The Hindu Business Line : Archies bonds with UK co to retail ‘Me to You’ product range

New Delhi, Sept. 2 Social expression major Archies Ltd has tied up with the UK-based Carte Blanche Greetings to distribute and sell its brand ‘Me To You’ in India.

The ‘Me to You’ brand has a grey teddy with a blue nose as its mascot and has been licenced for a number of products including calendars, jewellery, cross-stitch kits, confectionery, apparel and personalised items in more than 70 countries. ‘Me to You’ is the most successful non-media based character brand in the world and its retail sales exceeded $800 million in fiscal 2008.

“India presents a good opportunity for the social expression industry. Archies has the necessary infrastructure to take the brand to a new height. We hope, in next five years, India will be contribute as much as $10 million in retail sales,” Mr Richard Edmondson, Commercial Director, Carte Blanche Greetings, told Business Line.

Noting that cuteness and sentiment drive the brand’s appeal to all age groups and demographics, he said the company will sell 350-odd stock keeping units in India. Its global portfolio has over 5,500 SKUs.

‘Me to You’ products will be initially rolled out in 50-odd Archies outlets across India. Subsequently, Archies will have a national roll-out for the brand, Mr Anil Moolchandani, Chairman and Managing Director, Archies, said.

The company is also strengthening its online business to propel its business. “The online shopping cart will be updated and we hope to generate a large number of hits,” he said.

Archies had registered a turnover of Rs 118 crore for 2007-08. It is eyeing a turnover of Rs 140 crore by the end of the current fiscal. Archies occupies 60 per cent market share in the social expression industry in India.

The company already has a number of tie ups with international brands such as Carlton Cards, Expressions Gifts Co (UK), Russberrie (UK) – a designer company and pioneers in soft toys, to source gifts.

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