Crocs to open 60 stores by 2018

US shoemaker  Crocs, a footwear brand mostly known for colourful rubbery clogs with holes, entered the country in 2007 through a joint venture with Chogori Retail which was later changed into franchise operation.

Crocs has terminated  its exclusive franchising agreement for India with Chogori Retail and will now partner several companies, instead, to open retail stores in India. "We have planned out a strategy of having few but strong franchise and shedding some of the partners that don't, can't or won't want to grow with us whatever the reason might be," said Nissan Joseph, general manager of Crocs India.

Crocs, plans to open around 60 stores in the next three years apart from pushing its online initiative that already accounts for over 10% of sales in less than a year of its ecommerce entry.

Joseph said the last of the Chogori stores could go on till June. "Some will close and reopen, some will reopen in different locations inside the mall and some will reopen through new franchise partners," he said. Made with lightweight anti-microbial foam called Croslite, Crocs first hit stores in 2004 as a beach shoe and became an instant hit, thanks to its radical colourful design and lightweight, comfortable and odour-resistant qualities. 

Mahindra First Choice to open 500 outlets by 2015

Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd. (MFCWL), a multi-brand certified used car company, is eyeing to expand its reach aggressively by opening around 500 outlets by 2015 along with introducing seven new platforms, which consist of both e-commerce as well as m-commerce options of reaching out to its consumers.

Also, the brand reached a new milestone with the inauguration of its 400th outlet in Dwarka in Delhi NCR. This is the company's 34th dealership in Delhi NCR and the 137th in North India.

Expressing views on the new outlet, Rajeev Dubey, President (Group HR, Corporate Services & After-Market) & Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said: "Today is a very significant day for the entire MFCWL family as we achieve yet another milestone in our journey. Over the past seven years we have not only emerged as India's leading used car company but have also contributed to the creation of a used car ecosystem by bridging wholesale and retail channels while leveraging physical and online infrastructure. But perhaps our greatest achievement has been the credibility that we have brought to an industry that was largely unorganised."

"Rising consumer confidence is driving demand for used cars in the country. This state-of-the-art dealership at NCR will help us tap into this growth trend. NCR is the biggest market and a strategically important one for the company. Aside from the metros, we have also been getting an excellent response from B and C category towns which is enabling us to expand faster. We are planning to close the year with 500 outlets and 1.5 lakh vehicle sales, both online and offline," said Dr Nagendra Palle, CEO, Mahindra First Choice Wheels.

Besides, the company aims to move through all possible channels of reaching out its consumers , as the brand follows the concept of ‘ Brick & Click.’

At Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited, we are witnessing a transformational change in the way we operate, use of technology is bringing transparency and speed to the transactions. With a vision to create a used car ecosystem, we are enhancing and leveraging our physical and online presence.

"A strong retail franchise network of 400 plus outlets across 225 cities, forms the backbone of our operations and we are best positioned to deliver a Brick and Click experience to customers. We are creating value for all our stakeholders across the value chain through innovative and industry-first products for all our customers. Our strong franchisee network will play critical role in delivering products to the customers," said Yatin Chadha, Senior Vice President, Mahindra First choice wheels.

From its humble beginnings in 2007, when its first franchisee outlet was established, MFCWL has achieved a dominant status in retailing of multi-brand used cars in the country. The company is driven by its mission to transform the way used cars are retailed and has made several innovations along the way.

The list of innovations include developing a unique franchisee based business model, selling certified multi-brand used cars under warranty and offering the most comprehensive warranty product available on used cars in the country, in addition to a differentiated consumer experience through launch of its 'Highline' stores for selling high-end multi-brand used cars.

Reebok India to open 100 fit-hub stores by early 2014

Putting behind the 211 million euro hit due to alleged fraud at its arm Reebok India, Adidas group is now focusing on growing the brand with plans to open 100 'fit-hub' stores by early 2014 that will account for a major portion of Reebok's such new concept outlets worldwide.

This year alone, Reebok India will open 50 'fit-hub' stores in India which will be more than half of the 80 such outlets that the sportswear brand has at present globally, mostly in US, Australia, Korea and Russia.

"What happened in the past is behind us. We are now growth-focused and we will start with our new retail format of 'fit hub' stores in India," Adidas Group India Managing Director Eric Haskell told PTI.

The Reebok fit-hub stores offer fitness and training products besides advice, guidance and information on community based fitness events.

"This year 50 fit hub stores will be opened. The plan is to open 100 such stores by first quarter of 2014," Haskell said, adding out of the 100 stores, 50 will be new and the remaining half will be renovated ones.

Most of the fit-hub stores would come up in metro cities but few new stores would also be located in tier-II cities, he added.

The company plans to convert all the existing 490 Reebok stores in India to fit-hub stores in next couple of years. "It should not take longer than two to three years," Haskell said.

Stressing on the significance of the Indian market, he said: "By opening 100 fit hub stores in India, we are making pretty substantial statement and it also shows about our commitment to the market here. Our focus is now on business. We remain committed about Reebok brand in India."

When asked if the government's FDI policy in retail would encourage the company to go on its own in India, Haskell said Reebok India will continue with franchisee model in the near future.

"It is something we would consider..We would look at doing own retail (setting own stores) but it is not my priority. Right now we are very happy with the franchisee business," Haskell added.