Koutons eyes overseas market; to open 22 outlets in W Asia by FY09

New Delhi, Sept 10 (UNI) After consolidating its position in India, Apparel maker Koutons Retail India Ltd is now planning to strengthen its presence in the international market with the roll-out of 22 outlets in the West Asia, including Dubai, by March 2009.

''We are planning to open 22 stores in the West Asia, including Dubai, through authorised distributors,'' company's top official told UNI.

He, however, refused to divulge the investment details.

The company recently opened its second outlet through distributionship in Nepal with a wide collection of linen trousers, shirts, T-shirts, suites and blazers.

Koutons, over Rs 400 crore company, is in the business of designing, manufacturing and retailing apparel under the 'Kouton' and 'Charlie Outlaw' brands through a network of 999 exclusive brand outlets, 566 Koutons and 433 Charlie Outlaw, across the country.

Koutons offers shirts, trousers, denims, t-shirts, sweaters, jackets, suits and accessories.

The company outsources fabrics from Italy, Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong. Except knits and woollens, the entire range is manufactured in its 18 in-house manufacturing-finishing units and 14 warehouses spread in Gurgaon and Haryana.

Koutons augmented its manufacturing capacity from 30,00,000 and 6,00,000 pieces of apparel to 22,920,000 and 12,360,000 pieces of apparel.

UNI