The big brand theory

In keeping with the monsoons, it���s raining brands in Pune!
Come October, and some big names in the world of apparel that were earlier sold through multi-brand outlets will be added to the city���s already growing list of brands. Brands like Mango, World Disney, FCUK, And, Tommy Hilfiger, Playlife, Hide Design and footwear brands like Aldo will open their stand-alone stores in the city.Before Diwali we will also notice some of the pr��t labels making their presence felt here.
The rising sales figures, unaffected by brand competition, have encouraged brands to come up with stand-alone stores. Neeraj Gautam, a brand manager of an international line of clothing, says, ���When it comes to fashion, Pune rubs shoulders with metros like Mumbai and Delhi. The sales volumes are proportionally near equal to the big cities. People in Pune don���t hesitate to pick up things they like. Moreover, the influx of these brands will give a new look to the city population that has grown dissatisfied with the regular stuff available in the stores.���
The city sure knows fashion and displays a refined taste in clothing, a fact substantiated by many pr��t labels that are opening their stores here. Nitin Bamboli, a store manager of an international line of clothing, says, ���That so many brands are hitting the city points to the fact that the fashion world looks at Pune as a promising market. For big brands to not have their presence in the city means losing out on patrons.��� However, Nitin is not very certain at this stage of the profit that these brands would generate in the city.
Which brings us to the big question: does it mean lower profits for the stores already in city? Sandeep Mehta, owner of a franchise, says, ���These brands that are now coming to the city are quite costly. So, I don���t think the footfall conversion will get any better. But, yes, the high-heeled will have a good variety to choose from.���
The success factor associated with launching these brands in the city, which stays abreast of the fashion trends, is well-considered. And, as always, a considerable section with high spending power, especially the youth, is expected to drive the sales. Vanita Nair, a fashion designing student, says,
���The high-heeled in Pune still consider Mumbai as a fashion leader and Pune, a distant follower. People here are looking for something new, not just in pr��t wear but also in formal and casual wear. With stand-alone stores of big brands making their presence there will be a lot of variety and colour to look forward to.���
Looks like the upcoming stores would firmly endorse Pune���s standing as a fashion conscious metro than ever before.