Oner plans to launch EBOs and expand exports

With plans to launch more EBOs in India this year and reviving exports, winter wear brand Oner from Sarjeewan Knitwear is also targeting 50 percent growth by 2015. Elaborating on their retail expansion plans, Sudershan Jain, Partner,

Sarjeewan Knitwear says, “We may have more EBOs this year, about eight more in the north. At one time the Soviet Union was a major market for Ludhiana winter wear makers. That traditional market is gone with the break-up of the country. Now, countries like Ukraine, Russia, and Tajikistan have a big demand for winter wear. Traditionally, our goods have been accepted there. We are thinking of going to these markets.”

The brand is currently retailed through 500 MBOs along with shop-in-shops in large format stores. “We are with Reliance Trends, Shoppers Stop, Globus, Biglife Ritu Wears. We have opened our first EBO in Ludhiana,” Jain informs. The company offers winter wear merchandise like sweaters, jackets, track suits and sweat shirts. Jain tells that the company has also been doing summer wear for the last four years. “For summer we do track suits, tops. We have an economy range and three piece T-shirt packs. For summer wear, there is a lot of scope in the south and west. We may add accessories in the future,” he explains.

Earlier the brand catered to the age-group 16 and above, but since last two years, it caters to girls 12 to 16 years. “Some people in this age group want to wear mature fashion. We have garments for women like cardigans, sweatshirts, lounge wear, track suits, sweaters.” For cardigans, imported fabrics and yarns are used. Bright colors and bright tones are in. “We are trying new necklines in sweat shirts apart from hoods. We will continue with hoods but in reduced amounts,” Jain says talking about the trends coming season.”

At one time the brand was using the same imported fabrics used for men’s jackets in women’s. Now, it uses different imported fabrics for women’s jackets. The color and feel are specific to women’s apparels. “Jackets are lightweight and colorful. Coats are both mid length and long length. We have started a higher range of products with wool-rich fabrics,” he adds.

The company was established in 1977 and brand Oner was launched in the year 1995. Summing up, Jain says, “We believe in stringent quality controls are allowed to meet international standards right from the selection of raw material to the final stage of finishing and packing. Our product assures the best quality knitting, stitching and sewing techniques and controls. The company respects and ensures all necessary steps to take care of environmental concerns and labour policies.”