Arvind to bring Hartmarx brands to India

Indiantelevision.com Team

(7 May 2008 6:30 pm)

MUMBAI: Arvind Brands, division of Arvind Mills Ltd, has signed an exclusive license agreement with the Chicago-based Hartmarx Corporation to distribute and retail their brands in India.

Arvind will, thus, have access to Hartmarx Corporation owned Hart Schaffner Marx and Sansabelt brands.

Arvind will also retail and market, in cooperation with S.A.R.L. de Gestion Pierre Cardin, the licensed Pierre Cardin brand.

Hartmarx chairman and CEO Homi Patel stated, "We are extremely excited to be working with the group at Arvind Mills on the introduction of the Hart Schaffner Marx, Sansabelt and Pierre Cardin brands in India and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship for both companies."

Also Arvind Brands will have exclusive rights to design, distribute India, Hart Schaffner Marx, Pierre Cardin and Sansabelt - global brands reputed in the men's apparel segment.

Both the parties plan to open 135 Hart Schaffner Marx, 400 Sansabelt and 260 Pierre Cardin points of sale in India.

"We will be setting up 10 to 15 exclusive outlets for the three brands by 2009. Also, the first store will be up by November-December this year and initially we will be focusing on the Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore region," said Arvind Mills CEO brands and retail J Suresh.

Adding further Arvind Mills chairman and MD Sanjay Lalbhai stated, "Our association with Hartmarx will not only add strength to our portfolio but will also help us secure a dominant position in the tailored clothing market. We are excited at the opportunity to embark on this association and to grow the business relationship with additional Hartmarx brands in the future. Our decision to partner with Hartmarx in India reinforces our commitment to connect with internationally recognized labels that hold a unique place in fashion history."

Arvind markets several international brands and has a multiple pricing strategy.