exploring franchisees to retail the company's product line.
Jewellery Retailers Riding the Festival Boom
Monday, October 29, 2007
It's festival time in India and a payback time for corporate India to its employees, vendors and business associates. Organized Retailing has changed the nature of payback in corporate India this time. From Gift Vouchers to Jewellery, retailers are flush with orders.Gold coin has been the favorite corporate gift item. However, the trend is now shifting towards Diamond jewellery which has witnessed a growth of 50% this year. Gitanjali group is expecting a business of Rs 10 crore this Diwali from Corporate giftings. Their are corporates who are BUYING Diamond gidt sets valued at Rs 300,000.
Orra and Adora are doing brisk business in the gold pendant segment priced in the range of Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000. Pendants with spiritual value are very popular. Titan's Tanishq said that Rs 500 gift voucher was the fastest selling until now.
Louis Philippe introduces sub brand Lp
Friday, October 26, 2007
Louis Philippe the premium menswear brand with Bollywood star Sharukh Khan as brand ambassador is now introducing a sub brand Lp targeted at younger men. [Does this mean King Khan, the Don is Old as an ambassador ;-)]Lp is for youth in the 20-30s age group. Lp brands will come with slimmer fits, more colors and contemporary in today's fashion. The offering will be for party wear or for clubbing. Note sub-brand doesn't mean the prices are also low. NO. Lp as a brand will remain a premium brand.
We had a chance to visit the first Lp store in Bangalore. We found that the price range for shirts and trousers at Rs 1,299-Rs 1,899 . More Lp stores will soon open in Chennai, Delhi, Pune and Mumbai. They plan to have 60 Lp exclusive stores in 2 years.
Overseas Plans by Royal Classic
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Tirupur based garment exporter, Royal Classic group has set its sight on Asian counties for expansion as part of its global mission.Currently, the company sells Classic Polo shirts in the UAE through chain of stores. The company will open four exclusive stores in Singapore. They have plans to retail in other Asian countries and is awaiting clearances for the same. They also plan to expand in India and plan to have 100 outlets by FY2008.
Most of the company's stores are run by franchisee model. Five of its stores are managed by women, an initiative by the company to encourage women entrepreneurs.
Huge Potential in Lingerie - Espirit
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Espirit see a huge potential in the Indian Lingerie market. It plans to launch exclusive body wear outlets starting from Delhi. They plan to start with Tier-I cities and then expand into Tier-II cities.Ms Manjula Tiwari, Brand Head, said
The target this financial year is to take both body wear and kidswear to atleast 8 Espirit stores. Next year the company plans to add 20 more stores.The Lingerie market in India lacks good quality products, options in terms of sizes, shapes and fits. The Indian women have been long denied the international quality lingerie. Espirit will bridge this gap and make the smart Indian ladies more comfortable and confident with Push-Ups ;-)
Terry Towels and Bed Linen - Lakshmi Cotsyn
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Gone are the days of expensive Terry Towels meant exclusive for the affluent Indians or for Bollywood actress. Even Aam Admi can now afford the same to get a taste of modern living.Shri Lakshmi Cotsyn is all set to enter Teryy Towel and Bed Linen retailing in India by opening exclusive stores. Some stores will be company owned and the others operated by franchisees. The company is using its existing dealer network and inviting them to invest upto Rs 1 crore to setup an exclusive retail outlet for Shri Lakshmi.
The products will be priced in mid to value range and a discount format for some stores. The first store will come up in Delhi followed by stores in Ludhiana, Chennai, Chandigarh and Kanpur.
Accessory Line from Peter England
Monday, October 22, 2007
It can never get better than this - every business house is fighting to roll out contemporary in fashion to woo the brainy Indians to look smarter and be well dressed.Peter England has launched accessories in Footwear, Belts, Eye wear, etc under the brand name - Elite. Elite was launched in India's favorite retail city - Bengalooru, just last week. Peter England has always been the mid-priced brand and upon expansion the company doesn't mind spinning of Elite as an independent brand. Elite is expected to bring in 10% of the revenues for Peter England.
In the next 3 years Peter England plans to launch 10 flagship stores with the first one already open for business in Bangalore. Peter England is currently a mens wear. It plans to venture into Womens wear and kids wear as well and then roll out Peter England family stores.
French Republic by Nahar Retail
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Nahar Retail which ventured into the retail market in India with Cotton Country Brand is all set to enter the premium mens wear market with French Republic brand.Nahar plans to introduce French Republic stores within the next 6 months. The first 50 stores will come in Tier-I cities. Initially the brand will be just mens wear but later enter the womens wear segment as well.
Nahar currently is focused on Cotton Country brand which has 350 outlets mostly in North India. It will establish 150 outlets in South India within the next 12 months. The first outlet in Karnataka has come up in Belgaum.
