Ethnic label Soch focuses on hybrid retail for growth

Bangalore-based women's ethnic fashion retailer Soch is aggressively following its expansion strategy. After almost over a decade in the business, the Rs 250-crores company recently announced plans of retailing products in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Mauritius, Singapore, Indonesia, Malayasia and UAE this year. Like global fashion brands, who are testing waters in India through ecommerce route even Soch would test-market its products via online medium before opening physical stores in these countries.

With 52 stores and ecommerce platform, the brand is witnessing growth at a CAGR of 46 percent. Changing the range on offer every two weeks, the company believes in being on its toes to offer fashion by keeping in tune with the latest trends. The company has 25 core manufacturers and other 60, who produce merchandise based on demand situation.

The company currently operates 48 company owned stores and four franchise stores. Soch also aims to open franchise stores in Dubai, Qatar, South East Asian countries and even the USA and Australia to cater to the Indians residing in these countries. The plan is to open 30 stores in the country and add more than 15 franchise outlets, while focusing energies on establishing ecommerce.