Arvind Retail to open 20 EBO stores in Guj by Mar '12

Arvind Retail, a branded garment retailing arm of Ahmedabad-based textile major Arvind Limited is looking to increase presence in Gujarat through its exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) from the current 9 stores to about 20 by March 2012.

The company aims to generate business worth Rs 200 crore from EBO segment by opening about 240 stores across country by 2014.

Recently, the company opened its ninth EBO store in the state and 28th in India at Anand. Company sells US Polo, Flying Machine and Arrow garment brands under the EBO concept, while it also sells high-end brand, Izod at some large EBO outlets.

"We aim to deliver customisation of products to tier-3 and tier-4 towns in the state. These stores come with convenience to customers to get their garments tailor stitched with Arvind cut and style. We will have 20 EBOs in Gujarat, while nationally we aim to have 60 stores by the end of current fiscal," said P S Rajiv, head-retail (EBOs), Arvind Ltd.

After Anand, Arvind Retail will open EBO stores in smaller towns including Nadiad and Porbandar. The company expects EBO stores to grow at about 15 per cent with Gujarat contributing about 30 per cent to the company's total EBO portfolio.

The company's EBO concept is currently operational at six states, while it will soon open stores in Rajasthan and Kerala, he added.

The EBOs are rolled out in three formats, of which flagship stores have 2,500 sq feet area, the experience stores are less than 2,500 sq feet area and exclusive stores have less than 900 sq feet area.