The Hindu Business Line : VIP to expand hard luggage portfolio

VIP wants to bring more variety to hard luggage with new designs and more colours. The first lot of this new range will be available by October in Europe.

Mumbai , July 17

VIP Industries Ltd is planning to expand its hard luggage portfolio. At present, hard luggage constitutes only 20 per cent of VIP's product portfolio.

"Our focus on building hard luggage is very high," said Mr E.P. Suresh Menon, President - International Business, VIP Industries Ltd.

Growth in the hard luggage segment has remained stagnant. Soft luggage is more popular as people want lower weight and huge investments have to be made when it comes to hard luggage.

More variety

Till date, the variety in hard luggage has been very limited because it is difficult to make different designs.

VIP wants to bring more variety to hard luggage with new designs and more colours.

The first lot of this new range will be available by October in Europe.

"We plan to bring this range to India as well but the focus is more on the international market. It will be a matter of 1-2 years before it's introduced in India," said Mr Menon.

VIP aims to become the number two player in the global luggage industry. Right now, Samsonite is the clear leader with a 20 per cent market share. VIP's share is about 6 per cent.

"The objective is to become the number 2 brand in 5 years time. We believe that there is no clear No 2 brand worldwide and there is scope for VIP to become no 2.

Carlton tie-up

VIP already has a presence in 27 countries and is planning to enter other countries as well.

The company has just finalised an agreement for distribution of Carlton in France.

It recently started distribution in South Africa as well.

"Right now the intention is to build the brand in Europe and West Asia. In the future, we plan to take Carlton to the Far-East and the US as well," said Mr Menon.

India plans

Retail expansion plans for Carlton is also on the cards. "In India, we want to open 20 Carlton retail stores. Right now, two have been opened - one in Mumbai and one in Chennai. We want to market Carlton in India only through exclusive retails stores, not multi-brand ones," said Mr Menon.