Lifestyle major sets up flagship store in Chennai

Guess? Asia Ltd MD Landers Isasi, who takes care of Middle East, SouthEast Asia and India, said this first directly-operated store in Chennai indicates the confidence it has for its customers. The store, spread on 2,500 sq ft in the mall, showcases a range of products for men and women, including apparel, accessories and footwear.

Talking about the brand persona and the strategy to penetrate markets, Isasi said there were plans to open about 20 stores within three years. These will be in places such as Delhi, Mumbai and tier I and tier II cities. Incidentally, this store is a relaunch of the brand, which is upbeat about its growth.

In May this year, Guess established a new subsidiary in India keeping in line with its strategy of maintaining strong direct control over brand development in the country. Apart from retail expansion, the Indian entity would also build the wholesale channel through its e-commerce platform.

Guess? Inc CEO Victor Herrer had termed India to be country of strategic importance to the brand and the latest decision was taken based on the recent relaxation of FDI norms. Isasi, who said the company would think of localisation at a later stage. For now, the priority was to make the brand visible and available to customers. It is also mulling to enter kids segment but only after the existing ranges of the brand stabilises.