Valentine to venture into sportswear

Valentine Pink, a brand from the stable of Shree Shiv Lingerie has recently introduced a new collection called ‘To Be Bride’ that exudes modern comfort and ease. Inspired by international styles and designs, each piece of lingerie is produced

with a perfect mélange of finest cotton fabrics, silk and lace providing superior comfort and stretch. Meanwhile the company is also looking at introducing new range for men and boys known as ‘Nightline’ andValentine loungewear for women and Valentine Sports to venture into the thriving sportswear category.

For the forthcoming winter season the focus is on vibrant colors and elegant prints to make the season vibrant and colorful. Commenting on the launch of ‘To Be Bride’, Harshad Thakkar, Managing Director, Ashapura Apparels says, “The latest collection captures a fun loving, sporty bride’s individuality, style and attitude. Available in bright colors and prints this collection is a must have for every new bride. Targeted at the mid to higher middle class consumers, the product range is priced from Rs 249 for a single piece to Rs 2,999 for a bridal set and is available at all leading stores in India.” On their recent lingerie launch he says, “We recently launched an exclusive lingerie line ValentinePink. Already out in the market, Valentine Pink is getting a good response all over India and Gulf countries.”

With a turnover of about Rs 260 million the Valentine portfolio registered a growth of 100 per cent over the last 10 years. For the upcoming 2011-12 company is aiming for a 50-55 per cent growth. Buoyant about its growth plans, Thakkar opines that with strong retail strategy and quality collection, Valentine product-line is gaining good response across various markets. “We have more than 42 distributors and 500 sales executives all over the country. Our products are available at all the 54 exclusive stores in the country and over 500 stores stock our products. Its’ also available in the Gulf and Sudan,” he adds.

With a focus on local stores and big malls, the company plans to open around 23 Valentine exclusive brand outlets. Meanwhile, the e-retailing drive is generating good profits with increasing number of consumers shopping online.

Valentine was started in partnership with two friends Dinesh C Sodhaand and Bhavesh Bhanushali. The company initially began by selling bridal honeymoon sets and inner wear. In a short spanValentine became a household name. “The success of the product line enables us to get into a variety of home wear products. For example, today Valentine offers customers a wide range of night gowns, couple sets, night suits for kids and our latest collection Valentine Pink offers vast range of innerwear,” says Thakkar.