Date:05/11/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/11/05/stories/2005110502290500.htm

Back Benetton to double retail outlets

Our Bureau

READY TO EXPAND: The Founder and Chairman of Benetton Group, Mr Luciano Benetton, at a press conference in Kolkata on Friday. The company, which was founded in 1965, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. - A. Roy Chowdhury

Kolkata , Nov 4

BENETTON India Pvt Ltd, the 100 per cent subsidiary of the Benetton Group of Italy, is in expansion mode.

It plans to double its retail space, increase its production base and introduce a new brand and other fashion items.

Addressing a press conference for the first time in the city, Mr Luciano Benetton, Chairman of the Benetton Group, said that the company would have 50 more retail outlets in India apart from the existing 50.

The 50 new outlets, which will be added in the next three years, will double the total retail space of Benetton. The company already has a presence in eight metros and will reach out to newer metros apart from adding retailing space in the existing metros.

All of its retailing activities, at present, are in collaboration with local Indian partners. Mr Benetton said that if Indian Government allows FDI (foreign direct investment) in retail, the company will set up its own outlets.

Talking about the production activities, he said, currently everything was located in the northern region. "We are exploring opportunities to expand the production base and it is likely to be in the southern region of India. In fact, we are exploring production arrangements in and around the Coimbatore region," Mr Benetton said.

The year 2005 marks the 40th anniversary of Benetton Group. It also marks the 15th anniversary of Benetton India, which registered a 60 per cent growth in its revenues over the previous year.

According to Mr Benetton, the company is looking for partners for two purposes. The first is for retailing activity and the second is for production. He said that his organisation is satisfied with the quality of the products produced in India.

The company is also contemplating the introduction of other range of fashion items including cosmetics. "We want to grow with the Indian market. We wish to introduce other products and it all depends on the restrictions of the Government and the availability of suitable partners," he said.