CEOs of at least a dozen French were in New Delhi last week to understand the retail policy fine print about opening shops in India''s upscale fashion and lifestyle hubs. The government allows 51 per cent foreign direct investment in the single brand retail.

High-end Louis Vuitton, which has its stores in the aisles of five-star hotels in Delhi and Mumbai, hopes to scale up its presence in the national capital.

Damien Vernet, general manager, (Middle East and India), Louis Vuitton, said there was potential for opening a few more stores in view of the opportunities that India offered. He also said a new Louis Vuitton store in Delhi would open in January 2008.

Besides Delhi and Mumbai, Louis Vuitton outlets may also come up in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata, he said.

Fragrances, apparels and accessories maker, Chanel, wants to expand its business by opening more points of sales, particularly in Mumbai.

Xavier Bertrand, managing director, Chanel India said that his brand stores would be expanded selectively since "we need to find appropriate retail environment for our range."

CEOs of at least a dozen French were in New Delhi last week to understand the retail policy fine print about opening shops in India''s upscale fashion and lifestyle hubs. The government allows 51 per cent foreign direct investment in the single brand retail.

High-end Louis Vuitton, which has its stores in the aisles of five-star hotels in Delhi and Mumbai, hopes to scale up its presence in the national capital.

Damien Vernet, general manager, (Middle East and India), Louis Vuitton, said there was potential for opening a few more stores in view of the opportunities that India offered. He also said a new Louis Vuitton store in Delhi would open in January 2008.

Besides Delhi and Mumbai, Louis Vuitton outlets may also come up in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata, he said.

Fragrances, apparels and accessories maker, Chanel, wants to expand its business by opening more points of sales, particularly in Mumbai.

Xavier Bertrand, managing director, Chanel India said that his brand stores would be expanded selectively since "we need to find appropriate retail environment for our range."