Gloria Jeans plans first outlet in Delhi by July

Gloria Jeans Coffee's, one of the largest coffee chains in the world, will be opening its first outlet in Delhi by July this year.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Franchise and Retail Expo, Gaurav Marya, president, Franchise India Holdings, which is also the main consultant to the group in India, said the chain was planning a total of 750 outlets in the country over the next five to seven years. Of these, 150 would be set up within the next two years.

Marya said that there would be a couple of factors which would differentiate a Gloria Jeans outlet from the other coffee chains, notably the quality of the coffee (the company uses the top two per cent of the coffee produced in the world) and the service standards and ambience.

"The idea is to offer a five-star coffee shop experience, but at affordable rates. The chain would recognise the customers and their preferences," he said.

He however was tightlipped about the investment that would go into these outlets.

Elaborating on the formats, Marya said that they would operate across four formats. The Lounge would be the plush upmarket offering which would be positioned as a place where one can unwind.

The others would be the regular cafes as well as kiosks set up at strategic locations. In addition to this, a new format, coffee carts, the chain would bring in to be temporarily put up at certain locations.

He added that they were looking at both traditional locations such as high streets and malls, as well as other areas such as airports, railway stations and IT parks to set up smaller outlets.

"We will also be tapping locations such as highways and have a few drive-in outlets," said Marya.

Some of the other international brands which are planning an India-entry include Barnies and Starbucks.