Ralph Lauren to open store in Delhi

Ralph Lauren, the American fashion brand, has formed a franchise agreement with Inter Ads to enter India.

The franchise would start operations in December with the opening of the first Ralph Lauren store in Delhi, most likely in a five-star hotel, covering an area of 8,000 sq. ft. Inter Ads is planning to open five exclusive Polo Ralph Lauren stores in major cities by mid-2012. Also, the company plans to invest Rs 200 crores in the first three years and would invest Rs 30 crores to Rs 40 crores in the first two stores.

Initially, Ralph Lauren would bring only its Polo brand to India. Polo has huge brand recognition in India and its popularity cuts across generations of young, middle-aged and seniors. Inter Ads has joint ventures with international majors in exhibitions and conferences like Montgomery International (UK) and Mack Brooks Exhibition. It also has an international franchisee of Julia Gabriel Centre of Learning. According to Technopak Luxury Study 2009, an overwhelming 90 per cent of Ralph Lauren goods picked up by Indians are bought as part of their international travel shopping bag. The brand’s fakes already abound in India, selling at a fraction of the price of genuine Ralph Lauren garments and accessories. After its arrival in India the consumers will be assured of its quality.