Bombay High goes global

What started off as a local contract manufacturing unit for the garment industry in Mumbai

six years ago is today readying to become a global unisex apparel brand called Bombay High. Launched in 2006, the brand is the brainchild of Saurabh Pradhan, director of Cottstown Fashion.

Initially, Bombay High was present only in MBOs when the portfolio was limited to men’s shirts. In 2007-08 the format was conceptualized and four stores were launched in Mumbai that offered formals and business-line range of apparels for men and women. By September this year the company will be operating 15 Bombay High stores across India and by March 2011 around 25.

Even as Pradhan is in the process of setting up stores in Bangalore, Pune, Nagpur and cities in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, he has formed a Cottstown subsidiary in the UK that will eventually lead to establishing a chain of large-format stores in London and other European markets. By the end of this financial year, the first flagship Bombay High store will open in London. An office in New York will also open soon which will help the company get more export clients, even as the expansion internationally continues.

The company works under three separate verticals — one caters to major Indian retailers, another division takes care of the exports to international retail chains while the third one is focused on marketing the Bombay High brand through a chain of exclusive retail outlets.

Bombay High is also looking at strengthening its casual’s portfolio through an extension label called Bombay High Sport. The company stores are already selling accessories, leather bags for men and women. A foray into eye-wear toiletries is also on the cards. Later a brand catering to the kids segment will also come up.