Pantaloons-Madura to enter new segments, cities

Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail, the amalgamated company of Pantaloon Fashion Retail and Madura Garment, an arm of Aditya Birla Nuvo, is now planning to foray into women’s footwear and handbag categories and to enter new cities to expand its reach.

It will also remain focused on its core competence, women’ s wear —both western and ethnic —while capitalising on its existing presence in the kids’ wear segment as well. Madura Garment, which previously used to be a wholesale entity, has transformed itself into a retail-focused company with retail contribution moving up from 14-45% following its merger with the Aditya Birla group. “The company has successfully moved from being a ‘discount store’ brand in the late 90s to ‘affordable branded fashion’ now,” the company said at an investors’ presentation.

Growth in the apparel market will be primarily driven by growth in modern retail. Estimated at 25 per cent of the total apparel market in FY16, the modern apparel retail market is poised to grow sharply over the next five years to contribute a share of 38 per cent, the company said.

With 1,850+ exclusive brand outlets and 48,00,000 sq ft of retail space under its possession, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail owns the largest retail network in India, operating over 185 cities and towns. The company has launched 25 new stores, moving from a run rate of a new store every two months prior to the acquisition to a new store every two weeks in FY15. It has also launched six new brands, completing key niches and gaps in its brand portfolio.