Paul & Shark spreads tentacles into Chennai

Having entered India through an equal joint venture with

Reliance Brands Ltd with the opening of an outlet at the DLF Emporio in Gurgaon last year, Italian luxury sportswear brand Paul & Shark is now spreading its tentacles into the lucrative south Indian markets. Following other recent launches in Hyderabad and Mumbai, the company has just opened a store in Chennai, spread across 2000 sq.ft in the luxury wing of the up-market Express Avenue Mall. On display will be a complete menswear collection that can be worn at work and at social occasions such as holidays, leisure, traveling, sports and casual events. Summer 2011 collection showcases a bright and colorful selection of elegant polos and shirts, trousers, shorts, lightweight and technical outerwear which can be teamed with matching accessories and footwear. The clothes will flaunt the trademark “shark logo”, a distinctive insignia and the brands USP that spells freedom, casual elegance and comfort. Designed by the Paul & Shark Creative Team, the Chennai store displays a co-coordinated distribution of space that spells elegance and sophisticated designing that translates into a unique shopping experience.

“We are proud to be the early movers in bringing the first men’s luxury brand to Chennai. Chennai has a rich textile history and heritage (we gave the name “Madras checks” to the world!) and a tradition of discerning consumers that appreciate fine craftsmanship. With new age industries such as automobiles, IT, knowledge sourcing etc., the city now also has a growing tribe of young, cosmopolitan and trading up customers that are international in their mindsets,” says Darshan Mehta, President & CEO, Reliance Brands Ltd on the launch event. Established in the 1970’s as a yachting brand, the Paul & Shark trademark has expanded over the years to include other sports such as golf and skiing as well as clothing that is not strictly sportswear. The Milan-headquartered brand offer an exclusive collection of menswear including shirts, knits, sweaters, lightweight and technical outerwear, pants, accessories and footwear at a price range of Rs 8,000-41,000. Having formed the joint venture Reliance Paul & Shark Pvt Ltd in 2008 in India, the company has a brand expansion plan of expanding its chain to 15 exclusive outlets across the country within five years. Currently Paul & Shark has over 200 points of sale in important cities and fashion capitals across the world which are retailed through boutiques, shop in shops and department stores.