Hidesign to launch footwear range for men in February

Luxury leather brand Hidesign, will launch footwear products from February 2015 with the aim of establishing itself as a lifestyle fashion brand. The company will unveil a men's collection in February followed by a women’s footwear a month later.

Since September, it has been retailing leather jackets. Initially, the collection will be displayed in 30 stores in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The company, which is growing 25 percent year-over-year, expects the new footwear businesses to double revenues. Currently, bags and wallets contribute 88 percent to sales while 12 percent comes from accessories. After establishing presence internationally, the company also plans to expand its retail network in Tier II cities via franchise model. The brand already has stores in 32 cities across India.

The brand’s leather collection includes handbags, clutches, briefcases, laptop cases, wallets and belts. Internationally it has over 60 exclusive stores and a distribution network across 20 countries. Hidesign can also be found at premium international outlets, including John Lewis and House of Fraser in the UK, Myers and David Jones in Australia, Stuttafords and Edgars in South Africa, Lifestyle and Shoppers Stop in India and Parkson, Robinsons and Isetan in Southeast Asia.

Hidesign is also eyeing fresh funds through PE investors, targeting to become a Rs 500 crores brand in the next five years. The company has also announced its plans of creating a line of affordable products to retail at multi-brand outlets (MBOs). The aim is to compete with in-house labels of MBOs like Shoppers Stop, Westside and Lifestyle and other brands that sell products at heavy discounts to woo consumers.