Date:18/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/02/18/stories/2006021801950800.htm

Back Blow Plast to expand retail presence

Our Bureau

Pune , Feb. 17

BLOW Plast Ltd, the marketing arm of luggage manufacturer VIP Industries, has firmed up plans to expand its retail presence and also to introduce a premium UK-based luggage brand Carlton to its portfolio this year.

The company is gearing up to increase the number of its exclusive showrooms, VIP Lounge, from 42 to 84 by the end of the current year, Mr Videh Jaipuriar, Vice-President, Sales, told reporters here.

Blow Plast will nearly treble retail space from the existing 43,950 sq ft across the country to over 1,22,000 sq ft by end-March 2007 using a combination of 85 exclusive brand stores, and over 40 franchisee stores, he added.

"While the emphasis is on high street stores, over the next three years we will use proper mix of malls and high street locations and stores that will provide our high-end consumers the right ambience," he said.

The company is gearing up to launch a new premium label, Carlton, from the UK, in the current year.

The brand will be available in the Rs 3,000-11,000 price band, Mr Jaipuriar said.

The country's luggage market is currently valued at Rs 1,600 crore, of which the organised sector accounts for Rs 650 crore.

VIP expects to close the current year with revenues of Rs 400 crore, according to Mr Jaipuriar. Carlton range will account for Rs 80 crore in sales, he added.