Blumerq to expand retail reach in west and north India

Men’s clothing brand Blue Mercury (Blumerq), with a strong manufacturing base is now

planning aggressive penetration of northern and western markets. The brand has already established a strong presence in the east and south India. With a turnover of Rs 5.49 crore in 2013-14, the company is looking to double it by adding another 270 retail points its existing 314, this fiscal. Blumerq takes inspiration from musical genres to provide innovative looks to its designs. In just over two years, the Bangalore-based company was able to create a niche in the men's casual wear market across India.

Blumerq was founded by Thirukkumaran and M Shanmugam. In 1992, Thirukkumaran founded Esstee Exports, which supplies knitted garments to top brands in Europe, the US and Canada, including Guess, Lee, Wrangler, Jules, Armand Thiery, JBC, and Gerry Weber. Shanmugam established Premier Knits Apparel in 1989 and boasts of an overseas clientele, across the US and Europe, comprising Mothercare, Carrefour, Fila, EMC and Mayoral.

In 2012, they decided to cater to the domestic men’s segment after realising the huge potential in the upper-middle and middle class segments. It has been witnessing good sales through own stores and franchise outlets. Sales are also picking up on the online platform.