Chicco to tap Indian mkt for sourcing, expansion of retail biz

Italian health and wellness products major Artsana SPA today said it will start sourcing apparel and shoes for its baby care brand, Chicco, from India for global operations as well as sales in the market here.

The Euro 1.4 billion firm, which opened the first branded Chicco outlet in Delhi last week, also said it will expand its retail operation to 10 exclusive stores across the country by 2011 and tap departmental and pharmacy chains.

"The Indian baby care market is the most exciting in the world, with 19 per cent of all births every year taking place here. For us, India is the next frontier after our company's success in Europe, the US and South America," Artsana SPA Chairman and Managing Director Michele Catelli told PTI.

Artsana plans to use the country for sourcing Chicco's global ranges.
    
"The huge labour pool and the country's vast abundance of raw material and textiles provides excellent opportunity. We will soon start sourcing from here and maybe reach a big figure within a few years," Catelli said.
    
He further added: "Besides, Indian consumers are very price conscious. So we will source the apparels and footwear range from within the country to make prices compatible even while giving the latest European design and flavour."
    
Artsana is looking at opening Chicco flagship stores at major cities like Mumbai and Bangalore.
    
"We envisage at least 10 exclusive outlets by the end of 2011 in major metros and tier-I cities, besides hundreds of points of sales throughout the country in the multi-branded format. For this, our area of focus will be on departmental, pharmacy and baby product stores," Catelli said.
    
Catelli said the brand will introduce its entire range -- including apparel, shoes, accessories and toiletries -- in the country, but with innovations designed to address Indian customer needs.
    
Globally, Chicco is available in over 70 countries and operates 170 exclusive outlets and also has a presence through thousands of multi-branded stores.