Cotton Country Femme - Exclusive womens wear is also seeing rapid expansion with the addition of corporate wear and Denim. Kids wear is retailed under the brand name "Tazo".
Will French Republic be the Banana Republic in India ?
Foreigners in Indian Retail
Friday, October 19, 2007
Attrition, Arrogance, Rising Wages, Poor Skills by Indian Graduates is forcing Directors in the boardrooms to look at East Asia to source manpower for their Retail Dreams.In case of lifestyle retailing, the store has to establish a relationship with the consumer. If there is 30%+ attrition how is this going to happen ? Just in Vogue, the premium lifestyle retailer is the first one to have made an attempt on this front. Mr. Subu of Just in Vogue has hired Filipinos and other East Asians working in the Middle East and is making them work for their retail ventures. They are doing this on a pilot basis.
There are around 20,000 expat Indians working the retail sector in India, mostly at higher levels. Now they want foreigners and expats at sales associate level to give true shopping experience for the Indian consumer.
Spices from Kerala - Reliance
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Reliance Retail which has grand ambitious plans to outsource Dairy from Punjab has zeroed in on Kerala to source Spices. Items that the retailer wants to source are - Pepper, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Turmeric, Dry Ginger and many more items. Why did Reliance choose Kerala ? It is because of the superior quality of these spices.
Kerala accounts for 95% of the best quality pepper that is produced in India. Cardmom and Nutmeg account for 75% and 95% respectively. As far as vanilla is concerned the state's share accounts for 50%.
If you are a farmer in Kerala, then better brace up to meet this giant retailer's demand and become a millionaire :-)
Kerala accounts for 95% of the best quality pepper that is produced in India. Cardmom and Nutmeg account for 75% and 95% respectively. As far as vanilla is concerned the state's share accounts for 50%.
If you are a farmer in Kerala, then better brace up to meet this giant retailer's demand and become a millionaire :-)
Oma Lifestyle and HomeDecor Chain
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The Munjals of Hero group has announced their intentions to participate in the Indian retail boom. They will launch Lifestyle, HomeDecor and Fitness and Recreation Vehicle are the verticals the group is targeting. They have zeroed in one the Oma brand very similar to that of ours - Om.
Mr. Pankaj Munja, MD of Hero Group said,
Th company has tied up with Stalwart Homestyle to source 100% of its Home Decor solutions. They plan to launch 2 stores in Delhi and Chandigarh and test the water before expanding.
Mr. Pankaj Munja, MD of Hero Group said,
We build a range of top end fitness equipment and we would like to bring them to India. Hero group has 3,500 cycle dealers and 1,100 Hero Honda Auto dealers. hero group plans to use the existing dealership network to establish PAN India presence and penetrate deep int remote corners of the country for its retail venture.Fro my past experience, Hero Honda dealers used to be the most arrogant dealers in 2-wheeler market in 1999-2001. Munjal's moves certainly bad for existing shareholders as he will use company resources for his retail venture.
Th company has tied up with Stalwart Homestyle to source 100% of its Home Decor solutions. They plan to launch 2 stores in Delhi and Chandigarh and test the water before expanding.
Railways plans Agri-retail Outlets
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
The Retail bug which bit India Post has now bitten the most backward and corrupt leader in India, Lalu Yadav heading the Indian Railways. It was Kishore Biyani who made the Government realize on the big properties they are sitting by establishing Big Bazaar's @ Bus Terminus in Mumbai and the retail city of India, Bangalore.Indian Railways wants private retailers to setup agri-retail outlets in surplus Railway land and key locations. The Agri-retail is a win-win for all the three- Retailers, Indian Railways and the Poor Indian Farmer. Indian Railways will get logistics traffic; retailers get a concession to use Indian Railways; Farmer makes sure his produce is sold and not wasted due to operating efficiency of private partners in the deal.
India produces 13% of the world's vegetable;s and 10% of fruits. 25% of this produce is wasted due to lack of infrastructure. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd is handling the tender process for this.
Private Labels in India
Monday, October 15, 2007
Retail is the buzzword in India these days. As India goes through retail revolution, it will establish itself as the largest / second largest market in the world in the next 2 decades. Competition amongst the first movers to establish Private Labels is intense as these labels will be big brands in the next few years and will also add directly to the bottom lines of retailers with higher gross margins.
Reliance Mart private Labels.
Future group - Pantaloon - Private Labels
Biyani's Private Label Dreams
Private Labels from Metro, the German retailer in India
- Private Label brand - Tasty Treat from Food Bazaar has a 16% market share. Bingos from ITC is another private label in the same category.
- Reliance has around 15% private labels in its hypermarkets and has a long term strategy to build good brands.
- Wadhwan Foods has 12% private labels in Spinach Retail outlets.
