Date:22/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/04/22/stories/2005042200940400.htm

Back Louis Philippe plans 50 outlets by 2007-08

Our Bureau

Mr Vineesh Chadha, Brand Head, Louis Philippe, at a press conference in Chennai on Thursday. — Bijoy Ghosh

Chennai , April 21

LOUIS Philippe plans to tap the domestic market and will roll out 50 outlets by 2007-08 in 25 cities.

Mr Vineesh Chadha, Brand Head, Louis Philippe, Madura Garments, said that the company had ramped up operations at one of its units in Bangalore to increase production to 3 million units from the current 1.5 million.

The turnover projections have also gone up to Rs 350 crore from the current Rs 175 crore. Mr Chadha was speaking to reporters at the opening of Louis Philippe's new flagship store in Chennai.

The store covers about 3,500 sq ft and is the sixth of the company's large format outlets.

Large format and exclusive stores are the new trend in international retail, he said, adding that they enhance the brand value and create the right atmosphere for the customer. The input cost at each of these stores is around Rs 1 crore.

Mr Sooraj Bhat Ullal, Brand Marketing Manager, Louis Philippe, Madura Garments, said that following international trends and colours this year, Louis Philippe has launched the `Spirit of Italy' look.

Talking about men's ready-to-wear market, Mr Chadha said that the suits segment in India has been growing. This is mainly due to the increasing number of people travelling on business.

Earlier, the demand for suits was only during the wedding season, he said. Ready-to-wear suits are just 15 per cent of the Rs 100-crore market.

In the shirts and trousers category, the organised sector has a market share of 25 to 30 per cent. Louis Philippe has a `made to measure' facility, wherein customers can select the material from the store and have it tailored.