Kancheepuram and Arani silks go global

Among the array of options from textiles to home furnishings, Kancheepuram and Arani silk sarees are in demand among these customers. While the online portal was launched in 2015, Cooptex launched the international gateway as the next step to take the products global. 

The queen of silks, Kancheepuram, along with Arani silk, continue to rule the roost among the international buyers as well. Priced from Rs 5,000 upwards, the weaves bear the distinct identity of textiles from the state. While Kancheepuram silks are elaborate on designs and motifs, Arani has its own understated charm. 

“We have had the most number of buyers from Singapore, followed by Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the USA and Dubai. Silks are a popular choice, owing to the weather in places like the US. 

We have already received close to 30 orders from these places,” Cooptex managing director TN Venkatesh told DT Next. Cooptex is a popular choice, as it is cheaper even after including shipping charges when currencies like US dollar are converted into Indian rupees. 

“This is more economical for them, considering the cost for similar varieties in store abroad,” he says. The gateway was launched after several regular customers enquired about the online option. Venkatesh adds, “These are regular buyers for whom a trip to Cooptex is a part of the itinerary during the visit for Margazhi music and dance festival in November-January. Now they don’t have to wait to visit India.” 

While most of the products are for women, velcro dhotis have found takers among the men abroad, says Venkatesh. “The men who were not confident of wearing dhotis earlier are trying it out now.” Working with over 80,000 weavers in the state, Cooptex has been reviving many varieties of weaves in Tamil Nadu like the Kodalikaruppur, Koorainadu, Woraiyur cotton sarees in the last few years.