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Anna Peter

PRET-A-PORTER: Models during a sneak preview of the new menswear collection for fall/winter 2004 in Mumbai on Monday. The German fashion group Hugo Boss unveiled its first exclusive Boss shop in Mumbai. - Paul Noronha

Mumbai , Oct. 25

HUGO Boss, the premium-clothing brand that entered India last year by setting up a showroom in New Delhi, is set to expand its presence in the country.

While it opened a showroom in Mumbai's Hilton Towers on Monday, officials said there were plans to set up another two showrooms — in Mumbai and in Bangalore — next year.

This was prompted by the better-than-expected performance of the New Delhi showroom.

The showrooms are being set up by Hugo Boss's franchisee partner, Bin Hendi Enterprises of Dubai.

According to Dr Bruno Sälzer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hugo Boss, the franchisee route is the business model it followed globally.

The average showroom size being looked at in India is the 130-160 sq. metres and per sq. metre investment could vary between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000.

Dr Sälzer said the Indian buyer was skewed more towards sports wear and its showrooms were stocking these items, apart from suits, underwear and leather accessories.

He added that it was now easier to enter India and the Government had also lowered import duties, making the time ripe for setting up shop here.

Globally, about 50 per cent of Hugo Boss suits are produced at its plants in Cleveland, US, and in Turkey.

The rest is sourced from business partners in Eastern Europe. Dr Sälzer said that Hugo Boss's Indian customers preferred sportswear and this comprised a large percentage of its sales.

Next year, Boss Man, a co-brand, which accounts for 85-90 per cent of Hugo Boss's global sales, will be available in India.

On how the brand would stand out from the clutter in the Indian market, Dr Sälzer said that there were no other premium brands in the market and the customer preferred its brand, quality and the fashion statement it represented.

He added that the fast-growing retail sector in India would see a greater Hugo Boss presence here.

The company's 2003 sales totalled euros 1.50 billion and this figure to rise by another euros 100 million for 2004.

The global retail value of its perfumes business is euros 900 million and is set to record double-digit growth this year.

More Stories on : Retailing | Brands | Readymade Garments | Maharashtra

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