Citizen plans to step up its presence in India

Kochi, May 31: The wellknown Japanese watch manufacturer Citizen plans to step up its presence in India with 120 exclusive 'First Citizen' showrooms to be opened all over the country by next year.

Addressing a press conference here last night, on the eve of Citizen opening its largest showroom in Asia here today, Manager (Sales) Sebastian Lukose said that the company was targeting to double its last year's turnover of Rs 60 crore this year.

To make its presence felt in a bigger way in the Indian market, Citizen had roped in Team India captain Rahul Dravid as its new brand ambassador this month in addition to film star Kareena Kapoor.

''We are very bullish about the Indian market. We are planning to open our exclusive 'First Citizen' showrooms, which will display the entire range and collection of Citizen watches in an international ambience, in all towns having a one million plus population,'' Mr Sebastian said.

He said the showroom being opened in Kochi today was the company's 30th exclusive showroom in India and the second in Kochi.

Asked why the company had chosen Kochi to open its biggest Asian showroom, spread over 2400 sq. ft., Mr Sebastian said the Kerala market had responded very well to the company's products, including high-end watches.

The company had tripled its sales in Kerala in five years and was selling nearly 1,250 units every month at an average sales price of Rs 5,000.

UNI