Entering into India in 2005, the German footwear brand Vi-Ga is set for its pan India expansion in a big way. At present, Vi=Ga has 15 outlets in northern Indian states and has planned to open 50 more by 2009. Mr Vinayak Mahtani, COO of 20-crore Mahtani Fashion Pvt Ltd informed Retailer that “We are looking franchisees for our Vi-Ga footwear as in the present retail scenario franchise is the best solution for any brand expansion. We incorporate the best management practices of transparency, integrity and systematically professional methods of operation. In fact, we imbibe the best of the West and infuse it with our own great Indian traditions.” Vi-Ga as a brand is a sole license holder of sub-brands: Maharani, Page 3, Easy Step, Fifth Avenue, Victory for Ladies, Logo, Wall Street and many more. All the products would be available between Rs 299 and Rs 3299 to the consumers. The company will charge Rs two lakh as franchise fee and a certain amount as security depending on city and location. For our expansion, we have planned two types of franchising, total franchising, where the investment will be made by the parties concerned while second type is management franchising where the investment would be shared between company and the franchisee. The brand, which has started its expansion in North India at present, has planned its pan-India expansion from next year.
