Tata's retail arm Trent, after signing the franchise agreement with Britain's Arcadia Group, plans to open around 15 stores of Topshop and Topman brands in India within 3 years. Both the groups are waiting for the approval from the Government and meanwhile, they are in a full sway for taking the preparation to open the stores. The first phase of expansion is on the threshold to open in Mumbai and northern India by the completion of the present fiscal year and the investment of Rs. 1 crore has been specified for each store. However, presently the company spokesperson is reluctant to talk to the media persons. Trent has already started looking for the properties to launch Topshop stores and if it gets space lesser than 5,000 sq. ft., it will set up Topman stores. A Tata's executive, who did not wish to be identified, said, “We will open more stores based on the progress of expansion. We do not want to open stores and then close down, which has been common to the retailers. We will selectively do it.” Arcadia, which is owned by British billionaire Sir Philip Green, represents Topshop and Topman, the women and menswear brands. This franchise tie-up will give a national footprint for Arcadia in India and, on the other hand, this will surely widen Tata`s portfolio in the international market. Very recently, Trent has inked a JV with a Spain`s Inditex to set up Zara stores in India.
