Benetton seems to have grasped the sprouting fashion consciousness as also the bulging pockets of Chandigarhians, as the brand opened what is being claimed to be India’s largest single brand store in the city.
Spread across 12,500 square feet in sector-17 Plaza, the store stocks the entire Benetton collection and, like other Benetton stores, has seprate sections for men, women and kids.
“We chose Chandigarh for opening our largest outlet because it will allow us to capture Punjab and other neighbouring markets,” said Alessandro Benetton, Benetton group executive deputy chairman.
The company has also decided to open 30 outlets in the country this year to strengthen its retail network.
“We are expecting a turnover of $US 55 million from our garment business in India, against $US 30 million achieved last year. The company will also increase the strength of its outlets, taking the total to 170 from 140 in 53 cities at present. New outlets will be opened in metros and tier II cities,” Benetton said, adding that 30 per cent of these outlets would be company-owned.
Benetton group is present in over 120 countries and produces 130 million garments every year. It has a retail network of 5,000 stores around the world and a total turnover of over 1.9 billion euro.
