Fastrack to Cross 50 Exclusive Stores by April 2010

Fastrack, a fashion accessories brand from Titan Industries Ltd, is mulling to take the number of its exclusive stores to 50 across the country by April 2010, majority of them through franchise model.

According to Fastrack vice president and head Ronnie Talati, most of the outlets would be operated on franchise model with an investment of Rs 40-50 lakh, and a floor space of 400-500 sq ft.

“Since the launch of our first exclusive Fastrack store in Pune, the brand has received tremendous response in Vizag, Chennai, Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Thane and Nashik with Fastrack stores. With the launch of new stores at Begumpet and Himayatnagar in Hyderabad, we now have 13 Fastrack exclusive stores and seven kiosks,” Talati added.

The perspective plan envisages setting up of 50 stores in the country by April 2010 and then expands this further to a chain of over 100 outlets by next year. “We have set up a few of these stores as demonstration points and receive enquires for new stores. In fact, several of the dealers of Titan stores are keen to set up Fastrack stores,” Talati told reporters on the launch of two new stores in Hyderabad.

“Finding a right place to set up a store is a key challenge for us. Once we do so, we are able to roll it out soon. The choice of location of a store is also dependent on how fast we can secure a property. With the slowdown in the real estate market, we see opportunities. However, finding a store of 400 to 600 ft in larger malls takes time,” said Talati.

The brand, whose mainstay is watches and sunglasses, forayed into accessories like belts, hats and bags this year and expects to reach a sales figure of Rs 360 crore with a growth rate of 25 per cent over last year.

“With the expansion of products in the Fastrack stores, covering accessories, most stores are breaking even within the very first year of operation as against our initial estimates of two years. The sales revenues from accessories would contribute 15-20 per cent to our revenues over the next five years," said Talati.

The brand would roll out more designs and models of various accessories like bags, belts, and leatherettes every month, Talati said, adding that they have no intention of bringing foreign brands to India.