Japanese sports gear major ASICS is in expansion mode in India and stepping up presence through its distribution partners.

It now has 28 standalone stores across metros and some tier-II cities.

Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS, said: “Running is our core and all our offerings are supported by this thinking. We are planning to set up six-seven more stores during the current year and expect to add 12-13 next year and about the same number a year later,” he said.

Speaking at a store here where cricketers Kane Williamson and Tom Moody were present, Khurana said: “India has emerged as one of the most important markets for ASICS given the huge potential and growing demand for our products spanning running, sports, for gym and other fitness-related gear.”

“The market in India is estimated at ₹6,000 crore and growing at a healthy compounded annual growth rate of about 20 per cent. This offers us immense scope to step up presence in not only major cities but a number of tier-II cities where there is demand,” he explained.

The company set up shop in India by opening its first store in May 2015. Apart from exclusive stores, its products are sold in 300-plus outlets.

Apart from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai, ASICS gradually entered tier-II cities in 2017.

“A big chunk of the overall business comes from running shoes and shoes for other sports such as tennis, cricket and even gyms. The apparel and accessories business accounts for about 15 per cent of the total business,” he said.

The company’s operations in India spans not just business-to-business, school shoes and corporate business but also several sports. “We have also begun sourcing within India in a small way, which we do for not just shoes but apparel as well,” he said.

Toom Moody, former Australian cricketer and coach of IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad, said: “We spend a lot of time on the ground and need nothing but the best. The gel technology used in ASICS footwear is apt for everyday running and training as they are extremely comfortable and are designed for high performance.”

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