?Hidesign seeks expansion in the US

The brand is bullish on growing its presence in the US market and looking forward to capturing the niche segment with its range of bags for men and women, reported PTI.

Founded over 35 years ago, Hidesign has 80 exclusive branded stores and sells in hundreds of independent stores and major department stores in international markets.

Pondicherry-based Hidesign launched its US operations in December 2014, making an initial investment of between a quarter and half million dollars. The company plans to make more investments as it undertakes expansion of the brand in the US market.

"The US market is gigantic and we are looking for a niche representation in this market, that itself will be very significant in terms of numbers and value. It is a good opportunity to diversify and build the brand outside India," Vikas Kapur, CEO, Hidesign-America told PTI.

The company markets and distributes competitively priced bags and small leather goods in the US and sells online as well as through high-end independent retailers. The brand has also participated in major trade shows in the US to showcase its products and expand its market base.

Kapur further informed PTI that the company had entered the US market with the mens range and is now in the process of expanding their womens range. Sales and revenue for all Hidesign branded products in the US is currently in the USD 1-5 million range. While the mens category is its strong point in the US, going forward, the company expects that the womens range will contribute more to the sales.

The company is open to partnerships and in future is looking at selling directly in the US instead of going through distributors. Kapur said that Hidesign is also targeting the Indian-American community, since they are more aware of the brand, having seen and heard about it in India.