UK’s Dune to enter India through Reliance Brands

London-based luxury footwear and accessories brand Dune

has announced its entry into India through partnership with Reliance Brands, the retail arm of India’s largest private firm Reliance Industries. The Dune group is expected to open its first flagship store by the year-end or early next year.

“India has been a key territory targeted for development,” Dune International chief executive Mohamediqbal Yacoobali, said in a statement. The first Dune store opened in 1993 on King’s Road, London, and over the years it has grown to over 44 standalone stores and 171 franchise stores. Present in 29 international destinations, especially the Middle East, it recently launched its first concept flagship outside of UK at Dubai’s Marina Mall.

Recently Quiksilver, through a European subsidiary sought permission to float a 51:49 joint venture with Reliance Brands, with which it had a distribution agreement till now. The brand is looking at 51 per cent stake under single-brand FDI. After bringing brands like Diesel, Ermengildo Zegna, Paul & Shark, Timberland, Steve Madden, Quicksilver and Roxy to India, Kenneth Cole was the seventh recent international fashion brand coming through the Reliance firm, which was set up five years ago to build a formidable fashion business as part of its broader retail ambitions.