In Short:
Apparel Group, a major fashion and lifestyle retailer, plans to grow significantly in India, increasing its stores from 250 to 1,000 in three years. The company, which operates brands like Aldo, Victoria’s Secret, and Tim Hortons, will also introduce new brands in fast fashion and food. They aim to expand value brand R&B with 200 new stores and explore M&A opportunities in food and beverage.
Apparel Group’s Bold Expansion Plans in India
Exciting times are ahead for fashion lovers in India! The well-known **Apparel Group**, a major player in the Fashion and Lifestyle retail industry, has set its sights on a remarkable expansion. The company is aiming to grow its presence from the current 250 stores to a whopping 1000 stores in just three years.
Capitalizing on India’s Potential
This ambitious expansion comes as part of the company’s strategy to tap into India’s immense growth potential. Not only is **Apparel Group** planning to boost its retail footprint, but it is also considering introducing new brands across various segments, such as fast fashion and food and beverages.
A Global Retail Powerhouse
Based in **Dubai**, this retail giant has successfully established its presence in multiple markets, boasting rights to operate stores of numerous global brands. In India, **Apparel Group** is already running stores for popular international names like **Aldo**, **Bath & Body Works**, **Charles & Keith**, **Victoria’s Secret**, **Beverly Hills Polo Club**, and **Daiso**. They’re also renowned for their own value fashion line, **R&B**. Additionally, they manage the coffee chain **Tim Hortons** in India through a joint venture called **Apparel Gateway Café India**.
CEO Nilesh Ved’s Vision
In an interview with businessline, **Nilesh Ved**, Chairman & CEO of **Apparel Group**, shared, “We have a massive expansion planned for the Indian region. We are making significant investments. Our expansion strategy involves various brands in our portfolio including our own value fashion brand R&B, along with **Bath & Body Works**, **Aldo**, and **Tim Hortons**.”
He elaborated on the plans for **Aldo**, stating that due to new BIS norms, they are now manufacturing locally, which allows them to jump from 70 stores to 150 stores. The outlook for **Tim Hortons** is just as bright, with plans to increase from 33 outlets to 250 outlets across India.
New Ventures and Opportunities
In a recent development, the company secured the rights for **Crocs** in **North** and **East India**. Ved expressed optimism, saying, “We see great opportunities with **Crocs**. We have opened the first store under this partnership, and nine more are on the way. In three years, we could look at 100 stores for the brand.”
When it comes to their value fashion brand **R&B**, he remarked, “We see huge potential in the value fashion segment, which will be one of our key focus areas. For **R&B**, we plan to open at least 200 stores over the next three years.”
Exploring New Brands and Concepts
But that’s not all! **Apparel Group** is eyeing new brands in different segments, especially in the food and beverage arena. They plan to launch two new dining concepts—**Sushi Library** and **Allo Beirut**—in India within the next 6 to 12 months. There’s also excitement about potential mergers and acquisitions in India’s vibrant food and beverage scene, according to Ved.
Moreover, with a strong omnichannel strategy, **Apparel Group** reports that about 33 percent of its overall sales are now coming through online channels, showcasing their adaptability in today’s retail landscape.
