The Hindu Business Line : Levi Strauss revving up its retail plans

INDIAN subsidiary of the denim major, Levi Strauss & Co is on an expansion mode. It has plans to add to its 500-odd stores currently in the country. "We are looking at opening two more of our iconic stores (which store only the premium brands) in Bangalore and Mumbai," Mr K. Venkataramani, Marketing Director of Levi Strauss India Pvt Ltd, said.

He was speaking on the sidelines of a conference announcing the `Levi's Great Indian Rock 2006', which the company is sponsoring this week. The show well into its 10th edition kicks off on Friday in the Capital.

The company is experimenting with different retail formats for its expansion. "We opened our first Women's Only outlet in Bangalore and are still studying the model," he said.

The company intends to roll out larger format stores in six major cities, he added.

Levi's high on the buoyant Indian demand for denim clothing has registered around 35 per cent growth over the last three years.

The company is revving up its retail plans, besides foraying into the mid-priced domestic jeans market with Levi's Signature sub-brand, which it is test marketing in the south.

On the issue of 51 per cent FDI being allowed in the single brand retail sector, Mr Venkataramani said that the company was still studying the model.

India's jeans market is pegged at 2.4 crore pieces annually, and growing at 10 per cent with the premium segment, priced above Rs 999, registering a higher growth of 15 to 20 per cent annually.

More Stories on : Retailing | Readymade Garments

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Tata Sky signs pact with Thomson for set-top box technology

ITC Foods ties up with Cartoon Network to promote Sunfeast thru `Beyblade'

Bournvita quiz show may be back on radio — Cadbury India plans to double its adspend in the interactive space

M&M plans to expand European operations

Marico sees 20 pc growth next fiscal

Nimbus bags cricket rights for $612 m — BCCI sale and sponsorship earnings total Rs 3,354 crore

FnS targets 25% share of cutlery market

Blow Plast to expand retail presence

Levi Strauss revving up its retail plans

NDA, Left oppose FDI in retail, urge traders to protest

Quantum AMC bid to reach more investors

Handheld security offering

Fitness One's new centre to house sports academy

Tally launches new software