Madura to launch 50 Van Heusen stores next fiscal

Aditya Birla Group firm Madura Fashion & Lifestyle has announced

its retail expansion plans for leading apparel brand Van Heusen. The company plans to open 50 new stores by the end of next fiscal. The brand, which is looking for a jump of 16-18 per cent in sales turnover in 2013-14, is also planning to expand reach in the Northeast by doubling the number of outlets.

“We are expanding our outlets and have around 200 stores across the country. We are planning to add 40-50 more outlets next fiscal,” says Vinay Bhopatkar, Brand Head, Van Heusen. The brand will launch new stores mainly in Tier II cities such as Bareilly, Bhilai, Warangal and Tirupati. The sizes of the new stores will vary between 1,000 square foot and 1,500 square foot, and most of these will be opened through the franchisee route.

The brand will also look at penetrating into the Northeast, where it currently has three outlets. One each in Guwahati, Shillong and Dimapur. The brand is also looking at cities like Aizawl and Agartala to expand its reach. Van Heusen will launch exclusive outlets for accessories in next fiscal, besides expanding the standalone stores for women’s wear and youth party wear.