Luxury shoemaker Harrys of London plans India foray

British luxury shoemaker Harrys of London,

which shot to fame in 2002 when 30 Hollywood celebrities, including John Travolta and Denzel Washington, wore its shoes to the Oscars, plans to enter India early next year. It plans to open a store each in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore in the first phase.

Keeping the upbeat consumer sentiment in mind, rising consumer awareness of luxury brands and rising disposable incomes, many top brands are looking at India as their next retail destination. Harrys of London already has several Indian customers who they serve through their UK and Middle East stores.

Founded in 2001, Harrys of London sells shoes for anywhere between 295 pounds to 2,415 pounds (around Rs 26,000 to Rs two lakh) per pair. The company is majority owned by Atelier Fund, a division of world's third largest luxury house Richemont Group. The British firm is now scouting for a partner who can bring local expertise.