Date:07/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/11/07/stories/2007110752120500.htm

Back Men’s wear major Zodiac Clothing plans US foray

Sees potential in women’s western wear segment

“We would be taking the same shirts that we sell in the Indian market to the US.

Purvita Chatterjee

Mumbai, Nov. 6 Zodiac Clothing is taking its branded shirts to the US. Having tapped into markets in Western Europe and West Asia, the manufacturer and exporter of premium branded men’s wear has now set its sight on this highly competitive market.

Mr Anees Noorani, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Zodiac Clothing, told Business Line: “We are waiting for an opportunity to enter the US market. The only problem is that the brand is already registered under a woman’s footwear brand. Both clothes and shoes are clubbed under the same trademark in the US but we are hoping that this will become defunct soon.”

With intentions of selling its brand to a partner like it has done in the UK market in the past, the Rs 350-crore men’s wear major is now gearing up to enter the US market. “We would be taking the same shirts that we sell in the Indian market to the US. We do not believe in having different products for the different markets that we enter.”

Seeks new partner in UK

Currently, Zodiac is seeking a new partner in the UK to make a re-entry into the market. Having ended its partnership with the retailer Ciro Citterio, it is now scouting for another partner who has access to retail chains. “The Zodiac brand was being sold through the 150 stores owned by our partner Ciro Citterio. But now that the partnership has ended we are trying to find a new partner to whom we can sell our brand,” says Mr Noorani.

Besides, in West Asia, Zodiac is expected to open its flagship shop in Dubai at the Dubai International Finance Centre this month. In fact, the brand is already available across the West Asian markets in retail chains and multi-brand outlets. “The West Asian market is an extension of the Indian market as there is a significant Indian population in these parts,” says Mr Noorani.

Launching third brand

Meanwhile, Zodiac is getting ready to launch its third men’s wear brand (after Zodiac and Zod) in the country. Segmenting the men’s wear market further, the third brand would be targeting males in the mid-20 to 30 age group with occasion-based clothing.

Niche segment

“We have identified a niche within men’s wear and would be targeting that segment with a new brand,” says Mr Noorani. Besides, an entry into women’s western wear is also an imminent possibility. “Women’s western wear is the fastest growing segment and once it reaches a critical mass, we may consider tapping into this segment, ” adds Mr Noorani.