Woodland set to open 60 new stores this year

Expanding market in the country’s tier-2 and 3 cities is now resulting in apparel, footwear and accessories brand Woodland opening more stores in an year than it was doing a couple of years ago.

Woodland managing director Harkirat Singh said the company was eyeing an opening of 60 stores in 2012-13 compared to 50 stores opened in the current financial year.

Till a few years ago, the company was opening on an average around 20 stores in the entire year. Now, the expansion pace has more than doubled.

A few years ago, Woodland was “adventurous enough” to venture in some of the smaller towns and cities, Singh said. It was now realising that with more and more brands coming to the smaller cities, it is having an overall complementary effect for the brands expansion. Also, with apparel industry in India steadily growing, addition of new markets seems a healthy sign for apparel retailers.

 

Woodland is eyeing a 25 per cent increase in business this year compared to Rs 750 crore turnover the company aims to clock in by this end-March.

Singh maintains addition of new stories and 12-15% growth observed in existing stores is the main reason why company anticipates 25% growth in FY12-13.

Woodland, on Monday launched its Spring Summer Collection 2012. The functional product-line including Sun-protection, Moisture Wicking and Quick Drying Gear for outdoor & adventure enthusiasts. Singh said the Spring Summer 2012 Collection comprises of sturdy wear made with eco friendly components & processes according to the Woodland’s Proplanet initiative. The colour combination(s) in the collection as well as the summer campaign is inspired by nature and are perfect for every active day out. The entire collection is designed for outdoor lifestyle with products delivering comfortable performance.