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Footwear Major Woodland to franchise internationally

Written by: Dhawal Shah

Article Overview: Feb 16, 2010: Footwear and apparel player Woodland will open exclusive stores in select foreign markets later this year, marking its foray into single-brand retailing overseas. The company, according to its top official, would be using the franchise route for its international expansion. The home-grown brand is in advanced stages of negotiations in some markets like the Middle East, South-East Asia and Sri Lanka for selecting local franchise partners and said it will have three to four exclusive outlets abroad by the year-end. At present, Woodland is present in over 600 multibranded outlets in the Middle East, Singapore and Thailand.

Footwear Major Woodland to franchise internationally

"We are on the verge of concluding negotiations and opening our first exclusive outlets in overseas markets. By end of 2010, we will have at least a total of 3-4 outlets overseas," said Harkirat Singh, MD, Woodland. "Different countries follow different rules for investments in retail business. In such a situation, franchise partnership is a good option. Besides, that way the local partner makes the investment," Singh added.

Asked about the company's long-term plans, Singh said, "We will go ahead slowly taking one step at a time to expand our exclusive retail presence, while continuing to grow in multi- branded stores." Woodland has 350 exclusive stores across India, besides presence in over 3,000 multi-branded outlets.

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Article Tags: franchise, india, investments, negotiations, overseas markets, partnership, retail business, retail presence, step at a time, verge



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