Dior Watches to add 17 outlets more in India

Dior Watches, promoted by LVMH Watch and Jewellery, plans to increase the number of outlets to around 50 from the current 33 across the country by the end of the current calendar year.

Addressing a press conference coinciding with the launch of the new range of watches in the city on Wednesday, Shantanu Mukerji, brand manager of Dior, said that the company was looking at expanding its presence to around 18 cities by the end of the year from the current 14.

"Looking at the increasing demand from the customers, we are also looking at expanding into Tier II cities like Vishakapatnam, Lucknow and Jaipur," Mukerji said.

He said that the premium watch industry, ie, watches priced above Rs 15,000, was around Rs 250 crore. It was growing by around 35 per cent every year, he added.

According to Mukherji, the new 'Dior D'Trick' range sets the international Dior fashion code "" a flashback to the elegant 30s. The newly launched range comprises four new collections "" Chris 47 Chrona Dior D'Trick in diamond version, Chris 47 Set Dial D'Trick in an exclusive jewellery version with a black lacquered dial, the Riva Sparkling D'Trick and the Dietrich refinement.

The company is targeting trendy female customers in the age group of 18 to 35.

To a query, Mukerji said that the duty and tax structure in the country was very high and the government needed to rationalise this so that the sector could grow.

"The duty in the country is 80 per cent on the cost of the article which is around 40 per cent higher than any other country in the world. We have made representations to the government and are hopeful that the tax would be brought down considerably," he explained.

According to him, the company is also planning to launch their fashion wear in the next 12 to 18 months.

"Though it is too premature to say what would the cost of the range would be, the company is seriously considering the launch which would be in the next 12 to 18 months.," he said.