Date:03/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/08/03/stories/2004080301030900.htm

Back Arrow targets womenswear segment

Purvita Chatterjee

Mumbai , Aug. 2

ARROW from the Arvind Brands stable is considering making a foray into womenswear. Arrow Women already exists as a brand overseas in markets such as that of Canada, Spain, Malaysia and France.

Mr Ian Ross, President, Cluett American Group, told Business Line, "We are studying the womenswear market and waiting for it to mature. Arrow Woman might get launched after a year in the Indian market." The Arrow Company is a division of Cluett American Group and entered India in 1993 as a licensee brand of Arvind Brands.

"We have still not entered the womenswear market primarily due to the fact that finding the right size has remained a challenge," says Mr Janak Dave, Business Head - Arrow. With intentions of being positioned as a complete wardrobe brand, Arrow is in the process of enhancing its supply chain whereby it intends entering into a partnership arrangement with vendors. Explains Mr Dave, "We intend building volumes into the accessories business by entering into partnerships with our vendors instead of just treating them as suppliers. They would now have the freedom to design their own products."

Besides, Arrow also intends having a separate retail identity for its sports brand - Arrow Sports. It wants to beef up its contribution to Arrow's total turnover.