Arvind plans more Club America stores

Club America from Arvind is another multi-brand chain of

outlets that plans on increasing its retail presence by opening more stores. The aim is to penetrate more markets and tap consumers who can afford to purchase premium international apparel brands. Bangalore-based Arvind Lifestyle Brands wants to enhance the shopping experience of consumers where they do not have access to a Club America outlet easily. Having set up the first Club America store in Hyderabad, which sells brands such as Gant, Arrow, US Polo and Izod under one roof, the company plans to open 25 such stores in the next one year.

Club America is a format for people looking for variety. And Arvind is considering selling brands at these stores that are not owned by their company in some non-competing categories. Rishi Vasudev, the Vice-President and Business Head for Gant, Izod and Arrow, says that a Club America outlet being set up in Delhi will be operational soon.

Elaborating on individual brands, Vasudev said Gant is currently being sold at five exclusive outlets and 10 shop- in-shops in India. Last year, the brand (Gant) was available at eight retail points, which will go up to 24 points by the end of this fiscal. They hope to triple the brand’s presence every year. Gant has also unveiled a new collection designed by renowned menswear designer Michael Bastian, which has been launched in India simultaneously with other global markets.

Another brand, Arrow, which is currently sold at close to 100 stores, will see the addition of 30 to 40 EBOs every year. Vasudev said. Even for Izod, that was launched some while ago, they intend to open more stores going ahead.