Archies targets 40 more franchisees by 2014 end

Pioneer in gifting, Archies Ltd plans to aim at 40 more franchisees by end of this year. Archies currently has presence in 120 cities with 240+ franchise and 240+ company owned units across India. 

Sanjeev Arora, AGM- Franchise, Archies Ltd says: “We wish to grow at a faster rate with 40 more franchisees by Dec 2014. We prefer opening our stores at prime shopping locations.”

Archies started franchising in 1989. During initial years, franchising was the only route available to popularise the concept of greeting and gifting stores and the brand name. So, Archies took a prompt decision to start franchising the concept of gifting.

Arora further adds: “Archies has achieved a remarkable feat of having maintained market leadership from past years.  It has now grown from a cards-only company to a complete social expressions company.  Archies has an enormous range which has established exemplary mastery over its large network of distributors, retailers and franchisees. Archies has an integrated manufacturing cum warehouse located on a 3.5 acre campus in Manesar.”

In 1984, Archies acquired its first foreign license from Walt Disney. Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck and began appearing on Indian greeting cards. The products soon attained international luster and appeal. Tie-ups with global players enabled Archies to present a range of special-occasion cards. The Archies Gallery chain came next. This first-of-its kind concept-store opened in Kamla Nagar, Delhi, in 1987 and was an instant success. The year 1993 marked the opening of the 100th Archies Gallery and the license tie up with American greetings. Currently, Archies also has its international presence in 21+ locations and its target market for international expansion is Africa and Middle East.