DLF to open small format Mothercare stores in India

British brand Mothercare aims to open small format stores in India as a part of its retail expansion plans. The new stores would be opened through all kinds of partners - franchisees, dealers and distributors.

Apart from exploring untapped Tier II and Tier III cities, the company would also launch an ekart website where it will initially retail 20-30 brands. Present in India through joint venture partnership signed with DLF Brands in 2010, Mothercare products are targeted at mothers, mothers-to-be, babies and young children.

DLF operates stores of other foreign brands such as Mango, Forever 21, DKNY, Sunglass Hut and Claire's. The company plans to invest about Rs 200 crores over the next five years to expand the Mothercare network. The company also has nearly 70 Sunglass Hut stores and aims to open 30 stores every year.