Nitco plans to have 250 'Le Studio' showrooms by '15

With a view to tap opportunities provided by the increasing construction activities in the Tier II and III cities, flooring and interior solutions provider Nitco plans to have 250 exclusive stores 'Le Studio' in the next three years, a senior company official has said.

"Over the past few years, there has been a considerable growth in the overall construction activity not only in the metros, but also in the Tier II and III cities. To tap these markets, we want to increase the number of our exclusive stores to 250 in the next three years," a company official, who did not wished to be named, said.

The company, which operates in four business segments including vetrified tiles, ceramic tiles and gres porcelain tiles, marbles and real estate, currently owns 14 exclusive showrooms at Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Ahmedabad, Indore, Kolkata, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi and Hyderabad.

"We are traditionally present in major metros. But we have seen a shift in the construction activities in the B and C towns. We will expand our presence in these areas by opening new showrooms," he said.

These showrooms are managed through franchise operations.

When asked whether the company has planned investments for its expansion, the official said, "since these stores will be operated through franchisee model, we will not have to make any significant investment."

Le Studio provides a one-stop display of Nitco offerings such as ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles, cement- terrazzo tiles, pavers, designer and chequered tiles and imported marbles.

Besides, the company also has a widespread network of 30 depots and 1,400 direct dealers for its products.