S Kumars to relaunch Tamarind

S Kumars is set to relaunch its mid-segment ready-to-wear brand Tamarind in early 2006, said Tarun Joshi, its 'communication custodian' here today.

Joshi spoke at the launch of the Scottish Collection of the company's luxury brand Reid and Taylor. Its brand ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan, launched the new collection in Mumbai today.

Tamarind was launched in 2001 and Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan was named its brand ambassador. But the company had to withdraw the brand soon after. "Initially, the supply chain couldn't cope up with the demand pressure. But now we are confident," he said.

Tamarind's separate wardrobe solutions is part of the Rs 860 crore textile company's expansion.

"We are also expanding Reid and Taylor's retail outlet chain. From the present 18, we expect to increase the number of outlets to 200 over three years. Already ten of them are in various phases of development," said Joshi.

The Rs 200 crore luxury brand saw a 35 per cent growth this year and is the number two player in its market segment after Raymonds. Almost 80 per cent of its outlets will be sourced through franchisees.

S Kumars is also in talks to acquire international brands, including from the US and the UK.

"We are in an advanced stage of talks on three of them. By the end of this fiscal, we should be able to launch them," said Joshi. The company is also set to launch a local brand in the home textiles segment.