German fashion brand may make India foray

Orsay, a leading international fashion brand based out of Willstatt, Baden in Germany plans to foray into the Indian retail space with its chain of stores.

The company is now present in eight European countries through 420 stores that provide a range of reasonably-priced outfits for women that include woven, knit and denim clothing and fashion accessories.

Jean-Pierre Pharon, director of Orsay told Business Standard that the company was looking at India and China as part of its expansion drive and might open stores in these countries by the end of the present fiscal.

"We recently started our association with the Indian market with our agreement with Munch (an independent textiles designing firm) and are presently studying the opportunities in the Indian market for our products that are specifically aimed at the middle class," said Pharon.

The company might open around 20 stores across India by the end of the coming year.

The company which has purchasing offices at Shanghai and Hong Kong is present in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia. Pharon said this year, the company was going to enter Russia and Ukraine by opening its exclusive stores for women. However, since the European market was saturated now, the company was looking at Asia as its next big market.

About the fashion needs in India, he said that with Indian designers providing support to the global apparel brands, "we are equipped to meet expectations of customers in India. This apart, since Orsay's products are reasonably priced, we expect to be able to win the hearts of the Indian fashion conscious women in a short span," he added.

About the range of products sold in Orsay shops, Pharon said that the company offers highly fashionable clothes and accessories that cover city, casual and partywear segments. "We want all women to be able to afford to express their femininity through their outfits, no matter what the mood and occasion," he added.

Orsay presently employs 4,000 people and had recorded a turnover of Euro 330 million in 2005.

The company's product range include classic shapes along with selected fabrics. The demanding woman would bring to light her individuality and personality at all times wearing the elegant and feminine city outfits of Orsay, said Pharaon.