Furla to expand brand presence in India

Without ruling out the possibility of co-creating a range with Indian design partner, Eraldo Poletto, CEO of Italian fashion brand Furla, is keen to expand presence in the country. While the company was waiting for approval from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board to form a joint venture with local partner Genesis Luxury, now it aims to move ahead without the JV.

Sighting lack of quality real estate to display the entire range of the brand and complexity of doing business in the country are some of the reasons that have caused the brand to go slow with its ambitious investment plans. Italy and Japan are the largest markets for the brand currently and it is also receiving positive response in India as well.

In 2015, the company would invest in brand building efforts in all the markets apart from introducing new categories. An extensive set of shoe collection for women is set for a release after launching the exclusive men's range for the Asian audience, starting with Japan. Known for its bags, Furla now considers getting into other categories such as footwear and watches.