IndiaRetailBiz

Raymond, the contry’s leading textile fabrics and apparel brand, has decided to continue with its aggressive expansionstrategy. Raymond is looking at adding 50 new stores during the current financial year ending 31st March, 2008.

Singhanias-led Raymond is already operating 390 stores across the country. While, majority of these stores (330) are owned and operated by franchisee, balance 60 are owned and operated by the company.

The new stores, according to a BS report, will be set up in small towns and cities and most of which will be operated by franchisees.

“We see good business opportunity in smaller cities. We have large assortment of products such as fabrics, readymade garments to cater to the demand of the population there,” said Aniruddha Deshmukh, President, Retail and FMCG, Raymond.

Raymond is also operating shops under the brand name of ‘The Raymond Shop.’ These are exclusive shops for Raymond’s brands like Park Avenue, and Colour Plus, among others.

Current global economic turmoil has not adversely impacted Raymond. According to Deshmukh, the retail stores have registered the same growth of 12 per cent in the recent months. “We are also seeing robust sales from the ongoing marriage season,” added Deshmukh.