Koutons Retail India has bagged the prestigious Chain Store of the Year award, and Charlie Outlaw, a brand from Koutons stable, won the Brand of the Year award in men’s casual segment at the National Awards for excellence in apparel business, organised by Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI).
Meanwhile, DPS Kohli, chairman, Koutons Retail India, was selected as Brand Entrepreneur of the Year, at the Apex Awards 2007 organised by CMAI.
“As retail sector is experiencing a boom in India, we are happy to be part of the success story. Our business strategy is to have a wider presence in the fashion-conscious consumer’s neighbourhood and serve his fashion needs with our trendy range of products,” Kohli told Indiaretailing.
The New Delhi-based Koutons plans to open 1,400 more outlets over the next few years. Recently, Koutons announced the launch of its 1,100th outlet to become one of the largest apparel chain operators. It designs, manufactures and retails apparel under Koutons and Charlie Outlaw brands.
“There are 23 major players in the branded apparel segment and Koutons, by far, has the largest number of outlets,” claimed a Koutons spokesperson.
The latest India Retail Report indicates that the total organised retail market’s size is currently pegged at Rs 55,000 crore. Clothing and accessories hold the lion’s share of this pie at 39 per cent, followed by food and grocery at 11 per cent.
Earlier, Koutons won the Most Dynamic Brand of the Year Award at Lycra Images Fashion Awards (LIFA) held at Images Fashion Forum in Mumbai in 2007.
– Vishnu Rageev R, Bengaluru Bureau
