Debenhams, Planet Retail ink franchise deal

UK headquartered retailer Debenhams has inked a master franchise deal in India. The company has entered into a 10-year franchise agreement with its existing partner Planet Retail that has also introduced other international fashion brands Accessorize, Nautica, Next, Lavie in the Indian market. As a Master Franchise partner, Planet Retail imports, markets and operates Debenhams stores for the brand in the country. Debenhams has been already established as a woman-centric premium brand catering to women in age group of 35 and 45. Debenhams presently has three stores, one each in Gurgaon, Mumbai and Bangalore.

In view of new development, Planet Retail would like to open three to four smaller Debenhams stores at 30,000 sq. ft every year which by now had a larger store format. It has also changed its product mix being offered at the stores. Its new product mix will comprise nearly 50 per cent of garments from Debenham’s private labels such as Betty Jackson and Julien Mc Donald. Rest of the products will include clothing brands and designer labels from India and international cosmetic brands.