Soch working on aggressive retail expansion

Soch, the urban designer label store, has ambitious expansion plans. Currently MD Retail LLP, the parent company, has approximately 46 shops. This includes one each of Manyavar, Kash, Bargains, Shoppin and 12 Favourite stores. Favourite

stores are MBOs where they stock upcoming brands.

Retail growth plans

The company now plans to concentrate on retail expansion for Soch, the Rs 200 crores brand. As Manohar Chatlani, MD, Soch says the Indian market has truly evolved and there are too many malls coming up, while rents are increasing, expenses are high. “We will now expand mainly with Soch. We have a target of opening one store per month for the next two years. We have got the volumes. If we go to a salwar-kameez manufacturer, and say we want to buy 200 pieces in one color option, we get the type of service and prices that other people may not get. We also get exclusivity, that’s why we are able to make our own catalogues,” Chatlani explains. The brand has a strong presence in the markets of south and west India in places like Pune and Mumbai. Chatlani feels the south market offers greater opportunities, as he adds, “I feel I can open 100 outlets in the south.”

Committed to stylish designer wear for women of all ages, all apparels retailed at Soch Studio adhere to the highest quality standards and meticulous attention to detail. Elaborating on the market trends Chatlani opines, “So far brands have been earning from MBOs. We sell about 100 T-shirts a day with very good margins. We believe in product strength and right pricing. We sell trousers for Rs 800. In jeans, watches and shoes, brand consciousness is strong. And people don’t buy jeans very often.”

The brand saga

Soch, a women’s ethnic wear brand was launched in 2005. The garments are created to complement the contemporary urban woman on her achievements at work, home and leisure. They are fashioned from a wide range of exquisite hand-picked fabrics - cottons, chiffons, crepes, silks, brocades, voiles and blends - sourced from various places across India. The brand offers an exclusive collection of Indian and western wear perfect for every occasion.

Soch is closely associated with the ethnic brand Manyavar. “They donate to our Heart Foundation,” says Chatlani. “For the last two and a half years, we have been working together. We have tied up with a hospital.”