Lacoste to expand footprint through the franchise route

French brand, Lacoste, has decided to aggressively expand its India footprint

through the franchise route. The company is looking to increase its store count to 90, adding 20-25 franchise stores in cities like Surat, Kochi, Lucknow and Jalandhar. Lacoste’s product portfolio includes: clothing, footwear, leather goods, perfumes, eyewear and watches.

A symbol of relaxed elegance, Lacoste was created in 1933 by famous tennis champion René Lacoste. Lacoste India is a strategic alliance between Lacoste and Sports and Leisure Apparel (SLA). SLA has the exclusive rights to manufacture Lacoste branded garments in India and distribute/market in India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It also has exclusive rights to distribute/market Lacoste branded footwear in the India and Maldives.

Last month, Lacoste unveiled S/S’14 collection exuding confidence and comfort in outfits revolving around the brand’s icons - the polo shirt, the polo dress for men and women. Established in 1993, the company considers India, an important market for growth. It is focusing on emerging markets of the world including China, Brazil and India. Currently, it enjoys presence through 45 points of sale pan India, covering 15 Indian cities, including one at Maldives.