To strengthen its fashion biz, Biyani eyes stake in six brands

Even though it sold its flagship fashion chain Pantaloon

to Aditya Birla Group and its stake in fashion brands Biba and AND to ease debt pressure, fashion business is still very much a strong part of Future Group’s priority list. No wonder the Kishore Biyani-owned demerged entity Future Lifestyle Fashions is said to have set it eyes on at least six brands. As per industry sources, the demerged entity of Future Retail and Future Ventures, will buy out Bangalore-based garment chain Coupon, pick up controlling stake in New Delhi-based premium apparel brand Giovani-Fashion apart from picking up majority stakes in department chain Ritu Wears Biglife and Famozi footwear.

Experts attribute the Group’s shift in focus towards lifestyle businesses to substantially higher margins this segment earns compared to other retailing categories. While Future Lifestyle currently operates four million square feet of retail space, addition of six new brands can increase it by nearly 6,00,000 square feet. The aim behind acquiring stake or buying these brands is to establish a strong presence in the northern and southern markets where the group’s presence has been weaker.