Hamleys in search of ally for local debut

Hamleys, leading toy retailers from the United Kingdom, will shortly appoint a master franchisee for its foray into India. The company's senior executives are currently visiting the country for scouting future partners.

"We are looking at one partner for the entire country. We are not interested in regional franchisees," said Nicholas Mather, chief executive officer, The Hamleys Group.

He added that Hamleys would open its first store either in Mumbai or in New Delhi.

The current toy market in India is estimated at approximately $250 million and is projected to grow at 25 per cent per annum.

For toys under its own brand name, Hamleys is seriously considering to begin sourcing wooden and soft toys from India.

These toys would also be exported to the retailer's global markets. For this purpose, representatives from Hamleys would be visiting the country within the next six months to tie up with the manufacturers here.

Mather has identified three store formats for Hamleys in the country. The first would be Hamleys' flagship store of 35,000 sq ft that would be rolled out in all major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

The second format "" regional stores "" would be 8,000 to 12,000 sq ft. These stores are most likely to be in suburbs, complementing Hamleys' flagship stores.

The third concept, adopted from Hamleys' presence in airports in the UK, would be in Indian airports and spread across 1,000 sq ft.

"Retail space in the modernised Mumbai and Delhi airports is an option that greatly appeals to us," said Mather.

While the master franchisee would be expected to invest in the store and its fittings, Hamleys would lend technology and training services to its Indian partner.