KOLKATA: Italian fashion major Benetton Group is planning to outsource clothings from India for its vast 5,000 chain of retail outlets across the globe.
The company is also looking at doubling its retail presence in India by adding 50 more stores across India in three years. With an emphasis on strategic partnership with local manufacturers for transferring technical know-how, especially in colour fasteners, the company is looking at expanding in the western, southern and eastern regions of the country. United Colours of Benetton brand is present in India through Benetton India since the last few years and it already sources almost 98% of the local requirement from the domestic market.
"We currently source our requirement from north India but are now planning to source from more locations," Luciano Benetton, chairman of the Benetton Group. Benetton has decided to introduce one more brand, 'Sisley', which would target more trendy and fashionable customers in India.
Emphasising that retail will be the route to future development in India, Luciano said the company will look at strengthening its presence in malls. Noting that 200 malls will come up across the country by 2008, he said the group will be looking at typically 2,000-5,000 square feet store areas in high-profile malls across the country.
Luciano did not rule out a programme of investing in mega stores in high street locations if opportunities were right. Some of these stores in major cities of the world are directly managed by the group and characterised by large dimensions, prestigious locations in historic or commercial areas. Speaking on the eastern India plans, Luciano said the company is planning to increase the number of stores to 20 by 2008. At present, the company has 13 stores operational in Kolkata, Guwahati, Gangtok, Shillong, Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Siliguri and Darjeeling. New stores are being planned at Patna, Bhubaneswar, Dhanbad, Kohima and Raipur through franchisee route.
Benetton India is a 100% subsidiary of the Benetton Group. Through a new integrated organisation, the group acquired 100% of Benetton India and is not looking for a new tie-up. The group's Indian subsidiary grew 60% this year.
Globally, the group is present in 120 countries. It produces around 110 million garments every year and retails through 5,000 stores, generating a total turnover of about 1.7 billion euros.
Adding colour
Plans to introduce 'Sisley' brand in India
Company is looking at setting up stores in high-profile malls
It also has plans to strengthen presence in east India
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}