Mustang on a capacity and retail expansion spree

Mustang, the leading socks brand which also caters to brands like Adidas, Ginger, Next, Debenhams, now holds almost 10-15 percent market share in India. “The next wave of growth in this industry will be seen in the Tier I and II markets where

brands have achieved significant awareness but limited availability. There is a potential if you cater to the right segment at the right time,” says Lubeina Shahpurwala, Co-Director, Mustang Socks and Accessories.

Retail growth plans

Mustang has 36 distributors across India and a presence in over 1,500 MBOs. Among large formats, the brand is retailed through Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle and many more. “We export to the Middle East including UAE, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and to England and Italy. We are also aiming for the US market,” says Shahpurwala.

The company is now looking at expanding and increasing its facilities. The aim is to create a brand focused on innovative designs that resonates with customers worldwide. Mustang, founded by Nazneen Katrak is a 26 years old company. Later Shahpurwala collaborated with her as co-director. “The core idea behind setting up Mustang was to transform socks as an industry, which was almost untouched by fashion. Our aim is to deliver superior quality to customers since we realized the need for pure cotton quality and designer socks years ago,” Shahpurwala says.

Socks styles on offer

With three operating units and a capacity of 10 million pairs of socks, the company is looking at 10-15 percent growth every year. Plans are afoot to introduce innovative styles for kids with latest technology. Mustang’s USP is its styles, novel designs, vibrant colours, and most importantly fusion of all these concepts using perfect cotton quality and latest technology. “Mustang’s constant innovation and evolution makes it products stand out. We offer an assortment of socks for women, kids and men. We have designer legwarmers and tights for women and kids, specialty socks for diabetics, handkerchiefs, headbands, vests and undergarments for kids,” she says.

The brand has launched an exclusive Autumn/Winter collection with adorable range for kids as well as toddlers, unique collection for girls and women with effervescent shades apart from special work wear as well as casual wear socks for men. “In our collection we have introduced Neon socks which are in huge demand and a rage amongst men and women. We have also come out with cartoon character socks for kids and toddlers,” adds Shahpurwala.

Thermolite and Cool Max by Invista are the other new launches. Shahpurwala explains, “Thermolite socks keep you warm because of the hollow pores inside. We will be coming out with anti skid socks soon which are mainly for infants and will allow them to have a better grip on the floor since it has a rubber sole under the sock.”