Zodiac to launch new brand

Zodiac Clothing is planning to launch a brand for the domestic market soon. The company plans to target urban consumers in the age group of 30-35 years with the new launch.

Anees Noorani, vice-chairman and managing director of Zodiac Clothing Company, said the brand would not be a formal wear but at the same time it would be a contemporary clothing.

Zodiac, which sells premium ties, shirts and belts in India and overseas, is also trying to strengthen its presence in the West Asian market. The company will open two exclusive stores in Dubai for menswear and allied products in few months.

The company currently sells its products in Dubai through 50 outlets in retail chains and multi-brand outlets.

Analysts tracking the textile sector said Indians living in the Gulf countries are purchasing premium clothings and Zodiac's clothes enjoy a high recall value.

Meanwhile, to minimise the impact of the nearly 11 y-o-y appreciation of the rupee, Zodiac is banking on its facilities in Dubai to meet the orders from customers in Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

Senior company management declined to give the production break-up of existing domestic facilities in Karnataka and Gujarat and those in West Asia.

Zodiac is expected to finalise a new partner for the UK market in the next few months. The company had terminated its partnership in the UK market with Ciro Citterio.

Nine-month net up 55%

The consolidated profit of Zodiac Clothing for the nine-month period ended December 2007 went up by 55 per cent to Rs 25.01 crore from Rs 16.12 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year. Gross revenue went up by 13.37 per cent to Rs 223.09 crore (Rs 196.77 crore).