Classic Polo: Aims to be top three national brand

Classic Polo, one of India’s finest indigenously manufactured T-shirt brands, launched by the Royal Classic Group (RCG) has entered its 10th year of establishment. What commemorated their celebrations this year was the success of their spring/summer ’10 collection. As Usha

Periasamy, Vice-President (Brands & Operations), Royal Classic Group says, “Our spring/ summer collection was a runaway hit. In summers fashion becomes minimal but expectations double. I say this because we use a lot of special features such as wrinkle free, dust free, quick dry, stain proof, auto crease, etc that are useful in day to day life.” Classic Polo has this feature spread across its range of products with a splash of fashion, which makes the brand stand apart from the rest. Perhaps that is why their collections are liked by the channel partners.

Classic Polo currently has 76 EBOs across the country. Around 50 stores are in the south and the rest are spread in the other three regions. Nearly 60 per cent of their stores are under the franchisee mode and the rest are owned by the company. “This year we would reach 100 stores with a special focus in the south and Tier-II towns. Nearly 3,500 MBOs showcase and sell Classic Polo, all over India. Moreover, 63 large format stores carry Classic Polo which includes Centrals, Brand Factory, Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons, Globus, Spencers, Coupons, and Reliance Trends,” says Periasamy. Apart from this e-commerce also supports the net savvy customers to make their buy.

Classic Polo has three more brands viz Smash, Fresco and Ce 10. “We are planning to step up sales and promotion by refreshing the designs and making Smash more young and peppy. Ce 10 products are supported with scientifically designed shade cards that help customers choose colors to match their complexion so that the garment looks more appealing when worn. We have plans to further spice up Fresco designs this year and are expecting this category to contribute 20 per cent of our turnover,” explains Periasamy.

Classic Polo, the domestic brand of RCG group currently has a turnover of Rs 70 crores. This year they plan to grow from 76 stores to 100 stores. “We want to focus our efforts on woven which have a huge untapped potential in the organized sector. Our vision is to make Classic Polo one of the top three national brands in the next 3-5 years. It is for this position that we are competing. We are aware of the market expectations, and have a great infrastructure support. With our experienced R&D team we can realize our vision,” concludes Periasamy.