Lilliput to add 100 more stores in next one year

Kamal Gupta, VP-Retail of Lilliput, a well-known brand in kidswear segment, divulges on the company`s expansion plan. At present the company has 150 stores in the country and they plan to open 100 more in next one year. Out of these 70% would be company-owned. Explaining the company`s franchise criterion he tells that Lillyput goes for a franchise deal when the potential franchisee has a very hot location or capacity to invest in such a prestigious brand. The store is managed by the company-appointed store manager; in return the company utilizes the franchisee`s property and investment capacity to set up the store. The company is set up in 75 cities and mainly targeting tier II and tier III cities with a preferred location in malls and high street. The company has broadened its business operation overseas too. It has 6 stores in Egypt, 2 stores in Bahrain and 1 store in Nepal. Lilliput plans to open 15 stores in Gulf region by 2009 and 100 stores in China. All the stores in the above-mentioned countries are run through a partnership agreement where the company owns 60% stake while the international partners own 40% holdings. Highlighting the potential of the sector Gupta informs, "According to KSA Technopak reports, currently, kidswear is Rs.14,000 crore markets with the organized sector being only Rs.3,000 crore. Hence, there is an immense scope for growth in this sector" Lately, Lilliput has deployed a system integration application LS Retail to streamline its ever-increasing business operation. This mammoth task has been done jointly by DVS and Tectura. Sanjeev Narula, Managing Director, Lilliput Kidswear Ltd., has expressed his satisfaction with this system upgradation – “We are delighted that the implementation of LS Retail NAV at Lilliput has been a resonant success. This is a prime example of excellent service provided by DVS and Tectura team, together with a world class solution. We look forward to continuing this very successful partnership.” Franchise Facts Area required: 800 sq. ft. to 2500 sq. ft. Investment: Minimum Rs.1 crore Location Preferred: High streets and malls