Planet Fashion on an expansion spree

Planet Fashion is a multi-brand apparel retail chain of Madura Fashion & Lifestyle, (a part of Aditya Birla Group) that offers leading brands under one roof, launched its third multi-brand store Planet Fashion Grande in Bangalore. Now, the brand is planning to open 50 more stores over the next three years in tier II and III towns.

The Grande claims to focus mainly on marriage apparels, among others, in the tier II and III towns. G S Rajesh, Brand Head, Planet Fashion, said: “Nobody has understood the potential available in smaller towns and everybody has ignored it. With the advent of TV in smaller towns, people are getting to know what the latest trends in fashion are and they want to spend money.”

The investment required for opening a Planet Fashion is approx Rs 60 – 95 lakh with an area of 2,500 – 6,000 sq.ft, with good frontage at prime locations. Planet Fashion currently operates 170 stores of which 80 have franchisees involved. By this year end, Planet Fashion plans to add over 30 stores, focusing primarily on smaller towns, which would be opened via franchise route.

Planet Fashion claims its USP to be the aspect of a ‘one-stop-shop’, its personalized client servicing and all the leading brands available under one roof. Rajesh explains further that most of the departmental and multi-brand outlets arrange the apparels randomly, while Planet Fashion Grande selects the best designs and quality to showcase. Hence, the store becomes a marketing tool in itself. Manavar Sherwani and ethnic wear, tailored fabric from Raymond and imported fabric are some of the offerings in the store’s portfolio.