Koutons in expansion mode; to upgrade 100 stores

Retail apparel chain Koutons India today said it is planning to consolidate its businesses by amalgamating various chains under the format 'Koutons Family Stores'. It plans to upgrade 100 exclusive mens' stores to family stores.

"We are planning to open at least 100 more stores, taking our retail chain's strength to 1,500 stores," Koutons Retail president Balvinder Singh Ahluwalia said on the sidelines of the Franchise India Summit in New Delhi.

"We are on an expansion mode, and our franchise business model is doing well specially in tier II cities. This year even amid slowdown, we are expecting a growth of 30-35 per cent," he added.

In 2008-09, the company had posted a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore.

Koutons established its operations in garment manufacturing and exports in early 1991, moving up the value chain from a garment manufacturer to a retailer by opening up its own stores in 2002. The company sells its garments through a chain of Exclusive Brand Outlets called ''Koutons'' one of the largest integrated men's apparel retail chains in India.