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Our Bureau

Kochi, Sept. 26

Recongising Kerala as a potential State for strengthening business, Archies Ltd, leading gifting and greeting brand, is all set to expand its presence in the State.

Mr Vijayant Chabra, Executive Director, Archies Ltd, told reporters that the southern region, particularly Kerala, has been a potential region for growth of the brand and Kochi as a market has a huge potential for fine shopping.

The company is getting good response from previously opened six stores in the State and is targeting to open 10 more stores by the end of this fiscal.

The plans are to open stores in Kozhikode, Kannur and Kollam by the end of March 2009, he said.

The company is targeting 100 per cent growth as against the 15 per cent expected nationwide this fiscal. Last year, the sales turnover in the State was Rs 2 crore and this year, the company is aiming Rs 4 crore, he said, adding that the share of the company in the greeting card market is very high in Kerala compared to other parts in the country.

Mr Chabra pointed out that Archies have pioneered the concept of social expression in the country. The size of the social expression industry is estimated at Rs 400 crore, of which the organised sector constitutes around 50 per cent.

Archies market share is estimated at Rs100 crore. In the organised sector, the competition is negligible with 2-3 regional players. The company faces competition from the unorganised sector, he said.

According to Mr Chhabra, the company has secured an exclusive tie-up with the UK’s leading brand Carte Blanche to distribute and sell its renowned brand Me to You in India.

Mr Praveen Sethi, Assistant General Manager (Business Development), said that the company is consciously targeting malls and other prime retail space for opening its own stores with retail boom happening in the country.

It currently operates 117 exclusive outlets in 14 states in 34 cities and 350+ franchise outlets and six other countries.

More Stories on : Strategy | Office Equipments & Supplies | Kerala

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