"Apparel Group to Launch 750 New Stores Over the Next 3 Years"

Apparel Group, a leading fashion and lifestyle retail major, is set to significantly expand its footprint in India, with plans to grow its store count from the current 250 to 1,000 over the next three years. This ambitious expansion strategy aims to tap into India's strong growth potential.

The Dubai-based company, which operates stores for several global brands, including Aldo, Bath & Body Works, Charles & Keith, Victoria’s Secret, and others, is also considering introducing more brands to India in segments such as fast fashion and food and beverages. In addition, Apparel Group runs its own value fashion brand, R&B, and operates the Tim Hortons coffee chain in India through a joint venture.

Nilesh Ved, Chairman & CEO of Apparel Group, revealed that the company is making significant investments to expand various brands in its portfolio, including R&B, Bath & Body Works, Aldo, and Tim Hortons. For example, the company plans to expand Aldo stores from 70 to 150 locations, thanks to local manufacturing under new BIS norms. Similarly, Tim Hortons will see its outlets increase from 33 to 250.

Apparel Group recently secured the rights to operate Crocs stores in North and East India, with plans to open 100 stores in the next three years. The additional 750 stores across brands will be launched in major cities as well as tier-2 and tier-3 markets. Ved emphasized that the next decade represents a golden era for retail in India, with more large-format shopping malls emerging as the ecosystem shifts from markets to malls.

The company also sees huge potential in the value fashion segment, planning to open at least 200 R&B stores within the next three years. Alongside expanding existing brands, Apparel Group is exploring opportunities to introduce new brands in India, including two food and beverage concepts, Sushi Library and Allo Beirut, within the next 6-12 months. Additionally, the company is evaluating M&A opportunities in India's food and beverage sector.

Apparel Group also plans to bring a fast-fashion brand from the Gulf markets to India and is in discussions to finalize this move. The company has a strong omnichannel strategy, with about 33% of its overall sales now coming from online channels.

HBL