Arvind will create exclusive lines for online retail

After partnering international labels like US Polo, Calvin Klein and Nautica as well as GAP and The Children’s Place, Arvind now wants to turn its focus on online business for growth. The company is planning to create some exclusive apparel, fashion and footwear brands to sell only through online channels.

In keeping with this strategy, the company has roped in ex-Puma India head Rajiv Mehta to spearhead the new venture. He will look at creating new brands mostly to sell online. Mehta joined the new entity under Arvind after establishing Puma brand in India over the last nine years. Sources say that Mehta has taken independent charge to build brands for online medium and will have no connection with Arvind Lifestyle Fashion, the flagship retail company of the group headed by J Suresh.

In its unaudited standalone financial results for the second fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2014, leading Indian textile major, Arvind registered a 4.13 percent year-on-year rise in net profits. Company’s standalone net profits grew to Rs 97.14 crores during the quarter under review from Rs 93.28 crores in the corresponding quarter of 2013-14.