The Hindu Business Line : VF Corp looking to introduce more brands in India

Apparel company VF Corporation, which has a joint venture with Arvind Brands, is evaluating the possibility of bringing in more lifestyle brands from its global portfolio into India.

While VF Corp has 15 core brands globally, the VF Arvind Brands joint venture in India retails a few brands such as Lee, Wrangler, Nautica, Jansport and Kipling. In 2009, the company may bring in more brands, said Mr Aidan O’Meara, President, VF Asia Pacific. Possible brands include North Face,Vans, 7 For All Mankind and Napapijri. “The succeeding years could see a stream of launches,” he added.

VF Corp is also looking to acquire brands worldwide which fit well with the company’s profile and interests, said Mr O’Meara. The brands need to have a global appeal with the potential to be present across the world. “We are not interested in single market brands,” he said. VF Corp is also looking to increase sourcing from India. He was bullish about India and its growth potential. He sees the country becoming one of the top five markets for VF Corp in five years.

Mr O’Meara was in the city to evaluate the India business of VF Corp. This visit also comes at a time when VF Arvind Brands gets a new managing director, Mr Kanchan K. Pant, after the exit of Mr Darshan Mehta.

Mr Pant, who comes from another apparel company Indus-League Clothing, has chalked out an aggressive growth plan for VF Arvind Brands. The thrust would be “scaling up” retail operations and building the existing brands, apart from adding more brands to the basket. Mr Pant, who took charge on Wednesday, said: “The critical area of growth would be retail expansion. We will look at getting a robust and expanded distribution going. We will also scale up brand equity. Although we have a solid foundation already, there is scope to grow our business.”

Expansion into tier 2 cities will also be another focus area. “There is a growing appetite for lifestyle products even in tier-2 cities. One can see that in hypermarkets, where apparel is a significant category. But marketers tend to underestimate the inclination and appetite of consumers in non-urban areas. We see an opportunity for our brands here,” he said.

More Stories on : Brands | Outlook | Readymade Garments

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

Stories in this Section
Tatas eye Europe with electric Indica

ACK Media buys Amar Chitra Katha, Tinkle brands

Kyndal to manufacture own liquor brands

Flying Machine may set up stores in Dubai

BMD Group floats new media outfit

Ad Club Business Line Quiz

UTV scores a winning ‘Goal’

ONGC I league on Zee & Ten Sports

Usha Tourism unveils new package

London offers best return on investment: Study

Apparel brands keen to take off ‘niche’ tag

VF Corp looking to introduce more brands in India

Om Shanti Om grosses over $19 m

MS word in online environs