US teen brand Aeropostale opens in Mumbai

The US teen retail major Aeropostale opened its maiden store in Mumbai. The company plans to open 15-20 stores and hopes to grow by Rs 500 crores in the next five years. Aggressive expansion is what the company will be looking at in India.

This launch comes less than two months after the company filed for bankruptcy in the US. However, they are optimistic about the Indian market. Aeropostale is being brought to India by Arvind Lifestyle. J Suresh, Managing Director and CEO of Arvind Lifestyle believes that the Indian market has room for many players. Aeropostale has no reasons to fear fierce competition. The USP of the brand is that it is logo driven, which contributes 25 per cent to the overall business of the company, and has equal offering for both men and women.

To attract customers and build a loyalty, the prices have not been hiked too much. Aeropostale prices will be between Rs 899 and Rs 999. For the brand, India is a major market along with Brazil. In fact, the business outside the US accounts for 200 million dollar (Rs 1,347 crores) and India, over a period of time, can represent up to 20 per cent of this segment. The brand is sourcing locally in India, thus making its products affordable. Also, the company has made sure that the products have a uniformity so that the same products will be available in Europe, Mexico and in the US. The company operates more than 700 stores in the US, Puerto Rico and Canada.