L’Occitane upbeat on Indian business

French natural cosmetic brand, L’Occitane, is looking at growing its retail outlets to 20 in the next four years along with a considered expansion of its spa business, as per Guillaume Geslin, GM, L’Occitane India Pvt. Ltd. The brand operates from three doors in Delhi currently, and plans to open three more by the end of the year in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. L’Occitane was launched in 1976 in Provence, France and has been established as a global brand and the first one to launch an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange recently. “It’s also the only brand in the world that changes its shop window every month,” shares Geslin. The brand formed a joint venture with Indian luxury cosmetics distributor BCPL (Beauty Concepts Pvt. Ltd.) over a year back bringing a greater seriousness to their India business. India comes foremost for the brand globally, in terms of percentage sales of male grooming products. In the services category, L’Occitane has tied up with the Sanghvi Group for growing the spa business in India. Globally they supply to day and resort spas, and have ‘cabines’ for experientials within retail outlets. The brand also has a worldwide tie-up for room amenities with the Four Seasons, Shangrila and Sofitel Hotels.