Worlds Largest Eyewear Retail Chain Sunglass Hut Plans 30 Outlets In 3 Yrs

Sunglass Hut plans India expansion in three years

NEW DELHI: World’s largest eyewear retail chain Sunglass Hut on Wednesday said that it plans to have a total of 30 outlets across the country in the next three years, spreading pan-India to tap into the growing demand for fashion accessories in the market .

“Sunglass Hut has got a great response in India during the last year-and-a-half of our presence here. In the next three years, we plan to create a chain of 30 outlets across key markets, including metros, mini-metros and major Tier II cities,” Sunglass Hut brand manager Mr Pradeep Bhanot said.

It currently has five exclusive outlets in India, spread across Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai. “Just early this week, we ventured into Mumbai, the fashion capital of India, with the first store coming up in the city. Fashion eyewear is a growing concept in the country, and we want to capitalise on it,” Mr Bhanot said.

Sunglass Hut is focusing on cities such as Kolkata, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Bangalore and Chennai for future growth, he added.

Sunglass Hut, owned by Italian firm Luxottica, is present in India under a franchise agreement with DLF Brands, realty major DLF’s retail management arm.

The chain offers over two dozen premium international brands, including Versace, Bulgari, Burberry, Prada, Tiffany, Persol, Revo and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Mr Bhanot said that Sunglass Hut launched a few other international brands, including Paul Smith and Oliver, this week, and plans to further strengthen its portfolio in the months to come.

Sunglass Hut has over 2,000 outlets across various markets, including the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Middle- East and South Africa.

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Source:- PTI, Hindu Business Line, May 12, 2010.