By Craig Heatly
Indian multi-brand watch retailer Helios is aiming to expand over the course of the year by opening an additional 38 stores, add to the current 27 it has across India.
The retailer has said it is seeking franshisees as many of its new outlets will be based on a franchise model. It is also due to pay particular attention to the watch market and hopes to expand the number of watch brands it works with.
The store, which offers a range of brands including TAG Heuer, Emporio Armani and Titan, is hoping to capitalize on the continued growth of the Indian economy and the continued growth in the watch market.
At the moment the Helios has nine franchised stores and is looking to build upon this with the new openings.
Arun Narayan, head of business at Helios, said: “Most of our franchisees run other successful retail businesses but we also welcome fresh entrepreneurs with enthusiasm, drive, and willingness to learn.
“People who give primary importance to driving excellence in store operations and run the extra mile for customers work well with us, whilst we keep away from mere investors. Going forward we expect many of our stores to be franchise managed.”
At present Helios works with about 50 brands including Fossil, Diesel and Guess and premium watch brands such as Gc, Hugo Boss and Versace. It operates stores in several locations including Chandigarh, Guwahati, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore.
