Strategic addressal

Allen Solly sees a big future in womenswear.

Allen Solly? "Friday dressing" is the unaided recall. ButMadura Garments sees some of the brand's brightest prospects amongst women. Launched in 2001, womenswear currently accounts for a fifth of the brand's sales, placed at just just over Rs 150 crore.

That's about Rs 30 crore, a figure that Hemchandra Javeri, president, Madura Garments, wants to see touch Rs 100 crore in three years. An important aspect of the growth plan is the retail expansion the company has cut for itself.

Wider coverage will be accompanied by an extended product range as well, with the company planning to add evening wear to its existing portfolio later this year.

So far, the brand has beens selling something between smart casuals and officewear, the sort of clothes yuppie women are often seen in. Apart from apparel, the brand also sells accessories like scarves, handbags, sunglasses and watches.

The company has already set up four exclusive brand stores, with the fifth one coming up in Lucknow soon. Also lined up are four exclusive womenswear outlets in the North-east.

"Westernwear is already very popular in the region, which is why it makes sense to open outlets there," reasons Vijay Mirchandani, brand head, Allen Solly.

The company plans to open as many as 20 outlets this year, with the target being about 70-80 in the next three years.