CARBON, the fashion jewellery and lifestyle accessories brand, is gearing up to make waves in the Indian fashion accessories market. Having introduced the concept of branded jewellery in India a decade ago, Carbon is all set to expand nationwide through a network of 40 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) by the end of 2008.
The Bangalore-based company, whose products cater predominantly to the women’s fashion accessories segment, is also looking to tap the men’s accessories segment in a big way. “The firm plans to expand its retail presence with exclusive stores across the country. The brand has to develop this channel of distribution because it is in exclusive boutiques that the brand is seen in its true glory, where brand identity and imagery can be conveyed a lot better to customers,” said Mr Mahesh S Rao, managing director, Carbon Accessories.
The company is also eyeing the franchisee route to expand. With the Indian retail scene undergoing a rapid transformation, designers the world over are betting big on Indian branded jewellery, which has the potential to rake in big money. Carbon Accessories recently roped in fashion designer Sanchita Ajjampur, who’s label Sanchita for Carbon (an exclusive signature range), according to Mr Rao, would give the company the necessary thrust to take the brand global. “The strategy is to build a brand of international repute, while still on Indian shores, before we target exports. A fashion brand needs to innovate constantly. Having outsourced the manufacturing of our products, we can now focus our energies on designing products,” he said.
The brand which started off with limited distribution and retail through shop-in-shop outlets in large format stores, is present in eight exclusive boutiques today. Carbon, available in 12 exclusive collections, sells over 20,000 accessories annually.
No comments:
Post a Comment