French luxury brand Louis Vuitton has outlined plans to expand its presence in India by opening large format stores across the country.
These store openings are part of the retailer’s strategy to expand the brand footprint globally and strengthen its retail network.
Of the proposed outlets, majority will be large format, with one store scheduled to open in a mall. In 2012, the brand opened a high-street boutique on Khader Nawaz Khan Road in Chennai.
Louis Vuitton Europe president Roberto Eggs said people in India have the knowledge of what quality stands for, but the market is still at the beginning, in terms of development.
"India does not have street retail that is ready for luxury. It will come in the future. But right now, it is concentrated in malls," Eggs added.
Louis Vuitton opened its first store in India in 2003. Presently, it has five stores, including two in Mumbai and one each in Bangalore and Chennai.
The company’s product portfolio includes hand bags, travel products, wallets and small leather goods, fashion jewelry, agendas, ready-to-wear products, books and stationery, fine jewelry and bags, belts, scarves and accessories.
It also offers sunglasses, shoes, watches, card holders, cufflinks, bill clips, umbrellas, leather bracelets and others. Louis Vuitton sells its products through its stores, and also through online catalogs. The company operates as a subsidiary of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton.
Further, Louis Vuitton is seeking to introduce the exclusive Haute Maroquinerie service in India, which allows clients to customise bags. Currently, the service is available in only 15 global stores.