- TruMart under Pyramid Retail has launched Uttam brand of private labels in daily groceries
- Hypercity retail is leading the Indian marjet in private labels in the apparel category
Reliance Mart private Labels.
Future group - Pantaloon - Private Labels
Biyani's Private Label Dreams
Private Labels from Metro, the German retailer in India
Vivah - Wedding Retailing from Big Bazaar
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Marriage - Vivah is the biggest lifetime event and ceremony in the life of every Indian. This market is a expected to be a $6 Billion market, largely disfragmented.
Kishore Biyani promoted Pantaloon Retail India Ltd is planning to establish a shop-in-shop under the brand name "Vivah" in every Big Bazaar retail outlet in the country. Mr. Rajan Malhotra, CEO Big Bazaar said,
Omaxe will launch a wedding mall in Delhi / NCR and will be a perfect location for exclusive Vivah store.
Kishore Biyani promoted Pantaloon Retail India Ltd is planning to establish a shop-in-shop under the brand name "Vivah" in every Big Bazaar retail outlet in the country. Mr. Rajan Malhotra, CEO Big Bazaar said,Being mass retailer this is an opportunity for us. There are already a lot of very small brands for the marriage market and we will be the first organised retailer to get into the business. We will arrange for everything except Bridal Wear.The group has several ventures which have a great synergy to cater to this market. For example Future Money can provide financing and also offer the newly wed couple solutions to decorate their Home; the group also has tied up with Cleartrip.com which can offer honeymoon packages. The goal of "Vivah" is to provide products ranging from gifting to rituals. They also plan to provide related services such as arranging marriage halls, hiring decorators, etc.
Omaxe will launch a wedding mall in Delhi / NCR and will be a perfect location for exclusive Vivah store.
Hamilton + Leon Hatot Watches in India
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Swiss watch major, Swatch which is already in the Indian market is all set to launch the Hamilton and Leon Hatot brands in the Indian retail market. Hamilton is a mid-range brand while Leon Hatot is a premium brand luxury watch.Hamilton used to be an American brand which swatch acquired. These watches are already available in select stores India and are priced between Rs 25,000 to Rs 80,000, with Rs 35,000 being the average price. Hamilton has two basic collections,
- American Khaki - Military timepieces
- American Classic - Inspired by Hollywood
Allergo Ties-up with Tanishq
Friday, October 12, 2007
Allergo Capital Advisors leading investment bankers in India are a step ahead for this season holiday shopping. They have tied up with Tanishq brand of jewellery for sale of Gold Coins, Gift Vouchers and Golden Harvest schemes.The Tanishq Gold Coins and other products will be on offer throughout the Allergo network in the country. In the Golden Harvest scheme, customers can save on a monthly basis to which Tanishq and Allergo will add small amount and when the customer wishes he can BUY jewelery out of that account.
Planet Retail to part ways with Pantaloon Retail India
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Planet Retail Holdings a multi brand sports retail brand jointly promoted by NRI businessman VP Sharma and Kishire Biyani are likely to part ways very soon. It is likely that Marks & Spencer, Guess, Next Body Shop and Debenhams will be managed by Mr. Sharma and Planet sports and other sports stores will be managed by Pantaloon Retail India Ltd.
Company sources have denied the rift between the two and have covred the same by saying their could be some strategic business restructuring. Planet Retail Holdings was started by Mr. Sharma. In 2005, Kishore Biyani bought 49% stake in the company at mere Rs 14.2 crore. Planet Sports has 32 stores while M&S, Guess, Next Body shop combined have 45 stores in India
Company sources have denied the rift between the two and have covred the same by saying their could be some strategic business restructuring. Planet Retail Holdings was started by Mr. Sharma. In 2005, Kishore Biyani bought 49% stake in the company at mere Rs 14.2 crore. Planet Sports has 32 stores while M&S, Guess, Next Body shop combined have 45 stores in India
Mahindra Group to enter Retailing
The $4.5 billion, Mahindra group has chalked out a retail strategy to ensure growth in the group beyond Automobile, Real Estate and Software services. Mahindra Intertrade, a group company which already holds licenses to distribute Kids Apparels and Toys of Mattel, Walt Disney and Nicklodeon will finalize the blue print.
Mahindra expected to roll out multiple format lifestyle stores across India. Mr. Ragunath Murti said,
Mahindra expected to roll out multiple format lifestyle stores across India. Mr. Ragunath Murti said,
The group believes that this is the opportune time to enter and extend its distribution business into direct retailing, when the organized retail is fast expanding in India. We will look at different product categories but not groceries.They may rope in a strategic investor at some point of time and it plans to hive off this subsidiary as Mahindra Retail.
About OctaMedia Retail
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
OctaMedia Retail a.k.a OmRetail is a Mohali based Retail Analysis and News Coverage company. You may contact OctaMedia Retail at BCwebs AT Gmail Dot Com
