Reliance Brands is structuring its business under three verticals. Even as it introduces international lifestyle brands in India, the company will simultaneously develop new retail concepts and enter into strategic tie-ups with domestic lifestyle brands or designers in footwear, apparel and accessories.
“Homegrown brands, which have a potential to grow, will be identified. We will provide equity, but will remain a minority stakeholder. These brands could leverage our expertise in supply chain management, marketing as well as real estate for growth,” said Darshan Mehta, president & chief executive officer of Reliance Brands.
Reliance Brands is also looking at developing new retail concepts. “At present, we have multi-brand outlets, departmental stores and exclusive brands outlets. We are thinking of newer concepts that can work in retail. This could be a different way of selling fashion and lifestyle products,” he said.
The company has associations with six international lifestyle brands -- Diesel, Timberland, Zegna, Paul & Shark, Quiksilver and Roxy. The company has formed joint ventures with Diesel, Zenga and Paul & Shark, while it has a licence and distribution agreement with Timberland, and licensing agreements with Quiksilver and Roxy.
It will open 55 exclusive brand outlets for these brands by the end of this year in the top nine cities. Of this, Timberland will have 15 stores and Diesel, 14. By 2012-13, the company will take these brands to smaller cities.
Reliance Brands is also in talks with a few more international brands, especially in the women’s wear and accessories space. “There are not many exclusively women’s brands in India. There is a big market for such brands as the number of women shoppers is huge today,” said Mehta.
Source: mydigitalfc.com
Feb 8, 2011
