Hidesign to open standalone shoe stores

Leather bags and accessories brand, Hidesign has plans to open standalone stores for its shoes vertical by 2016. Hidesign is operational since 1978 and started franchising in 2002. The company, which is entering into the footwear category with limited products in February 2015, will initially sell in 30 select existing stores in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.

Currently, the brand has 76 Hidesign stores in the country and is planning to open another 12-14 stores next year. The brand may consider franchising as an option to expand by next year. The brand also sells its products through e-commerce channels including Amazon and Jabong. Hidesign’s turnover was approximately Rs.150 crore in the last fiscal.

Hidesign always looks to expand into newer markets. The kind of franchisee that Hidesign would consider to invest in would have to hold similar brand values and an understanding of the product and the consumer. Franchisees provide them with an in depth understanding of their geography and expertise of customer handling that is appropriate to the market.